Specialty polymers producer Solvay (Brussels, Belgium) has inaugurated a new Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plant in Changshu, China, to meet rising global demand for the thermoplastic polymer in energy efficiency, environmental, and industrial applications.
The PVDF product is used for applications including lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles, for offshore oil and gas pipes and liners, and in membranes for water purification.
“Solvay’s consistent expansion on the Changshu site, this time with a new PVDF plant, shows we are committed to serve our customers from Asia, where demand is particularly strong,” says Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of the company’s global specialty polymers business.
“Our Solef PVDF production presence now spans the globe with plants in three key continents: Europe, the United States, and Asia,” he adds.
PVDF production at the Changshu plant first started in July, according to the company.