Shortly after the expansion of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) production at its site in Changshu, Jiangsu / China (see Plasteurope.com of 27.04.2017), Arkema (Colombes / France; www.arkema.com) is initiating similar plans for its sister operation in Calvert City, Kentucky / USA. By mid-2018, production in Kentucky will be increased by about 20%. According to Plasteurope.com's Polyglobe database (www.polyglobe.net), the site’s capacity is 11,000 t/y, although the French company does not comment on any figures.

The reason given for the continued expansion is a strong demand for the “Kynar” grades. In North America, this especially comes from renewable energy, water management, high-performance cables and chemical industry applications.

This step cements the company’s global PVDF leadership. In addition to Changshu and Calvert City, Arkema operates a third site in Pierre-Bénite / France for fluoropolymers production. In total, the capacity should be almost 30,000 t/y. The combined production capacities of its competitors Solvay and Kureha are just enough to keep up.