Solvay has announced plans to more than double output capability for its Solef-brand high performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plant in Changsu, China.

The expanded capacity is planned to be in the market by the first half of 2022. The Belgian chemicals and plastics producer did not disclose the size of the increase nor reveal existing capacity.

Solvay said the upgrade supports its recently-announced G.R.O.W. strategy, which focuses investment in high-growth sustainable solutions in materials. Here, it said sustainable mobility is driving double-digit growth demand for PVDF in applications such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, with Asia the largest market.

The group added that its innovation pipeline for the high performance polymer will help customers optimise energy storage efficiency by increasing the battery’s energy density, safety and power.

Along with batteries, other growing applications for the high-performance polymer are said to include offshore oil and gas pipes and liners, high purity semiconductors, and membranes for water purification.