Fibrant has shut down its caprolactam production facility in Heerenveen, the Netherlands

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On March 3, a spokesperson for Fibrant revealed that the company had closed its caprolactam plant in Heerlen, the Netherlands. This move will result in the shutdown of about 135,000 tons per year of caprolactam production capacity in Europe. The plant produces caprolactam using the phenol route, while also manufacturing ammonium sulfate as a by-product. Fibrant first announced the closure of its caprolactam plant in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, in a statement issued on October 21, 2025, but at that time the plan was for a permanent closure. This closure is due to the ongoing economic difficulties faced by European caprolactam producers, who are under increasing pressure from rising costs of ammonia and energy. These factors have significantly compressed operating profit margins, making it increasingly difficult for regional producers to remain competitive. Fibrant stated that extremely low demand and uncompetitive production costs were the main reasons for the closure of the factory. The Helmond plant in the Netherlands is currently on standby and can be restarted if market conditions improve. The spokesperson said that European companies have always found it difficult to compete with Asian producers, who benefit from lower raw material costs and can also receive **subsidies in many cases, further reducing their production costs. Industry experts emphasize that these structural advantages enable Asian suppliers to remain profitable, while their European counterparts face ongoing financial difficulties.