In parallel with its project to increase global capacity of bio-based polyamide 11 by 50% in Singapore, Arkema has announced the construction of a polyamide 11 powders plant on its Changshu platform in China. Scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2023, this investment will further support the growing demand for advanced bio-circular materials in Asia.

Arkema reports that its Rilsan^® polyamide 11 powders, currently produced in France from renewable castor beans, are recognized for their properties and performance in terms of toughness, durability, lightweight, and processing versatility. They are used in demanding applications and provide solutions for fast-growing markets driven by megatrends such as durable home appliances, energy-efficient transport, and advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) primarily for consumer, industrial, and aerospace markets.

Beyond the bio-based nature of the powder, this project will also contribute to Arkema’s sustainability commitments by using highly efficient manufacturing processes and by being physically closer to the new amino 11 plant in Singapore. This expansion goes hand in hand with the group’s polyamide 11 plant currently under construction in Singapore, which is on track to start production mid-2022.

“We are very excited about this expansion,” said Erwoan Pezron, senior vice president, High Performance Polymers. “There is strong and growing demand in Asia across all of our key powders markets and this added capacity will enable us to supply the region from within the region.”

Learn more about Arkema at www.arkema.com.