Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium; www.solvay.com) announced that it expects to increase global production capacity for its high-performance sulfone polymers by more than 35% over the next five years through significant investments and process optimizations at facilities in the U.S. and Asia. The company – whose portfolio includes Udel polysulfone (PSU), Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Veradel polyethersulfone (PESU) – has already added more than 12,000 metric tons (m.t.) over the past decade through similar measures.
“Solvay is the founding innovator of sulfone polymers with the introduction of Udel PSU more than 50 years ago,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. “We take great pride in our legacy and leadership position and, today, we are committed to continue investing in our production with the aim of meeting growing industry demand and better serving our customers worldwide.”
In addition to producing sulfone polymers at its facilities in Marietta, Ohio, USA, and Panoli, India, Solvay is back-integrated, producing sulfone monomer at Panoli as well as its plant in Augusta, Ga., USA, to ensure security of supply for its customers in fast-growing markets.
A global leader in sulfone polymer and monomer production, technical support and innovation, Solvay serves customers in highly competitive industries, such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, construction, electrical/electronics, healthcare and filtration membranes.