TPT September 2024

Orbia Polymer Solutions (Alphagary)

INTERVIEW Santiago Urbina Castilleja, vice-president commercial, Orbia Polymer Solutions (Alphagary)

We have grown from a $200mn business to an over $8bn business operating in more than 50 countries with in excess of 24,000 employees. Today, Alphagary is part of Orbia’s Polymer Solutions business group, known as a global leader in the design and manufacture of specialist polymer compounds and additives with over 60 years of experience. My position oversees the commercial activity at Orbia Alphagary worldwide. The product portfolio of Orbia Alphagary has significantly expanded over time. Starting with PVC compounding, we have expanded compounding into other polymer types including TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), LSHF (low smoke, zero halogen), other PO (polyolefin) compounds, TPU (thermoplastic urethane) and other materials. We also offer additives for PVC compounds – plasticisers, stabilisers and colourants. And just recently, we expanded again by purchasing a fumaric acid business (food preservation additive). “For industrial tube and pipe applications, we’re working with our sister company Orbia Building & Infrastructure on innovative materials such as TPE compounds for pipe seals that reduce cycle by providing a secure connection between pipes, preventing leaks and the need for repairs.”

Santiago Urbina Castilleja

n Can you tell us a bit about the history of your company since it was first established. The history of Alphagary and Orbia (formerly called Mexichem) starts in the 1960s when the two companies began compounding operations and introduced PVC compounds to the marketplace. Over the next several decades, the two businesses grew organically, expanded through acquisition, and came together in 2011 when Alphagary was acquired by Mexichem. Mexichem rebranded to Orbia in 2019 as part of its transformation to a sustainable solutions company. Orbia is a global company with five different businesses groups united by the shared purpose to advance life around the world.

Orbia Alphagary’s Melton Mowbray facility in the UK

n Can you tell us a bit about your role at the company. What are the most satisfying aspects of working in your current role? Today, I head the global commercial activities at Orbia Alphagary. I really enjoy working with the commercial leaders and their teams around the world because we stay keenly focused on our goal to support the customer. No one is afraid to speak up, and the solution to the many challenges we face – whether the challenge is innovating a product or cutting into production to meet

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SEPTEMBER 2024