Arkema, a world major in Fluorochemicals

With efficient and competitive industrial facilities in Europe, Asia and North America, strategic partnerships, strong commercial positions, and an innovative R&D, Arkema is a major world player in Fluorochemicals.

Solid industrial base

Arkema operates on the three main continents, in Calvert City (US), Changshu (China), and Europe with two production sites, namely Zaramillo (Spain) and Pierre-Bénite (France). On the strength of these two European facilities, at the heart of a fully integrated activity with chlorinated solvents upstream and fluorinated polymers downstream, Arkema is a leading European player in fluorinated products.

As part of a joint venture with Daikin, a new HFC 125 plant is under construction in Changshu, due for start-up in 2010.

Recent investments, in Calvert City with the construction of a Forane® 32 plant and in Changshu with a 50% increase in Forane® 22 production capacity, confirm Arkema’s worldwide industrial base.

Extensive product range

By developing a commercial range geared to fulfill market needs, Arkema offers its customers a comprehensive package including pure fluids, compounds and blends.

Innovative R&D to anticipate market trends

With its in-depth knowledge of the markets and its R&D expertise, Arkema offers innovative solutions that meet the latest regulatory requirements. Arkema can therefore assist its customers in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry with the switch from 2nd generation fluids (HCFCs) to 3rd generation fluids (HFCs) yesterday in Europe, today in the US, and tomorrow in Asia. With Forane® 427A, Arkema offers an effective solution for the retrofit of equipment from R 22 to HFCs.

Similarly, Arkema stands as the major partner in the development of next generation, i.e. 4th generation fluorinated compounds fulfilling the technical and economic demands of the various industries using fluorinated gases, while continuing to enhance its environmental standing. An industrial process currently under development will enable Arkema to offer new 4th generation compounds based on very-low-GWP hydro-fluoro-olefins in the coming months.

Reader enquiries

Arkema
420, rue d'Estienne d'Orves
92705 COLOMBES CEDEX
France
+33 (0)1 49 00 80 80
www.arkema.com

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Notes for editors

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three strategically related businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 5.7 billion euros in 2007. Arkema has 15,200 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.