Arkema: Expansion of PVDF Capacities in China

The French specialty chemicals group Arkema is planning a further expansion of its capacities for the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in China.

According to a press release, a new production unit is to be built at the company’s existing Changshu site in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. The project is intended to increase PVDF capacity there by 20 percent. The new unit is expected to come on stream in 2028. However, the company did not disclose the level of investment associated with the project.

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Arkema produces PVDF and PVDF-based copolymers in Changshu under the Kynar brand name. The main driver behind the expansion project is the continuing rise in demand for PVDF for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries and for engineering plastics in other applications.

Arkema executive Laurent Tellier said in the current statement: “This expansion marks an important milestone for Arkema as we continue to invest confidently in expanding and strengthening our capacities in Changshu. This investment will enable us to further support our customers’ growth through an even more flexible and reliable supply, while also meeting the market’s need for continuous and rapid innovation.”

According to the company, Arkema is one of the world’s leading suppliers of PVDF. In addition to Changshu, the group also operates corresponding production facilities in Pierre-Bénite, France, and at its Calvert City site in the U.S. state of Kentucky, where around USD 20 million is currently being invested in expanding PVDF capacities.

Headquartered in Colombes near Paris, Arkema employs around 20,700 people worldwide at more than 150 sites. In the 2025 financial year, the listed group generated total sales of EUR 9.068 billion and achieved EBITDA of EUR 1.251 billion, along with net income of EUR 328 million.

More information: www.arkema.com

Arkema, Colombes, France