Solvay and Shanghai 3F form JV for specialty fluorinated polymers

Chemical maker Solvay SA has partnered with China-based chemicals firm Shanghai 3F New Material Company (SH3F) to produce high performance fluorinated polymers out of a new facility in Changsu, China.

According to a statement from the two companies, the joint venture for the production of fluoromonomer TFE and PTFE polymers would be 80 per cent held by SH3F and 20 per cent by Solvay. SH3F would contribute its TFE and PTFE production plant, while Solvay would contribute a cash payment and license its PTFE proprietary technology.

SH3F will operate the joint venture’s production plant.

The companies also plan to establish a longterm supply agreement of raw materials for production of fluorinated polymers. SH3F’s Changshu plant will supply Solvay’s Specialty Polymers adjacent production unit with the strategic raw materials 142b and HFP.

“The agreement with SH3F will allow us to capture significant growth potential in the region, and China in particular,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president, Solvay Specialty Polymers. “Moreover, Solvay’s new plant will become the most complete and versatile production facility of the Specialty Polymers business unit, creating a platform for the future development of fluoropolymers to help meet demand from a growing middle class and growing use of energy.”