Arkema opens next-generation acrylic acid purification unit in Carling
- Nearly €150 million invested in the new acrylic acid purification unit.
- The purification process improves energy efficiency by 25%.
- The unit reduces the site's carbon intensity by 20% and lowers solvent consumption.
- Project was decided in 2023 and is partly funded by France 2030 (operated by ADEME) and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU.
Project overview
Arkema inaugurated a new acrylic acid purification unit at its Carling site in France, deploying an innovative purification process. The investment is nearly €150 million and is presented as one of the Group’s largest industrial projects in France. The Carling site is a leading acrylic production facility in Europe, producing acrylic monomers for performance coatings, adhesives, water treatment and other advanced materials.
Technical and environmental impact
The new unit improves the energy efficiency of the purification process by 25% and reduces the carbon intensity of the site’s operations by 20%. The technology also optimizes resource and waste management and significantly reduces solvent consumption, aligning the plant with high operational and environmental standards and strengthening Arkema’s position in low‑carbon acrylic materials.
Strategic and political context
The inauguration was attended by Arkema CEO Thierry Le Hénaff and Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice‑President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. The ceremony coincided with the Critical Chemicals Alliance General Assembly, which convened industrial leaders and policy‑makers to address sovereignty, competitiveness and decarbonization in Europe.
Funding and timeline
The project was decided in 2023 and has been partly funded by the French State under the France 2030 program (operated by ADEME) and by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU. The unit forms part of Arkema’s decarbonization investment program, which could total up to €400 million over the 2022–2030 period.
Source: Arkema