Expansion Announcement from Arkema Boosts PVDF Production by 15%

Arkema has made a significant investment of approximately $20 million to expand its PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) production capacity by 15% at its facility in Calvert City, Kentucky. This project is scheduled to commence in mid-2026 and aims to target innovative grades of PVDF to meet the rising demand from local manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries, as well as the growing semiconductor and cable markets.

This expansion follows a series of strategic growth plans announced by Arkema in recent years. In early 2021, the company revealed plans to increase fluoropolymer production at its Changshu site, aiming for a 35% capacity increase by 2022. Due to strong market demand for lithium batteries, Arkema later enhanced this target to 50% while maintaining the same timeline for new capacity to be operational by the end of 2022.

Furthermore, in November 2021, Arkema announced a 50% increase in production capacity for Kynar® PVDF at its Pierre-Bénite facility to meet the accelerating demand for lithium-ion battery materials. Both of these projects are now fully operational, solidifying Arkema's commitment to supporting the evolving needs of critical industries.