Today's chemical industry is a showcase of consolidation and an increased focus on core competencies exemplified by spinning off divisions as separate companies (e.g. establishing Covestro as a new company out of Bayer) and company mergers (e.g. DuPont and Dow Chemical Co.). Cutting costs is one of the main drivers and in many cases this is at the expense of core research and new product development. Is it possible in this environment to create a new chemical company, introduce a new class of materials into the market place, and build a sustainable company? Yes. But one needs to create the right conditions and show a great deal of perseverance. FRX Polymers®, Inc. was founded in 2007 following over five years of intensive research and development in the field of halogen-free polymeric flame retardant blend components. The company operates a pilot plant in Chelmsford, MA and a full scale plant in Antwerp, Belgium. Having recently start-up its Antwerp plant, FRX Polymers is in the high growth phase of its evolution. It is commercializing Nofia® polyphosphonates, a novel family of halogen-free, transparent, high melt flowing, polymeric flame retardant polymers. Because of its polymeric character, this innovative material does not migrate from the plastics in which it is applied and thus does not end up in the environment. Also, unlike many competitive flame retardant additives, the host polymers which are flame retarded with Nofia retain their flame retardant characteristics over time. The presentation will focus on key elements that are the basis of a successful introduction of a new material into the market with limited resources and financing. It will highlight the creativity demonstrated in creating the financial means, lining up the technology, manufacturing of the materials, and setting up the sales organization.

Introducing a new material to the market: There is no elevator to success, one must take the stairs

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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