Arkema doubles Sartomer photocure resins capacity in Asia

Arkema (Colombes, France) is doubling UV curable resins production capacity at its Nansha plant in China. The expansion, scheduled for the second half of 2023, is expected to support the fast-growing demand in Asia for cutting-edge solutions in electronics driven by 5G technology, and in renewable energies. 

Further, the investment is aligned with Arkema’s strategy to develop its Coating Solutions segment with high value-added solutions and reinforce its downstream acrylics activities in Asia, as it will enable Arkema to grow its high-performance and solvent-free solutions portfolio for UV curing, marketed under the flagship brand Sartomer (which are also used for 3D printing applications, see “Commercializing UV-curable thermosets for continuous fiber 3D printing”).

In addition to new production capacity, which will leverage the most recent process and manufacturing standards, the plant aims for carbon-neutrality, aided by Arkema’s energy efficiency program, purchase of green electricity and the installation of solar panels.

“We are committed to continuously develop innovative materials and sustainable technologies to meet the robust demand driven by mega-trends such as new technologies, clean mobility and urbanization,” explains Laurent Peyronneau, vice president of Arkema’s Coating Solutions. “This new capacity will enable us to provide our latest innovative photocure resin solutions and tailored services to our customers and partners in Asia.”