Arkema Widening Specialty Elastomers in France
Arkema is lifting global capacity for its Pebax elastomers at its plant in Serquigny, France. The specialty chemicals manufacturer said the investment will benefit both the bio-circular Pebax Rnew and the traditional Pebax ranges. The expansion will be in place by mid-2023.
The Colombes-based company said that thanks to the light weight, flexibility and excellent energy return of these materials, they are in strong demand from numerous applications, particularly sports equipment such as running shoes and snow boots, but are also suitable for smartphones and flexible screens in addition to medical equipment.
Arkema produces specialized grades of the material derived from renewable castor seeds. Compared with other elastomers on the market, the French player said its advanced bio-circular Pebax range has a carbon footprint that is up to 50% lower, and the materials are fully recyclable. What’s more, thanks to process optimization, water consumption at the site will shrink by 25% when the new capacity is in place.
Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist
