Arkema: Expansion of PVDF capacity in the U.S. completed

French specialty chemicals group Arkema completed the expansion of its polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) production capacity at its Calvert City, Kentucky, site in June.

According to a company press release, around USD 20 million was invested in the project over recent months. As a result, PVDF production capacity at the site has increased by approximately 15%. The project was completed within the timeframe announced at the beginning of last year.

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Arkema produces PVDF and PVDF-based copolymers in Calvert City under the "Kynar" brand. The expansion was primarily driven by continued growth in demand for PVDF used in the production of lithium-ion batteries and engineering plastics for other applications.

Laurent Tellier, an Arkema executive, commented in the latest announcement: "This expansion is an important step in strengthening our global leadership in PVDF and our ability to support the rapid growth of strategic markets. Continued strong demand in energy storage, electronics and infrastructure confirms the relevance of this investment, reflecting our disciplined approach to capital allocation and our focus on delivering high-value specialty materials to our customers."

According to the company, Arkema is one of the world's leading suppliers of PVDF. In addition to Calvert City, the group operates PVDF production facilities in Pierre-Bénite, France, and Changshu, China. According to a statement issued in March this year, PVDF capacity in Changshu is scheduled to be increased by 20% by 2028 (see plasticker news of March 26, 2026).

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

More information: www.arkema.com

Arkema, Colombes, Frankreich