Milliken Opens World Class Production Facility

Millad® NX® 8000 has been a game-changer for polypropylene packaging, putting Milliken at the forefront of innovation in R&D. This ground-breaking additive delivers crystal clear clarity, while extending sustainability benefits in the production of clarified PP parts, offering faster production rates and average energy savings of 10%. Its advanced properties and superior performance continue to spur unprecedented global demand.

A number of factors are driving this. Millad^® NX^® 8000 achieves glass-like clarity in PP products without sacrificing key properties of durability, strength, impact resistance and sustainability. With the ongoing boom in thin-wall packaging related to the increase in e-commerce and food delivery services, this is particularly important, enabling brand owners to replace PET, polystyrene, polycarbonate and more with PP — shown by studies to be a more sustainable option.

Secondly, current soaring energy prices have spiked interest in resins or additives like Millad^® NX^® 8000, which can help converters to save energy during processing and improve production efficiency. As a result of these certified savings, brand owners using PP clarified with Millad NX 8000 can display a UL Environmental Claim Validation label on their injection molded parts.

To meet growing customer needs, Milliken has begun production at its new clarifier plant in Blacksburg, South Carolina, increasing the production capacity of Millad^® NX^® 8000 by more than 50 per cent.

“This represents the largest clarifier plant investment in Milliken history,” said Boiter, “We have commissioned the plant and this new production now allows us to address both current market needs and the increasing demand for these products well into the future.  We greatly appreciate all the efforts of our associates who were involved in making this plant exceptional.”

Polypropylene is not only lightweight and durable; but also one of the least energy-intensive polymers to make and recycle compared to other clear polymers.

“Brand owners and packaging producers are seeing how Millad NX 8000 can contribute to improved environmental and manufacturing results. It is one of the more important clarifier developments in recent memory,” said Global Vice President - Plastic Additives Wim Van de Velde.

Additionally, the pandemic has dramatically altered many consumer habits, perhaps permanently, in the case of booming e-commerce and the growing popularity of food-delivery services. Thin-wall injection molded containers made using clarified PP – with their lightweight, durable and transparent characteristics – have proven to be a popular solution to packaging challenges facing the e-commerce and food-service industries. “We don’t see that changing,” said Van de Velde.

Milliken has long been known for its innovation, collaboration and commitment to advancing sustainability. Recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute for 16 straight years, the firm leverages its 157-year history and extensive chemical expertise to tailor products that make the world a better place and create a healthier future for generations.  Millad NX 8000 is an excellent example of applying innovation through chemistry to advance sustainability.