Arkema Partners with Aofan for Forane® 1233ZD

ARKEMA – October 7, 2022 – ARKEMA ACHIEVED TWO MAJOR STEPS IN ITS PLANS TO DEVELOP THE SUPPLY OF FORANE® 1233ZD 

In line with its previously announced plans to develop the supply of fluorinated specialty solution 1233zd, Arkema announces today the successful start-up of the production facility of its partner Aofan in China. Additionally, Arkema has launched the construction phase of the 1233zd line at its Calvert City, United States, manufacturing plant. These two units will increase the global availability of Forane® 1233zd over the next 18 months. 

ARKEMA PARTNERS WITH AOFAN FOR FORANE® 1233ZD 

Aofan has confirmed the successful start-up of their Forane® 1233zd production line at their facility in China. Aofan will provide Arkema with 1233zd and increase Arkema’s product availability. Earlier this year, Arkema announced the commercialization launch of Forane® 1233zd in the North American market as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to making sustainable materials more widely available. “Arkema’s partnership with Aofan has been over three years in the making. It comes at a time when Forane® 1233zd production could not be more critical to support the industry’s growth,” said Christophe Villain, Global Group President, Fluorochemicals. “This strategic partnership, in addition to our own plant coming online by end 2023 or early 2024, will enable us to bring more sustainable materials to home insulation, cold chain and appliance manufacturing.” 

A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE 

Arkema has officially broken ground on the new line at its Calvert City, facility. The US$60 million investment will include the retrofit of the 134a production line into a new 1233zd unit, which is expected to be completed by end 2023 or early 2024. This project supports Arkema’s climate plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in 2030 versus 2019 on the full value chain. MORE ABOUT FORANE® 1233ZD AND ITS APPLICATIONS 1233zd is part of the new generation of fluorospecialties with no or minimal emissive impact, aligned with Arkema’s sustainable development strategy to address the opportunities linked to global mega-trends. It is non-flammable and performs exceptionally well at extreme temperatures. Forane® 1233zd, a liquid blowing agent, is used primarily in closed celled polyurethane foam for building insulation and cold chain applications. The material’s ultra-low GWP and high insulation value are a major benefit for builders and manufacturers looking to maintain a low environmental impact. Forane® 1233zd also has applications for the thermal management of batteries in electric vehicles.