Solvay to expand sulfone polymer capacity in India

The Euro 12.4-billion specialty polymers company Solvay, is planning to expand capacity of its plant in India as part of its strategy to raise the global production of its high-performance sulfone polymers. 

“The company expects to increase global production capacity for its high-performance sulfone polymers by more than 35 percent over the next five years through significant investments and process optimisations at facilities in the US and Asia,” said Solvay in a press release. 

While the company’s sulfone polymers facility in Asia is located at Panoli (Gujarat), its production site in the US is based at Marietta (Ohio). In addition to producing sulfone polymers at these facilities, Solvay is back-integrated, producing sulfone monomer at Panoli as well as its plant in Augusta (Georgia, USA), to ensure security of supply for its customers in fast-growing markets.

The company - whose portfolio includes Udel polysulfone (PSU), Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Veradel polyethersulfone (PESU) - has already added more than 12,000 metric tonnes 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. 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,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of Solvay’s specialty polymers global business unit.

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.