Lihong expands into additives

Guangzhou, China – Chinese polyol maker Lihong Technology Development plans to start up a new additive facility in October. The plant has 11kT/year capacity and is at the company's existing site in Huai’an, Jiangsu.

‘The profit margin for polyols has dropped to single digit percentage... additives still have a 20% to 30% rate.’ That is according to the company’s marketing director Dai Qiang. Qiang was talking to UTECH-polyurethane.com, on the sidelines of PU China 2019. The event was held in Guangzhou on 5-7 September.

Lihong currently has 80kT/year designed polyol capacity. The company brought a range of new products to the show. These included one for flexible foam used in pillows, as a replacement for latex. Lihong claims this gives foams with better breathability, anti-ageing performance and dust mite control.

It also showcased a polyether polyol that makes the foam more resistant to low temperatures. A cell-control additive for pillow and mattress applications rounded out the company's display.

The company supplies to many of China’s top mattress brands such as Sinomax, Mlily, JBM and Shangyu.