Nouryon is expanding its manufacturing operations in China to address rising demand for premium colloidal silica used in catalyst technologies and advanced coating applications.

Global specialty chemicals leader Nouryon is expanding production capacity for its premium grades of Levasil® colloidal silica at its manufacturing site in Guangzhou, China, to serve fast-growing segments like emissions control catalysts, electrical steel coatings and non-stick coatings for cookware across Asia Pacific. By bringing production closer to customers, Nouryon will supply a broader range of premium Levasil grades with shorter lead times, giving manufacturers the reliable access they need to develop and scale next-generation technologies and industrial processes.

Levasil is a critical ingredient in a wide range of industrial applications. In emissions control catalysts, it helps vehicles and industrial equipment meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. In electrical steel coatings, it improves the energy efficiency of transformers used in power grids. In non-stick coatings for cookware, it contributes to durability and performance.

"China's technology-driven industries are moving fast and access to advanced colloidal silica is becoming a competitive necessity for manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in catalysts and performance coatings," said Patrick Wilhelm, vice president for Growth Accelerator Industrials at Nouryon. "This investment means our customers can count on us as long-term partners as they scale their most demanding applications."

"Asia Pacific is one of the world’s most dynamic regions for premium colloidal silica and China is a big driver of that growth," said Sobers Sethi, senior vice president for Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Expanding our production in the region ensures Nouryon is positioned to grow alongside our customers as this market continues to need advanced solutions."

This expansion follows the launch of Nouryon’s innovation center in Shanghai in November 2025. The facility includes eight specialized laboratories, with one specifically focused on Levasil for catalyst technologies and related applications.

These investments highlight the company’s commitment to strengthening innovation in specialty chemicals, enhancing collaboration with customers, and supporting long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: Nouryon