By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : October 07, 2025 3:49 pm
The plant will manufacture the acetylene-based Printex kappa 100—Orion’s well-established, battery-grade conductive carbon
Orion will highlight its ongoing commitment to enhancing the North American battery supply chain at The Battery Show North America 2025, taking place October 6–9 in Detroit. Orion will showcase its new U.S.-based acetylene black production facility currently under construction in La Porte, Texas, alongside its high-performance conductive additive, Printex kappa 100.
As part of its strategic expansion, Orion is advancing the construction of the La Porte facility, with operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Once operational, the plant will manufacture the acetylene-based Printex kappa 100—Orion’s well-established, battery-grade conductive carbon that is widely used in lithium-ion batteries.
“Together with our existing acetylene black plant in Berre l’Étang, France, the new La Porte facility will significantly increase our global production capacity,” said Dr. Adrian Steinmetz, Global Vice President for Batteries at Orion. “This investment will strengthen, localize, and stabilize the supply chains of North American manufacturers while reducing costs by providing a reliable domestic source of acetylene-based conductive carbon.”
Printex kappa 100 is engineered for exceptional purity and conductivity, enhancing battery performance and enabling longer cycle life compared to competing materials. The additive is suitable for both anode and cathode applications, allowing manufacturers to simplify their processes and reduce supply chain complexity.
“Printex kappa 100 forms a robust percolation network that supports efficient electron transport throughout the electrode,” explained Dr. Claudia Ramirez Castro, Technical Marketing Manager for Batteries. “Its dual-functionality streamlines operations for manufacturers by allowing the use of a single additive across both electrodes.”
Beyond performance benefits, the additive contributes to improved production efficiency and cost-effectiveness in battery manufacturing.
“By optimizing slurry dispersion processes with advanced materials like Printex kappa 100, manufacturers can improve yield and lower scrap rates,” said Ana Kiricova, Commercial Development Director for Batteries. “Although it represents a small component of the slurry, the additive has a massive impact on overall battery economics.”