LyondellBasell, a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living, has commissioned a new laboratory extrusion line and upgraded processing workshop at its Suzhou Technical Center in China.

Supporting the Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) business, the new equipment will enhance compounding capabilities and enable the development of complex formulations with high precision for its polypropylene compounds and engineered plastics portfolios.

“Our customers in automotive, electronics and consumer goods are facing increasingly complex material challenges that demand both innovation and speed,” said Rolf van Beeck, vice president, APS APAC & AfMEI at LYB. “Our new equipment strengthens our ability to collaborate closely with customers and OEMs, delivering solutions that address their most demanding applications and bring their visions to the market faster.”

“The launch of the new lab line at Suzhou Technical Center, along with increased R&D investment in the APAC region, strengthens our ability to maintain our leading technical position in the market,” said Siqi Xue, senior manager, product application & development, APS APAC at LYB. “We are committed to innovating to meet customer needs and aligning our growth with market megatrends.”

The enhanced facility features state-of-the-art extruders and comprehensive lab capabilities designed for advanced product analysis and performance testing. Innovation focus areas include lightweight plastic body panels, color-material-finish solutions, flame-retardant technologies sustainable materials and specialty resins.

Established in 2013 in the Suzhou Industrial Park, the LYB Suzhou Technical Center is now home to a dedicated team ofengineers who drive customer-centric innovation across the region. Earlier this year, the Suzhou Technical Center was also awarded the title of “Foreign-Fund R&D Center” by the Suzhou municipal government, in recognition of its capabilities and achievements.

This expansion reinforces the broader Asia Pacific innovation network, which also includes recent investments at the Senai and Port Klang labs in Malaysia and Vadodara Technical Center in India.