Versalis has announced that it is forced to reduce its acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) production by 50 per cent in January and February 2021 because of the limited supply of acrylonitrile (ACN), following the force majeure of a supplier.

"Our main acrylonitrile supplier has stated force majeure. Based on the allocation and forecasts we received, the lower availability of this raw material will reduce our ABS production by about 50%, at least for the next two months of January and February 2021," Versalis said.

The company said that it might not be able to meet its contractual agreements until the end of the first quarter of 2021.

The company has ABS production with an output capacity of 65,000 ton per year in Mantua. The capacity is set to be increased by 30,000 ton/y, but completion of the planned expansion will be delayed until the fourth quarter of 2021.