Dow has proudly announced the successful inauguration of its advanced BLUEWAVE™ facility at the Dow Coating Materials site in Lauterbourg, France. This latest production line plays a crucial role in the transition towards more sustainable and easily recyclable end-products for a variety of applications. The opening of this facility represents a significant achievement in Dow’s ongoing dedication to innovation and sustainability. During the inauguration ceremony, attended by French government officials, representatives from the Grand-Est Region, project team members, employees, contractors, and Dow’s European leadership, the facility was officially unveiled. In a video message, Mr. Marc Ferracci, the French Minister of Industry and Energy, highlighted this milestone, stating: “Dow is an example of a company that has heavily invested in R&D; these investments are strategic for the future.”
The BLUEWAVE™ Technology, along with the raw material and finished product handling equipment, will enable Dow to increase its production of dispersion barrier coatings. These coatings are essential for developing innovative paper packaging solutions that boast a superior environmental profile. The introduction of this new production line underscores our commitment to adapting to changing market demands, particularly in the realms of food and drink packaging and adhesives. In addition to fulfilling a vital market need and bolstering Dow Coating Materials’ strategic growth initiatives, this substantial multi-million-dollar investment will also enhance local economic development by creating over 20 new skilled jobs. “This new facility on our Lauterbourg site is a testament to Dow’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances our production capabilities but also drives economic growth in the region,” said Jim Knaub, Senior Business Director Coatings & Performance Monomers.
The emphasis on sustainability is a key feature of the BLUEWAVE™ facility. The RHOBARR™ products produced here are specifically designed to facilitate the transition to more sustainable paper and cardboard packaging solutions. These coatings allow for the application of a thin barrier layer on a substrate’s surface, preserving its integrity while ensuring minimal impact on the recycling rate of the substrate. As a result, the recyclability of both primary and secondary packaging—as well as adhesive products, whether used for food and drink packaging or non-food items—is significantly improved compared to traditional, hard-to-recycle options.
Our products will provide effective industrial solutions that align with recyclability and sustainability targets outlined by European legislation, particularly the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and France’s ambitions surrounding the circularity of packaging materials (AGEC Law – Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy).
According to Fabrice Jerineck, Director of the Lauterbourg site: “It’s a real blue wave that will sweep through our daily lives by transforming our use and recycling of the packaging we consume every day.”
Lauterbourg was chosen for this investment several years ago due to its strategic location in Alsace, a competitive area for project development, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and industrial capabilities. With financial support from the Grand-Est Region and in the face of daunting economic circumstances, including high energy costs impacting the European chemical industry, this new facility positions us for growth within the sustainable packaging sector.
“Between 2017 and 2024, Dow France has invested heavily to enhance its production capacity and reduce the environmental footprint of its various sites,” concluded Jean-Michel Duplouis, President of Dow France. “The new BLUEWAVE™ production line helps strengthen our sustainability footprint in France and underscores our commitment to the circular economy.”
https://www.dow.com/en-us/market/mkt-pulp-paper.html
To learn more about our goals and our ambition to become the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive, and sustainable materials science company in the world, please visit www.dow.com.
