Solvay: Changshu Project Put Into Operation Ahead of Schedule, Doubled PVDF Production Capacity in China

On June 13, Solvay announced that the new PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) production capacity will land in Changshu, China. With the early completion of the project, Solvay will further expand its leading position in the global lithium-ion battery market. Since the start of production in mid-May 2022, Solvay has more than doubled production of the high-performance polymer Solef® PVDF at its Changshu site.

With the rapid development of pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, the market demand for PVDF has reached new heights. This thermoplastic fluoropolymer is used as a binder and separator coating in lithium-ion batteries. Battery life and improving battery safety are critical.

Solef® PVDF is a leading product that combines Solvay's research and innovation expertise in fluorochemistry and polymerization technology to lead the industry in developing new solutions to help customers meet current and future needs.

Solvay also recently announced a major investment in Solef® PVDF production at its plant in Tavaux, France, which will make the plant the largest PVDF production site in Europe. This increase in PVDF production capacity in China once again demonstrates Solvay's firm determination to ensure the supply of materials to customers around the world.

“The demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing rapidly,” said Francescantonio Azzariti, global head of sales, Solvay’s Battery Materials Platform. All inspired us.