Arkema Looks to Boost Global Elastomer CapacityArkema Looks to Boost Global Elastomer Capacity

Specialty materials manufacturer Arkema announced Monday that it is starting a project to increase its global capacity of Pebax brand elastomer products by 25% to support growing demand from a range of markets, including consumer electronics, industrial, and medical.

A two-phase expansion project is planned at the firm’s Serquigny, France plant that will increase production of the elastomers by 40%. Arkema is also evaluating additional investment opportunities in Asia.

“We are very excited to announce this acceleration of our Pebax elastomer capacity increase,” Erwoan Pezron, senior vice president of High-Performance Polymers for Arkema, said in a release. “Demand continues to grow, especially for our bio-based Pebax Rnew range. There is no compromise between high performance and sustainability. Our customers demand both.”

Pebax Rnew is made from renewable castor beans, offering a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives. Process improvements will cut water consumption at the company’s Serquigny site by 25%.