Nouryon introduces groundbreaking microspheres for paint industry

Nouryon is set to unveil its innovative Expancel XS200 microspheres at the 2025 European Coatings Show in Nuremberg, Germany. This advanced product marks a significant advancement in microsphere technology for interior decorative paints, enabling substantial weight reduction in paint formulations while maintaining key performance characteristics. 

As part of Nouryon's Performance Materials portfolio, the Expancel XS200 microspheres are specifically designed for thin-layer paint applications. Their exceptionally small particle size – significantly finer than standard paint layer thickness – ensures optimal surface smoothness, durability, and cleanability. 

This launch reinforces Nouryon's position as an innovation leader in specialty chemicals, developing solutions that enhance performance while supporting sustainability. The company's Expancel microspheres already serve multiple coating applications, including cool roof systems where their solar-reflective properties help lower building temperatures and energy consumption. 

With over four decades of expertise in expandable microsphere technology, Nouryon manufactures these products in Sweden and the United States, with local supply available in China and Brazil. The recent introduction of partially bio-based Expancel BIO microspheres further demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable material solutions. Currently marketed in more than 80 countries, Nouryon's microsphere technologies continue to transform coating performance across global markets.

“With our new, innovative Expancel XS200 microspheres, we are the first to provide the global interior paint industry with a microsphere solution,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Vice President of Engineered Polymers at Nouryon. “With this product, customers can reduce density in paint formulations, resulting in paint products with a lower weight per can in addition to cost savings.”