Arkema celebrates double anniversary in China

Arkema celebrated double anniversary of its facilities in Changsu – the 25th anniversary of Changsu Site and the 10th anniversary of Chanshu R&D Center.

The anniversary ceremony was joined by officials from Chinese government and French Consul, management team of Arkema, and their key partners and customers.

Changshu Site expanded for increasing production demands

Located in the Jiangsu Province’s Changshu Advanced Materials Industrial Park, Changshu Site integrates production, R&D and a regional shared service center, with around €600 million capex invested.

The site earns recognition in a number of high-growth potential areas, including lithium batteries, clean energy, more environmentally friendly coatings, building energy efficiency, sports and consumer electronics.

To support the increasing local market demands, Changshu Site also continued increasing production. Early this year, Changshu Site has increased PVDF fluoropolymer production capacity by 50%, providing high-performance, sustainable solutions for the local and Asian markets.

In the second quarter of 2023, a new polyamide 11 powders plant was established, which will further fulfil Asia’s growing demands for recyclable, high-performance bio-based materials.

Changshu R&D Center set for new innovations

Established in 2013, the R&D center has since become Arkema’s largest R&D center in Asia. This year, its laboratory has successfully obtained the Laboratory Accreditation Certificate issued by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) further confirming its professional capabilities.

Clean energy is one of the key innovation areas at the center. Rilsan PA11, Arkema’s flagship product, is the ideal material for hydrogen barriers due to its 100% renewable origin and exceptional physical characteristics.

Luperox organic peroxides are used as “mission critical” niche additives optimizing processes in multiple applications, including the field of solar area.

Kynar fluoropolymers is an important component in lithium battery for improving energy density, performance at elevated temperatures, and binder adhesion of the batter, as well as enhancing the processing safety of battery manufacturing.

“The way Changshu Site and Changshu R&D Center developed over the years truly reflect Arkema’s 40-years of history and commitment to the Chinese market. As we look ahead, our aim is to continue taking big strides forward and facilitating the development of high-quality, sustainability, and innovation,” said Julie Xiaoyu Zhang, President of Arkema Greater China.