Lanxess today announced plans to realign its business to strengthen its market position in technologies relating to new mobility. All future activities in this area will be managed by a group initiative for e-mobility. As of 1 August 2020, the new unit will be headed by Philipp Junge, 44, currently head of Rhein Chemie. Rhein Chemie will in the future focus on rubber additives.
Modern mobility is one of the most dynamic growth sectors worldwide. Lanxess has a lot to offer here, from our high-tech plastics for electric vehicles to specialty chemicals for batteries. We want to expand this offering significantly, coordinate it more precisely, and position it even stronger in the market, says Anno Borkowsky, member of the Lanxess board.
Lanxess is working to commercialize production of lithium, the key component of lithium-ion batteries. At its site at El Dorado, Arkansas, Lanxess recently commissioned a pilot plant together with its partner Standard Lithium. The companies aim to use the plant to extract battery-grade lithium from brine produced during the bromine production process at Lanxess. The new mobility unit will also benefit from the companys high-performance plastics used in electric vehicles, for lightweight car bodies or battery housings. They also have the potential to be used in e-mobility infrastructure, including in charging stations, and in sensors, displays, and control units for autonomous driving. Lanxess is also a leading producer of numerous specialty chemicals that battery systems require, such as phosphorus chemicals, hydrofluoric acid, and flame retardants.
Rhein Chemie will become the central business unit for products for the rubber industry. It will be headed by Jens-Hendrik Fischer, 41, currently responsible for antioxidants and accelerators for the rubber industry within the advanced industrial intermediates business unit. These products will in the future be managed under Rhein Chemie, which already offers numerous specialty rubber additives. |
