PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) today announced that it has entered into a technology license agreement with China-based Henan Billions Chemicals Joint Stock Co., Ltd., that will provide Henan Billions the right to use PPG’s technology for the manufacture of chloride-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) on a worldwide basis. This agreement completes the license of PPG technology previously announced by both companies. Terms of the license agreement were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to reach this worldwide technology license agreement with Henan Billions as it should expand the global supply of chloride-grade titanium dioxide, as well as provide a commercial opportunity for PPG technology,” said Charles F. Kahle II, PPG chief technology officer and vice president, coatings research and development.
Henan Billions is currently a supplier of sulfate-grade TiO2 to PPG. In June 2012, both companies announced a memorandum of understanding regarding PPG’s licensing of certain chloride-based technologies to Henan Billions for use at Henan Billions’ titanium dioxide refinement facilities in China.
PPG previously manufactured TiO2 using the chloride process at its chemicals facility in Natrium, W.Va., and sold titanium dioxide pigment for coatings and other end-use applications. Titanium dioxide is a raw material widely used in the paint and coatings industry as a pigment to provide hiding, durability and whiteness characteristics.
