https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/...-in-mid-2025-impacting-95-roles/34568003.html
...And it comes with a quick discontinuation of some WIMA parts:
https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Wima_WIMA_Letter_MYLAR_PET_PEN_27_02_2025.pdf
I'm not sure what to make of this other than "not good". Would love to hear what others think of this development.
...And it comes with a quick discontinuation of some WIMA parts:
https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Wima_WIMA_Letter_MYLAR_PET_PEN_27_02_2025.pdf
I'm not sure what to make of this other than "not good". Would love to hear what others think of this development.
It sounds like this is only one of several production facilities, and was originally intended to serve Europe. One of my AI friends says:
"Prior to 2025, Mylar Specialty Films had six major production facilities globally: two in the U.S. (Chester, Virginia, and another site), one in the UK (Wilton), one in Luxembourg (Contern), and two in China (via the joint venture with FSPG Hi-Tech Co., Ltd., still operating as DuPont Hongji Films pending rebranding). The Luxembourg plant, operational since 1962, was a key contributor to European supply until its announced closure in 2025."
. . .
"The Contern plant’s specific production volume isn’t isolated in public data, but its closure was part of Celanese’s strategy to shed high-cost facilities, suggesting it was a significant but not irreplaceable portion of their output. The focus on optimizing competitive plants implies the remaining facilities can absorb much of this capacity."
. . .
"Celanese’s 2024 financial report (net sales of $10.3 billion, down 6% from 2023) highlights a focus on competitive plants and growth in high-value sectors like electric vehicles, where Mylar films are critical. The closure of Luxembourg doesn’t signal an exit from Mylar production but a consolidation to more cost-effective sites.
Current Status: As of March 20, 2025, Mylar Specialty Films maintains production at its U.S., UK, and China plants, ensuring the continued supply of Mylar® PET films alongside Melinex®, Hongji®, and Kaladex® PEN films. The joint venture between Celanese and Teijin remains intact, with no indication of abandoning Mylar production globally."
"Prior to 2025, Mylar Specialty Films had six major production facilities globally: two in the U.S. (Chester, Virginia, and another site), one in the UK (Wilton), one in Luxembourg (Contern), and two in China (via the joint venture with FSPG Hi-Tech Co., Ltd., still operating as DuPont Hongji Films pending rebranding). The Luxembourg plant, operational since 1962, was a key contributor to European supply until its announced closure in 2025."
. . .
"The Contern plant’s specific production volume isn’t isolated in public data, but its closure was part of Celanese’s strategy to shed high-cost facilities, suggesting it was a significant but not irreplaceable portion of their output. The focus on optimizing competitive plants implies the remaining facilities can absorb much of this capacity."
. . .
"Celanese’s 2024 financial report (net sales of $10.3 billion, down 6% from 2023) highlights a focus on competitive plants and growth in high-value sectors like electric vehicles, where Mylar films are critical. The closure of Luxembourg doesn’t signal an exit from Mylar production but a consolidation to more cost-effective sites.
Current Status: As of March 20, 2025, Mylar Specialty Films maintains production at its U.S., UK, and China plants, ensuring the continued supply of Mylar® PET films alongside Melinex®, Hongji®, and Kaladex® PEN films. The joint venture between Celanese and Teijin remains intact, with no indication of abandoning Mylar production globally."
Just guessing, but they may have been using an atypical thickness, specific film treatment, etc. Finding a direct replacement could be difficult if that's the case. Even when you do find a replacement, serious testing is usually a good idea when switching vendors, which takes time. Looks like the shutdown was announced in January, so if they didn't let film users know before then, it doesn't give much time to do anything.
It's gotten kind of crazy out there. At my day job, in the past few years we've had chemical components that were discontinued with zero warning by the suppliers. More recently, we've had two from major chemical companies where you try order, there's zero stock, and they can't tell you when the next run will be. It's loads of fun.
It's gotten kind of crazy out there. At my day job, in the past few years we've had chemical components that were discontinued with zero warning by the suppliers. More recently, we've had two from major chemical companies where you try order, there's zero stock, and they can't tell you when the next run will be. It's loads of fun.
Polyester (Mylar) capacitors are certainly still used in many things but in the overall scheme of things I have to wonder if that number is shrinking. Nobody uses polyester caps on SMT boards without good reason, and I almost never see a board that uses them. Capacitors might be a minor use of the stuff.
Polyester film needs pre-drying, vented extruder, T-die, and later calendering for flatness.
It was the backing tape in audio and video cassettes.
Packaging of food is also a big market.
Wima may be losing market share.
And Germans are stuffy about using only German parts, at times to their detriment.
Mylar is simply a brand of PET film, and I think it is no longer a dominant player in the market..I have seen Delrin and Makrolon also get to a point that the customer tells them the price and quality needed, 'shape up or ship out'.
In both cases, the original maker has divested the product, as it does not meet the price targets.
It is simply a market evolution, stock up, or find alternate sources.
It was the backing tape in audio and video cassettes.
Packaging of food is also a big market.
Wima may be losing market share.
And Germans are stuffy about using only German parts, at times to their detriment.
Mylar is simply a brand of PET film, and I think it is no longer a dominant player in the market..I have seen Delrin and Makrolon also get to a point that the customer tells them the price and quality needed, 'shape up or ship out'.
In both cases, the original maker has divested the product, as it does not meet the price targets.
It is simply a market evolution, stock up, or find alternate sources.
Polyester film needs pre-drying, vented extruder, T-die, and later calendering for flatness.
It was the backing tape in audio and video cassettes.
Packaging of food is also a big market.
Wima may be losing market share.
And Germans are stuffy about using only German parts, at times to their detriment.
Mylar is simply a brand of polyester film, and I think it is no longer a dominant player in the market..I have seen Delrin and Makrolon also get to a point that the customer tells them the price and quality needed, 'shape up or ship out'.
In both cases, the original maker has divested the product, as it does not meet the price targets.
It is simply a market evolution, stock up, or find alternate sources.
No ties to any names above.
It was the backing tape in audio and video cassettes.
Packaging of food is also a big market.
Wima may be losing market share.
And Germans are stuffy about using only German parts, at times to their detriment.
Mylar is simply a brand of polyester film, and I think it is no longer a dominant player in the market..I have seen Delrin and Makrolon also get to a point that the customer tells them the price and quality needed, 'shape up or ship out'.
In both cases, the original maker has divested the product, as it does not meet the price targets.
It is simply a market evolution, stock up, or find alternate sources.
No ties to any names above.