SEQENS advances paracetamol production unit at Roussillon
- French government launched a project in June 2020 to relocate paracetamol production to France.
- SEQENS R&D in Porcheville developed and patented a continuous-flow manufacturing process, validated at pilot scale.
- Construction at Roussillon began in early 2023 and is nearing completion; production will start end of 2026 at up to 15,000 t/yr (≈ half of European demand).
- The new process reduces energy consumption fourfold, cuts waste by 95%, and lowers CO₂ by 90% (Scopes 1&2) and 40% (Scopes 1–3).
Strategic context
The Covid-19 crisis exposed Europe’s dependence on paracetamol supply. In June 2020 the French government launched a relocation project to restore domestic production, led by SEQENS with support from the France 2030 programme and in partnership with UPSA and Opella.
Process innovation
SEQENS R&D at Porcheville designed a patented continuous-flow manufacturing route, validated through several pilot phases. The process is described as more environmentally friendly and was selected for scale-up at the Roussillon site.
Environmental and production impact
Construction at Roussillon began in early 2023 and is nearing completion. From the end of 2026 the unit will produce up to 15,000 tonnes of paracetamol per year, roughly half of European demand. Expected improvements include fourfold lower energy use, 95% less waste and CO₂ reductions of 90% on Scopes 1&2 and 40% across Scopes 1–3.
Source: Seqens
