(Interview) Arkema achieves breakthrough in bio-based materials with ABC strategy

Although challenges lie ahead for the global economy—such as policy changes, technological barriers, and geopolitical risks—Arkema is confident about the industry outlook for 2025.

Dr. Michael Zhu, Greater China General Manager, High Performance Polymers of Arkema, points out that this confidence stems from accelerating technological innovation and a global green transformation, with the performance of the Chinese market being particularly pivotal.

Dr. Michael Zhu, Greater China General Manager, High Performance Polymers of Arkema.

As Arkema's second-largest national market in the world, China serves not only as a key engine for business growth but also as a strategic base for promoting global technological collaboration and sustainable practices. “China's thriving business environment and its open-door policy provide fertile ground for the long-term development of foreign enterprises,” he emphasizes.

Growth drivers: Rising standards and policy support

The flourishing development of the plastics industry is driven by both the demand for high-standard materials from downstream industries and supportive government policies. On the demand side, the automotive, electronics, construction, and medical sectors are placing increasingly stringent requirements on material performance, sustainability, and innovation.

For instance, the rise of new energy vehicles has spurred the demand for lightweighting and high-temperature resistance, promoting R&D in high-performance plastic materials.

At the policy level, the industrial synergy resulting from China's “dual carbon” goal has injected new momentum into the industry. Initiatives such as the “Implementation Plan for the Innovation and Development of the Fine Chemical Industry (2024-2027)” clearly support the R&D of low-carbon materials and the cluster development of the chemical industry to enhance resource efficiency.

Dr. Zhu states that these policies align with market demands, providing opportunities for companies like Arkema to showcase their technological strengths and leadership in driving industry change.

Technology trends: Bio-Based materials and local innovation

Placing sustainability and innovation at its core, Arkema focuses on two major technological trends: bio-based materials to replace traditional petroleum-based materials and localized innovation and upgrading.

In the realm of environmentally friendly materials, Arkema proposes the “ABC High-Performance Bio-Based Circular Materials” strategy:

• A (Advanced): Improve material properties including light weight, flexibility, durability, energy return, and overall toughness to meet the demanding material challenges.

• B (Bio-based): Use renewable raw materials to reduce carbon footprint.

• C (Circular): Achieve closed-loop recycling of materials.

Arkema’s flagship product, Rilsan PA11, exemplifies this concept. Not only does it offer performance comparable to traditional petroleum-based polyamides, but its 100% bio-based source (castor beans) and fully recyclable property can also reduce the carbon footprint by 80% compared to traditional polyamides. It is widely used in automotive fuel systems, new energy battery components, sports equipment, and a range of other industries.

Arkema's Rilsan® PA11 uses castor beans as a bio-based source.

Meanwhile, Arkema China is transitioning from “Made in China” to “Innovated in China”. Its Changshu R&D Center is the company’s largest R&D base in Asia. In 2023, it submitted 13 invention records and 8 patents, 94% of which are related to sustainable development. Dr. Zhu states that the fruits of local innovation are benefitting the global market.

Exhibit highlights: High performance and sustainability

At CHINAPLAS 2025, Arkema is showcasing the following innovative materials:

• High-performance bio-based recyclable materials, including Rilsan PA11, Pebax Rnew elastomer, and Rilsan Clear transparent polyamides. The company is working towards its 2030 target of reducing the carbon footprint of Rilsan? PA11 to 1 kg CO2 equivalent per kg.

• Ultra-high-performance specialty polymers, such as Kynar PVDF (which offers excellent stability in corrosive and high-temperature environments), Kepstan PEKK (for aerospace and medical applications), and PI polyimide resin (designed for stability in harsh environments).

• A breakthrough in the circular economy: the world's first 100% recyclable running shoes made from Arkema's high-performance polyamide material.

Plans are in place to reach a sales target of approximately 12 billion euros by 2028. To achieve this goal, Arkema will continue to increase investments in the Chinese market. “Investing in China is investing in the future. Arkema will use innovative materials to help different industries achieve green transformation." Dr. Zhu concludes.

Booth: 17D111