Solvay Solef(R) PVDF polymer production presence turns truly global with new production unit in China

Brussels — Solvay has inaugurated its Solef® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plant in China, to meet booming global demand for this thermoplastic polymer in energy-efficient, environmental and industrial applications.

“Solvay’s consistent expansion on the Changshu site, this time with a new Solef® PVDF plant, shows we are committed to serve our customers from Asia, where demand is particularly strong. Our Solef® PVDF production presence now spans the globe with plants in three key continents: Europe, the United States and Asia,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit.

Solef® PVDF is used for applications such as lithium-ion batteries (li-ion) in hybrid and electric vehicles (xEV), for offshore oil and gas pipes and liners and in membranes for water purification. Solef® PVDF production in Changshu started in July.

Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers in diverse global end markets. Its products and solutions are used in planes, cars, smart and medical devices, batteries, in mineral and oil extraction, among many other applications promoting sustainability. Its lightweighting materials enhance cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 27,000 employees in 58 countries. Net sales were € 10.9 billion in 2016, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world’s top 3 leaders. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB – Reuters: SOLB.BR) and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.

Source: Solvay