CP Kelco to increase capacity of CMC facility in Finland

Speciality hydrocolloids producer CP Kelco has announced plans to increase capacity at its production facility for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) used in cosmetics in Finland over the next 12-18 months.

The firm said it would increase the capacity of facility located at Äänekoski, Finland, by 25% to meet expanding market demand.

CMC, which possesses good binding, thickening and stabilising properties, is used in several different cosmetics and personal care applications.

The product is suitable for use in various cosmetic products including, hair care, skin cleansing preparations, eye shadow blushers makeup foundations, toothpaste among others.

The ingredient is mainly used to thicken and stabilise cosmetics, besides its polymeric structure that acts as film forming agent also improves moisturising effects.

CP Kelco CMC Director Bill Letsinger said the firm’s decision to upgrade its production capabilities provides the flexibility for further expansion, which is being anticipated by the market growth globally, would allow further existing footprint expansion or a Greenfield facility.

"By continuously pursuing cost-reduction and environmental projects, in addition to capacity expansion projects, CP Kelco will keep pace with growing CMC demand and remains well positioned to meet our customers’ needs now and in the future," Letsinger added.

CP Kelco is a Georgia-based global manufacturer and marketer of specialty hydrocolloids, with facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America.

Owned by J.M. Huber,the firm’s product lines include pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, cellulose gum, gellan gum, diutan gum, and other biopolymers, marketed under brand names including BRAPOLPA, CEKOL, FERPEC, FINNFIX, GENU, GENUGEL, GENUVISCO, GENULACTA, KELTROL, KELZAN, KELCOGEL, SLENDID, SIMPLESSE, and XANTURAL.