MOSCOW (MRC) -- Arkema is set to expand its global elastomer capacity by 25% through an investment in its site in Serquigny, France, said the company.
This investment will enable increased production of its bio-based material made from renewable castor seeds, due to come onstream in mid-2023. The bio-based material has a carbon footprint that is up to 50% lower than traditionally produced elastomers, can be fully recycled, and will lower the water consumption of the site by 25% through process optimisation.
New capacity will produce highly specialised grades of material for growing demand in a range of applications due to its lightweight properties, including sports equipment, technical textiles, consumer goods such as smart phones, and use in medical equipment. Arkema will also continue to produce elastomer products at its plant in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, US.
As per MRC, Arkema announces the proposed divestment of its epoxides business to Cargill, a leader in agricultural products and services. With this project, Arkema is pursuing the repositioning of its portfolio on its core businesses. Arkema produces bio-based and specialty epoxides in Blooming Prairie (MN, USA), used as additives or intermediates in the manufacture of lubricants, plastic additives and a wide variety of other applications. Part of Arkema’s Hydrogen Peroxide activity, this business has limited integration with the rest of the Group’s portfolio, generates sales of around US USD40 million and employs approximately 45 people.
As per MRC, Arkema is further increasing its fluoropolymer production capacities in Changshu, China, by 35% in 2022. The increase in capacity is scheduled to come on stream before the end of 2022, the company said in a statement. Financial and overall capacity details of the expansion project were not disclosed.
Arkema is one of the world's leading chemical manufacturers headquartered in Colombes (near Paris, France). Founded in 2004 as a result of the restructuring of the French oil company Total, Arkema, with a turnover of EUR6.5 billion, has operations in 40 countries, 10 research centers around the world, and 85 plants in Europe, North America and Asia.
MRC