Arkema, the world leader in specialty polyamides, and Addiplast, a French company specializing in the manufacture of specialty compounds, have signed an agreement whereby Arkema supplies its polyamides 10, 11 and 12 to Addiplast which will process them into technical compounds and materials. These high added value solutions will target high performance applications, in particular in the automotive and electronics sectors.
As the world’s sole chemicals manufacturer to offer the entire long chain polyamides range, polyamide 12 as well as biosourced polyamides PA11 and PA10 derived from castor oil, Arkema is the leading player in the production of specialty polyamides.
Addiplast has emerged both in France and in Europe as one of the leaders in the design of technical compounds and polymers derived from polyamides, polyolefins and polycarbonates. With its expertise in the design of these materials and related processes, Addiplast became a partner of Arkema in the early 2000s.
Through this strengthened partnership, Addiplast will develop from biosourced polyamides (Rilsan® PA 11 and Hiprolon® PA 6-10, PA 10-10, PA 10-12) and other specialty long chain polyamides (Rilsamid® PA12, Hiprolon® PA 6-12) supplied by Arkema, a new range of high-end materials and compounds for injection molding. These compounds are designed for high added value applications requiring specific performances.
Marketed under the trade names Addinyl® (polyamides of fossil origin) and Addibio® Renew (biosourced polymers), these solutions fulfil demanding specification requirements in terms of mechanical strength and/or chemical resistance. They will serve on the European market diversified segments, including automotive, electronics, sports and leisure, new energies and new technologies.
This partnership will enable Addiplast to expand its offering in biosourced polymers and/or polymers reinforced with natural fibers. This range of new compounds offered by Addiplast will help fulfil the specific requirements of niche applications (colored, flame retardant, ESD, electrically conductive, etc., materials), and for Arkema, it will represent an opportunity to expand its polyamides activities in new markets.
Arkema is the only chemicals producer in the world to boast expertise spanning over 60 years in the chemistry of castor oil, the raw material of its Rilsan® polyamide 11. This position was bolstered in 2012 by the acquisition of Chinese companies Casda, the world leader in sebacic acid derived from castor oil, and Hipro Polymers, a producer of polyamides also from castor oil (Hiprolon® PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA10.12), as well as the recent acquisition of a stake in Ihsedu Agrochem, a subsidiary of Jayant Agro in India which specializes in the production of castor oil.
About Arkema
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.4 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.
About Addiplast
Addiplast specializes in the formulation, flame retardant grades and coloration of Polyamide, Polypropylene, and Polycarbonate compounds. A French independent family-owned company established in 1986, Addiplast achieves sales of over €17 million, 35% of which in export thanks to its own distribution network in Asia and Africa and its commercial subsidiaries. Building on its quality, environment, safety policy and its innovation strategy (12% of personnel dedicated to R&D activities), the company has become a major player in high tech markets through its various brands Addinyl®, Addilene®, Additer®, Addiflam®, Additec® and Addibio® Renew.
Source
Arkema, press release, 2013-10-21.
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