News: Lion Elastomers and Emulco Announce a Strategic Partnership for Water-Based EPDM Emulsion Products

Feb 14, 2024

February 13, 2024 - Geismar, Louisiana, USA and Ghent, Belgium: Lion Elastomers, a world leader in Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber and liquid-EPDM (L-EPDM) polymer production and Emulco NV, a leading producer of high-end emulsions have signed a supply and distribution agreement for Trilene® 65 L-EPDM, a key ingredient for Emulco's new water-based EPDM dispersion products. The agreement gives Emulco the rights to use Lion’s Trilene ® 65 L-EPDM as the raw material for a new line of water-based emulsions under their new brand name Aquapol®. These novel dispersions can be cured at ambient temperature with peroxide, UV, or hybrid curing technologies. This opens new opportunities for various coating applications, such as roof coatings and anti-corrosion coatings. These novel dispersions offer superior performance, durability, and environmental benefits compared to conventional solvent-based coatings.

The two companies will work together to develop and launch the new EPDM emulsion products worldwide. The new products are water-based and eco-friendly, as they reduce the emission of harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to solvent-based alternatives.

The Trilene® 65 L-EPDM polymer is the raw material used in manufacturing new water-based EPDM emulsions. These emulsions can form a solid and durable membrane after curing, suitable for applications such as roofing, waterproofing, and sealing. Emulco already produces patented PIB (Polyisobutylene) emulsions, which are not cross-linkable but have excellent flexibility and adhesion properties. By combining EPDM and PIB in different ratios, Emulco can create innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers in various industries. Emulco is also a pioneer in sustainable bio-based emulsions for the wood and paper industry. With the addition of water-based EPDM emulsions, Emulco strengthens its position as a versatile and environmentally friendly emulsion provider.
 
John Komidor, VP EPDM Business at Lion Elastomers: “The past two years of intensive and constructive negotiations have created a strong bond of trust between Lion and Emulco. We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial for both firms, and we are eager to embark on a long-term and fruitful collaboration.”
 
Jean Vanhoebost, Emulco’s CEO: “We are looking forward to working together with Lion Elastomers, a global market leader in EPDM production. By combining our know-how, we will be able to develop new products that are currently missing in the market. Water-based EPDM emulsions will open a completely new range of applications to both Emulco and Lion Elastomers. Whether applied as roofing materials, or for a large array of other coating applications, the product will deliver while strongly reducing the emission of harmful organic emissions.”
 
 
About Emulco
Emulco is “The Emulsion Company”, specializing in high-end -and complex emulsions such as, EPDM, PIB and bio emulsions for the wood, food packaging, construction, cosmetics, chemical and textile industries. Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, Emulco can serve and assist customers all over the world. With its smart, deep knowledge & know-how as THE emulsion specialist, it offers innovative and sustainable products to its customers. Emulco strives to co-create a more sustainable world, protecting the earth by the way people live, eat, care and dress.
 

Our Locations