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Through an investment at its Serquigny, France plant, Arkema plans to increase its global manufacturing capacity for Pebax thermoplastic polyether-block-amide TPEs by approximately 25%, to meet increased market demand from the sports and consumer goods sectors.  This investment will notably enable increased production of the biocircular Pebax Rnew which are based on the company’s nylon 11 chemistry, and traditional Pebax ranges.

This new capacity, due on stream in mid-2023, will produce a variety of highly specialized grades to meet growing demand in numerous demanding applications thanks to the lightweight, flexibility and excellent energy return of these materials, says Arkema. These properties are particularly appreciated in sports equipment, such as soles for running shoes, ski boots or technical textile, in consumer goods such as smartphones and flexible screens, as well as in other markets such as medical equipment.

Derived from renewable castor seeds, Pebax Rnew biocircular TPEs reportedly have a carbon footprint that is up to 50% lower and can be fully recycled compared to other elastomers on the market.