Overview
Nexam Chemical AB is a Swedish specialty chemical company headquartered in Lund, Sweden, focused on developing and commercializing innovative polymer additive technologies. Founded in 2005 as a spin-out from Lund University’s chemistry department, the company has grown to become a recognized leader in reactive polymer modification, with a particular emphasis on enabling circular economy solutions for both conventional and bio-based plastics.
The company’s proprietary technologies address critical challenges in the plastics industry, including improving the recyclability of mixed plastic waste, enhancing the performance of bioplastics, and enabling lightweighting solutions that reduce material consumption. Nexam Chemical’s products are used by polymer producers, compounders, and converters worldwide.
Core Technology Platforms
Reactive Recycling®
Nexam Chemical’s flagship Reactive Recycling® technology enables the upgrading of mixed and degraded plastic waste during the extrusion process. By introducing proprietary reactive additives during mechanical recycling, the company’s technology can restore the molecular weight and mechanical properties of degraded polymers, allowing recycled plastics to meet the performance specifications of virgin materials.
This technology is particularly relevant for bioplastics such as PLA, which often suffer from molecular degradation during conventional recycling processes. Reactive Recycling® enables higher rates of bioplastic recycling and supports the transition to a circular plastics economy.
Lightweighting Solutions
Nexam Chemical has developed innovative chemical foaming agents and nucleation technologies that enable the production of lightweight foam structures from bioplastics, particularly PLA. These lightweighting solutions can reduce material consumption by 30-50% while maintaining structural integrity and performance.
The company’s PLA foam technology has been developed in collaboration with Verdofoam and other partners, targeting applications in packaging, insulation, and consumer goods where traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) is being phased out due to environmental concerns.
NEXIMID® Polyimide Additives
NEXIMID® is Nexam Chemical’s range of high-performance polyimide additives designed for demanding engineering plastic applications. These additives improve the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and processability of polymers used in automotive, electronics, and industrial applications.
Chain Extenders for Biopolyesters
Nexam Chemical produces specialized chain extender additives that improve the melt strength and processability of biopolyesters such as PLA, PBAT, and PBS. These additives are critical for enabling bioplastics to be processed using conventional extrusion, blow molding, and film blowing equipment.
Primary Materials
- NEXIMID®: High-performance polyimide additives for engineering plastics
- Reactive Recycling® additives: Restores degraded polymer properties during recycling
- Lightweighting agents: Chemical foaming additives for bioplastic foams
- PLA modifiers: Chain extenders and impact modifiers for polylactic acid
- General polymer additives: Compatibilizers, coupling agents, and processing aids
Market Segments
- Packaging: Performance additives for bioplastic packaging films, containers, and food packaging
- Insulation: Lightweight foam solutions for building and packaging insulation
- E-commerce: Sustainable packaging materials with reduced weight
- Pipe Manufacturing: Enhanced performance additives for plastic pipe systems
- Foam Production: Chemical foaming technology for bioplastic foams
- High-Performance Plastics: NEXIMID® additives for demanding engineering applications
- Food Packaging: Compliant additives for food-contact bioplastic applications
Partnerships and Collaborations
Nexam Chemical actively collaborates with biotech companies, polymer producers, and brand owners to develop customized additive solutions. The company’s partnership with Verdofoam has resulted in innovative bio-based foam products that match the performance of traditional EPS while being fully biodegradable.
The company also works with major PLA producers to develop additive packages that improve the processability and end-of-life options for PLA products, supporting the growth of the bioplastics market.
Sustainability Impact
Nexam Chemical’s technologies contribute to several key sustainability goals:
- Enabling circularity: Reactive Recycling® technology increases the recyclability of mixed plastic waste
- Reducing material consumption: Lightweighting solutions reduce the amount of plastic needed per application
- Supporting bioplastics adoption: Additive technologies improve the performance and processability of bio-based plastics
- Reducing carbon footprint: Lightweight products require less energy for transportation and processing
Last updated: June 19, 2026 Information sourced from Nexam Chemical corporate website and industry databases