On September 21, 2017, AkzoNobel, a member of the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG^®), announced that its Specialty Chemicals business is studying plans to build a world-class plant for its Bermocoll^® business, which supplies non-ionic cellulose ethers for the paint and buildings and construction industries.  AkzoNobel uses a unique solvent-free process to manufacture the water soluble and virtually odorless Bermocoll cellulose ethers.  The new facility will increase the production capacity for such cellulosic ethers to help meet growing global demand.  According to Geert Hofman, General Manager at AkzoNobel’s Bermocoll business, “[d]emand for Bermocoll is growing strongly due to the rising consumption of water-based paint and continued growth in the building and construction industry.”  AkzoNobel is considering a number of options for the location of the facility, including the expansion of operations at existing production sites in China, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden.