Arkema Advances Acrylic Acid Plant Project in Carling, France
- The project involves a €130 million investment in a new acrylic acid unit.
- The plant will improve energy efficiency by 25% and reduce carbon intensity by 20%.
- The new distillation unit is set to be operational by 2026.
- Acrylic monomers are used in products like laptops, paints, and diapers.
Project Overview
Arkema is advancing its acrylic acid plant project in Carling, France, marking a significant milestone with the installation of giant columns. This project, initiated in 2024, represents a €130 million investment aimed at constructing a new unit featuring an innovative acrylic acid purification process. The initiative is designed to enhance energy efficiency by 25% and reduce carbon intensity by 20%, while optimizing resource and waste management and increasing production capacity.
Construction Details
The scale of the project is substantial, involving the mobilization of at least 100 employees, with a peak of 200 workers expected, including external contractors from various trades such as pipefitters, mechanics, electricians, and industrial IT specialists. Transporting the 60-meter-long columns, each weighing 150 tons, posed a significant challenge. The successful lifting and installation of these columns mark the first concrete stage of the new distillation unit, which is scheduled to be operational by 2026.
Market Impact
The Carling site plays a crucial role in the acrylics market, being the second largest chemical company in terms of installed capacity in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The plant specializes in acrylic monomers, essential compounds used in the production of various everyday items. These include metal coatings for laptops and tablets, paints, adhesives, super absorbents for diapers, and flocculation agents for water treatment.