Solvay's new SOLEF® production capacity strengthens its leadership in the growing specialty polymers market

Solvay announced today that it is reinforcing its leadership on the growing world market for SOLEF® Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) by starting up new production capacity at its Tavaux plant, France. Solvay invested EUR 26 million to increase the PVDF production capacity at the plant by 50%.

Solvay's SOLEF® PVDF is, among others, used for demanding applications in oil & gas extraction, as binders and in separators in Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal-Polymer® (LMP) batteries in hybrid and electric cars, in semiconductor manufacturing, in water purification membranes for waste water filtration equipments or in batteries and capacitors which enable energy storage in a wide range of electronic devices. The outstanding properties of SOLEF® PVDF combined with the multiple available processing techniques make this fluorinated polymer a prime material for new applications in various demanding environments and applications.

“Global demand for PVDF grew markedly in the last five years. Our SOLEF® PVDF with its impressive competitive edge resulting from its product quality and consistency is clearly benefiting from such a significant market demand,” commented Augusto Di Donfrancesco, General Manager of Solvay's Global Business Unit Specialty Polymers. “Being used in an increasing number of applications that benefit from the global megatrends, we expect SOLEF® PVDF demand growth to continue. Our customers know they can build on our long experience and strong track-record as PVDF producer,” he added.

Source: Solvay