Arkema will expand refrigerant production in China

At the 17th International Refrigeration Exhibition held in Shanghai, Arkema, the world’s second largest fluorochemical producer, announced for the first time that its production capacity at its Forane 22 plant in Changshu, China, will increase by 50% from an annual output of 20,000. The ton has been increased to 30,000 tons to meet the demand of the Chinese market for environment-friendly refrigerants and fluorine-containing polymer products. It plans to start production this year.

Forane22 is a chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), a second-generation product that is the main product that will replace China's use of Freon in 2007, can be used as a refrigerant for air conditioning and commercial refrigeration, and produces a series of polymerizations. Raw materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Arkema Changshu Forane22 production plant was put into production in 2000, using hydrofluoric acid integration technology. The expansion of production capacity will enable Arkema to upgrade its position in the Asian market.

According to Du Wang, general manager of Arkema Fluorine Chemical's Pan-Pacific Region, China is a very important global refrigerant market. More than 60% of the world's air conditioners come from China, attracting more and more manufacturers to invest in China. Arkema wants to be a top-ranking producer in the Chinese market and has established a technology-leading Forane 22 production base in Changshu, and continues to expand and develop new varieties based on market development. Pierre Chanoine, Group President of the Arkema Fluorochemical Products Group, said that through this investment, Arkema will strengthen its leadership position as a new HFC fluorochemicals developer and can help Arkema's customers transition to the growing HFC technology.

Arkema also announced that it has invested US$45 million to expand its production base in Calvert City, Kentucky, USA, to produce HFC-32 new-generation refrigerants, making Arkema the world’s largest HFC-32 producer and plans to start production in 2007.