Chlorochemicals and PVC

Arkema is Europe’s third largest producer in the chlorine/PVC segment. The Chlorochemicals and PVC Business Unit operates seven production plants in France, one in Spain. And is also involved in joint ventures in Spain and Qatar.

The teams are supported by Arkema’s worldwide network of sales offices and its applied research centers.

Manufactured and Marketed Products

Chlorine and chlorine derivatives

Chlorine is the basic feedstock. It is produced by electrolysis of seawater and in France is manufactured at plants in Jarrie, Saint-Auban, Fos and Lavéra. In the electrolysis process, the application of an electric current to brine (a water and salt solution) systematically produces chlorine, hydrogen and sodium hydroxide in invariable proportions. Most of the chlorine is recombined in the form of organic or inorganic chlorine derivatives.

Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries, such as food, cosmetics, pulp and paper, and detergents.

Organic chlorine derivatives such as methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane and vinyl chloride are used as solvents in the pharmaceutical industry and process intermediates in the chemical industry.

Inorganic chlorine derivatives such as hydrochloric acid, aluminum chloride and bleach are used as process intermediates in the chemical industry or, in the case of bleach, as a disinfectant.

Process fluids comprise solvents, coolants and dielectric fluids.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

It is a chlorine derivative obtained by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer and accounts for most of the chlorine produced by the Business Unit. It is manufactured in France at plants in Balan, Berre, Saint-Fons and Saint-Auban. PVC has a very wide array of applications and is a key material in a large number of markets, including building and construction (windows and pipes in particular), packaging and the leisure industry.

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