Arkema plans to increase its global Pebax® elastomer production capacity by 40%

Latest: Arkema increases its previously announced 25% to 40% capacity expansion for Pebax® elastomers at its Serquigny plant in France, in two phases, first in the first quarter of 2023 , increasing global capacity by 15%, from
A further 25% increase will begin in the third quarter of 2023.

Further increases in Pebax® elastomer capacity will support strong demand from partner customers in the sports, consumer electronics, medical and industrial markets who recognize the light weight, flexibility and excellent energy return of highly specialized Pebax® grades. Applications range from ultra-fast running shoes to catheters or flexible device screens.

In addition to new capacity expansions in France and supporting the growth of its global customers, Arkema is currently evaluating further investment opportunities, including in Asia.

As customer needs are increasingly driven by sustainability and social responsibility, Arkema has benefited from its bio-based Pebax® over the past few years
Strong growth in the Rnew® grade, which is made from renewable castor beans. Because these materials are bio-based, they have a significantly lower carbon footprint and can be fully recycled as part of Arkema’s advanced polymer Virtucycle® recycling program.

Arkema continues to innovate and invest to further improve the carbon footprint of its materials. For example, as part of this expansion, water consumption at the Serquigny plant will be reduced by 25% due to process improvements.

Erwoan, Senior Vice President of Arkema’s Performance Polymers business line
Pezron said: “We are very pleased to announce the accelerated growth of our Pebax® elastomer capacity. Demand also continues to grow, especially for our bio-based Pebax®
Rnew® series. There is no compromise between high performance and sustainability. Our clients demand both. ”