Ecovyst, a leading integrated and innovative provider of specialty catalysts and services, today announced plans to expand silica catalyst production capability at its manufacturing facility in Kansas City, KS.

The company expects that growing consumer demand for plastics will continue to drive the global expansion of polyethylene production over the coming years. Silica supported catalysts play a crucial role in the production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The Kansas City expansion is expected to increase the site’s silica catalyst production capability by approximately 50% and is anticipated to start late 2025.

“Our material expertise and customer intimacy enables us to design, develop and manufacture advanced silicas and catalysts to help improve our customers’ product and process performance,” said Kurt J. Bitting, Ecovyst’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is carried out through long standing technical and commercial relationships with our key customers. The expansion of our Kansas City production facility is supported by additional long term customer commitments further enabling Ecovyst and its valued customers to benefit from the rising demand for polyethylene products.”

Paul Whittleston, President of the Catalyst Technologies segment of Ecovyst, added: “We are delighted to have strong long-term partnerships with our key polyethylene customers that leverage our deep material science R&D and manufacturing capabilities. This is a very exciting time for our Ecovyst team as we invest and expand.”