What if...? A brief look at this history of our expandable microspheres

It was sometime in the mid-70s when a very important research collaboration occurred. An idea was sparked when the question came about. What if tiny particles could expand up to 60 times their original size without increasing in weight? The rest, as they say, is history. Today, we are a world leader in expandable thermoplastic microspheres that’s used in products all over the globe.

Below are our most important milestones.

1980
In September, the first order of Expancel® Microspheres is shipped.

1988  
Our first office for the Expancel® Microspheres business in the USA is established and is later followed by a production unit.

1991
High temperature microspheres launches on the market.

1994
Akzo and Nobel Industries, where Expancel® Microspheres was a part, merge to form AkzoNobel.

2005
Fourth generation of Expancel® Microspheres is introduced on the market.

2009
Start-up of Expancel® Microspheres production in China.

2011
We introduce our food packaging products.

2013
Expanded production plant for Expancel® Microspheres in Sundsvall, Sweden opens.

2014
Opening of a sales office in Japan.

2015
Production of Expancel® Microspheres starts in Brazil.

2016
Expancel® Microspheres approved by the US FDA for use in wine corks.

2018
The Carlyle Group and GIC acquire AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, where Expancel® Microspheres was a part, and relaunches the company as Nouryon.

Nouryon, the Nouryon logo, and Expancel® Microspheres are registered and/or owned trademarks of Nouryon

Expancel® is a registered trademark of Nouryon in a number of territories worldwide.

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