New TPU PPF production line bolsters Lubrizol’s established local-for-local strategy
Lubrizol continues to collaborate with market leaders to propel high-quality PPF solutions in the growing Asia Pacific market
White paper advocates for full value chain collaboration and open innovation to meet diversified consumer needs

Shanghai, China – Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, today announced the launch of a new ESTANE^® TPU production line at its Shanghai manufacturing facility and released its white paper titled "New-Quality Consumption: A New Growth Engine for the Car Paint Protection Film (PPF) Industry."

These strategic initiatives not only enhance Lubrizol’s local production capabilities but also highlight the company’s commitment to fostering innovation across the entire value chain to meet evolving demand for high-quality PPF products and services. With its cutting-edge technology and innovation expertise, Lubrizol is enhancing the PPF industry by introducing new, quality-focused innovations, paving the way for strengthened market development.

Key Announcements

1. Launch of new PPF New Production Line to Meet Local Demand for High Performance Materials

ESTANE TPU’s non-yellowing property and superior mechanical strength is widely regarded as the material of choice for high-quality PPF. The launch of the new production line at Lubrizol’s Shanghai facility marks the localization of ESTANE TPU products for the PPF industry, enhancing speed to market and stability while ensuring the use of premium raw materials and advanced manufacturing processes. Localized production also strengthens partnership across the value chain and emphasizes the importance of premium materials, along with superior manufacturing and installation, to drive the industry toward higher-value, sustainable growth.

2. Meeting Diversified Consumer Needs with Quality Products and Innovation

The demand for high-quality PPF is rapidly growing. Consumers are not only focused on overall vehicle protection but are also seeking additional features, such as color customization, aesthetic enhancements with graphics, targeted protection for specific areas, and environmental sustainability. As an industry leader, Lubrizol is embracing these trends by addressing diverse market needs with innovative product technologies and strategies that offer significant growth potential and a flexible business model. Vice President of Lubrizol Asia Pacific, Henry Liu said, "China is an integral part of Lubrizol’s global innovation strategy. We firmly believe that through enhanced localized production and full value-chain cooperation, we can create greater impact and drive the entire industry forward. Our continuous investment in local capability reflects our commitment.”

3. PPF White Paper: Insights into Market Trends and Leading Industry Development

Lubrizol’s latest white paper, published by its High-Performance Films Innovation Center, delves into the key role of TPU in the PPF industry and highlights the strong demand from consumers for high-quality PPF products and services. Lubrizol’s High-Performance Films Innovation Center, launched last year, is designed to bring together research institutions, industry leaders, academic organizations, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation within high value film applications, including the PPF industry.

The white paper points out that vehicle owners’ expectations for both protection and personalization of vehicle exteriors have increased significantly. Lubrizol calls for the industry to collaboratively promote the standardization of high-quality PPF products and services, encourage innovation in collaboration, and ensure sustainable development. As the inventor of TPU, Lubrizol continues to lead in refining TPU technology to meet these emerging market demands.

Key highlights of the white paper include:

Market Trends: As the number of vehicles continues to rise and the electric vehicle industry flourishes, there is substantial potential for growth in PPF installation rates. Continued growth will depend on increased investments in product quality and innovation across the industry. At the same time, it is crucial to address consumers’ concerns about identifying high-quality products and share professional industry knowledge to support decision-making.
Full Value-Chain Cooperation: The production and consumption of PPF is a complex, interconnected process, and the development of the industry depends on deep collaboration across the entire value chain. From raw material suppliers to manufacturers and installers, all stakeholders should work together to foster innovation and drive improvements in product quality. By aligning "Premium Materials," "Premium Manufacturing," and "Premium Installation," the industry can deliver the best possible consumer experiences.
Three Key Drivers of Industry Development: The demand for innovative, high-quality products is emerging as a key force driving the industry’s growth. Collaborative innovation — spanning technological, channel, and business model advancements — will elevate quality products and services to new heights. Additionally, more comprehensive and stringent industry standards are crucial for guiding the sector toward healthy, sustainable, and long-term development.

Jane Cai, Senior Business Director Lubrizol commented, "As the PPF market becomes increasingly competitive, consumers' emphasis on product quality has reached unprecedented levels. Our localized production model not only guarantees high-quality, stable supply but also harnesses technological innovation to offer more opportunities for regional markets. At Lubrizol, innovation and quality are at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to driving industry growth through technological leadership and deep collaboration across the entire value chain."

The successful launch of the new TPU production line, release of this white paper, establishment of the High-Performance Film Innovation Center, and introduction of the ESTANE TPU enabled ecosystem all underscore Lubrizol’s commitment to addressing the demand for high-quality, innovative offerings. These efforts are driving the PPF market forward and marking the beginning of a new era of technological advancement in the industry.

For more information, please visit lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers.

Lubrizol Launches New TPU Line in Shanghai and Unveils Industry White Paper to Accelerate PPF Innovation