Wanhua Expands to 55,000 Tons HEMA Capacity with 39.6 Million Yuan Investment Targeting 2026 Launch

Wanhua Chemical is accelerating its push into high-value acrylate monomers, announcing a ¥39.61 million investment to build a new 20,000 tons/year HEMA-HPMA flexible production line, adding to its current 35,000 tons/year capacity. Construction is slated to begin in June 2026.

The company aims to capture surging domestic demand for hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), particularly in new energy and biomedical applications. Backed by upstream cost advantages, Wanhua is positioning itself to replace imports in premium markets historically dominated by global giants like BASF, Dow, and Mitsubishi.

HEMA and HPMA are widely used in UV coatings, specialty resins, adhesives, and medical polymers. Thanks to recent advances in materials science, these monomers are increasingly applied in drug delivery systems, dental resins, and intraocular lenses. HPMA stands out for its superior water resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for lithium battery separator coatings and electronic encapsulation.

With 4680 battery production ramping up, global demand for lithium-grade HPMA is projected to exceed 30,000 tons by 2025. Meanwhile, China’s medical-grade HEMA market is growing at over 15% annually, fueled by an aging population and upgraded healthcare spending.

Wanhua’s competitive edge is sharpened by a 24,000 tons/year ethylene oxide unit in Yantai set to go online in 2025, ensuring a cost-effective supply of upstream feedstock. Once the new line is operational in 2026, Wanhua’s global market share in premium acrylate monomers could rise from 8% to 15%, marking a major leap in its global strategy.