A PVDC Plant Acquired from Dow Chemical
SK Global Chemical Co. announced on Aug. 27 that Rep. John Moolenaar, who represents the Fourth District of Michigan, visited SK Saran Americas’ facility in Midland, Michigan, on Aug. 26 (local time), accompanied by Jay Kim, president of SK Global Chemical Americas, and Steve Persyn, site leader for SK Saran Americas.
SK Global Chemical Co. acquired the U.S.-based Dow Chemical's polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) manufacturing unit in 2017 to promote the packaging material business as its new growth engine. The acquisition deal included the U.S. firm's production facility in Midland as well as related technologies and intellectual properties such as the trademark right of its famous PVDC brand Saran.
Moolenaar is the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Chemistry Caucus and has introduced the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act to continue U.S. leadership in the chemical industry. He is also known for supporting legislation promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and the creation of higher-paying jobs for hardworking residents in Michigan.
Moolenaar visited SK Saran Americas' facility as he is interested in the chemical business and creating jobs in the community. The company currently employs 40 people at the Midland facility.
PVDC is a key material for barrier films, which are used to extend the shelf life of food products. These films protect food products from various external influences, including moisture and oxygen. They are used to pack mainly refrigerated and frozen processed meat products. There are not many suppliers of materials for barrier films as the barriers to entry are high. The market for these materials is expected to show a steady growth with growing demand for food products in Asia in the future.