The project will be undertaken in two separate phases. The first will raise output by 15% in the first quarter of 2023, then by a further 25% starting in the third quarter of next year.

In addition to the French expansion, Arkema said it is currently assessing further investment opportunities, including in Asia, in order to support the growth of its global customers in the sports, consumer electronics, medical and industrial markets. Applications range from running shoes and ski boots to catheters and to flexible device screens.

Arkema cited particularly strong growth for its bio-based Pebax grade called Rnew that is derived from renewable castor beans and can be fully recycled.

“We are very excited to announce this acceleration of our Pebax elastomer capacity increase. Demand continues to grow, especially for our bio-based Pebax Rnew range”, said Erwoan Pezron, senior vice president of Arkema’s high-performance polymers business. “There is no compromise between high performance and sustainability. Our customers demand both.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Author