Arkema Realignment Leads the News

Readers last week were most interested in Arkema’s plan to reorganize its business through a focus on specialty materials (Arkema Realigns Organization to Focus on Specialty Materials with Three Business Segments): “At a recent Strategy Update meeting, Arkema presented its ambition to become a world leader in specialty materials realigned around three coherent businesses: Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions. In the context of COVID-19, Arkema also provided an update on the management and the consequences of this unprecedented health crisis.

“Since 2006, Arkema reports that it has undertaken an in-depth transformation that has enabled it to progressively develop leading positions in specialty materials through targeted investments, an innovation policy focused on the major sustainable development trends, and proactive portfolio management. These activities now account for almost 80% of its sales.

“Today, Arkema is entering a new phase in this transformation based on the three coherent and complementary divisions focused on specialty materials. The company reports that it enjoys a unique positioning around those three growth platforms, combining in-house innovation expertise, strong commercial and industrial synergies, and a common approach to serving customers in sustainable and growing markets. Thus, the group has decided to align its organization and reporting with this vision.

“In addition, Arkema has announced an Intermediates division, consisting of MMA/PMMA, Fluorogases, and Asia Acrylics, consolidating activities with more volatile results and for which the group will implement differentiated strategies. In particular, the group will undertake a review of its strategic options for MMA/PMMA, explore possible alternatives to minimize its exposure to the most emissive applications of its Fluorogases, and rebalance its Asia Acrylics business between upstream and downstream.”

Do you have news to share with the industry? Please send press releases to me at suttons@bnpmedia.com.

Top 5 News that Sticks for April 12-18

1. Arkema Realigns Organization to Focus on Specialty Materials with Three Business Segments
2. Berry Global to Invest in Meltblown Capacity to Serve Face Mask Demand in the EMEIA Region
   2nd week at #2!
3. Emerald Kalama Chemical Names Herbst Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Specialties
4. Synthomer Completes Acquisition of OMNOVA Solutions
5. World Adhesive and Sealant Conference Rescheduled for 2021; ASC Adds Annual Convention in November 2020

This weekly roundup highlights the adhesives, sealants, and coatings-related news stories that garnered the most attention during the previous week on our website, as well as our eNewsletters and social media platforms.