Romulus, Michigan -- Supply disruptions for butanediol, a thermoplastic polyurethane feedstock, have led TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) supplier Alliance Polymers & Services llc to offer free consulting services to its customers.
Butanediol makers BASF Corp. and LyondellBasell Industries each declared force majeure for the material last month. BASF experienced a power outage at its site in Geismar, Louisiana. LyondellBasell cited an "unplanned production disruption" at its plant in Channelview, Texas.
As a result of the shortage, butanediol makers have announced significant price increases for the material.
Alliance principal Stephane Morin said that his Romulus, Michigan-based firm "is uniquely qualified and positioned to provide timely, accurate and relevant advice and products to fill the possible TPU shortage."
Alliance's offer includes free technical counsel, product solutions and alternatives to help processors meet their product and production needs.
Formed in late 2009, Alliance distributes Elastollan-brand TPUs for BASF. Alliance also recently began distributing styrenic block copolymer compounds for Chinese compounder Polymax Elastomer Technology Co. Ltd.
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