Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium; www.solvay.com) will raise production capacity of its Solef PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) high-performance polymers in Tavaux, France, by more than 35% to meet strong global demand growth mainly for applications in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, reinforcing its technological leadership and customer support worldwide.
“Solvay’s decision to lift capacity of Solef PVDF in Tavaux by well over a third, shows our continuous commitment to address the increasing needs of our customers worldwide from our plants in Europe, North America and, since last year, Asia,” said Michael Finelli, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Gobal Business Unit.
The new capacity, from investing in new assets, should be operational by end of 2019.
Solef PVDF improves energy storage efficiency and reduces battery weight in electric vehicles or consumer electronics. Other growing applications include offshore oil and gas pipes and liners and membranes for water purification.