In line with its voluntary product stewardship approach, Arkema has developed a new process that eliminates fluorosurfactants from its Kynar 500 PVDF. Arkema is introducing Kynar 500 PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) resin made using a new fluorosurfactant-free (FSF) process.In 2006, perfluorinated surfactants, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have come under scrutiny by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2006, Arkema decided to launch a substitution research program in order to gradually reduce the amounts of fluorosurfactants used in its PVDF range.
- As the leader in this industry, we wanted to proactively develop a way to completely eliminate the use of these fluorinated surfactants in our manufacturing process - said Erwoan Pezron, Arkema`s Worldwide Managing Director for Fluoropolymers.
- The market has come to expect leadership from Kynar 500 PVDF, the most recognized name in coating and film formulations. As the originator of high performance PVDF resins for architectural markets, our customers were looking to Arkema for substitutes. We are proud to continue to lead this market by offering a wide palette of high durability sustainable fluorosurfactant-free coating resins, including Kynar 500 and our recently commercialized Kynar Aquatec platform - said Kirsten Makel, Arkema`s North American General Manager for Fluoropolymers.
Arkema`s recently completed expansion of its Calvert City, Kentucky, facility in the United States and its recently announced Changshu, China plant will feature this new technology in its production of Kynar 500 PVDF. Arkema is now switching to its fluorosurfactant-free Kynar 500 PVDF, and is providing dedicated technical support for its formulator customers to ensure optimum application of the product.
For over 40 years, finishes based on Kynar 500 PVDF resin have helped protect commercial, industrial, and residential buildings around the world. Kynar 500 PVDF is a special grade of fluoropolymer resin used by licensed industrial paint manufacturers as the base resin in long-life coatings for aluminum, galvanized steel, and aluminized steel. Applications include metal roofing, siding, window- and door-frames, wall panels and other miscellaneous metal trims and components.
A global chemical company and France`s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three strategically related businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.7 billion euros. Arkema has 15,200 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.
