Arkema Expands Shanghai R&D Centre to Strengthen Innovation in Asia
Arkema has inaugurated the expansion of its R&D Centre in Shanghai, China, strengthening its role as a key innovation hub for the Group’s businesses. The expanded centre will promote collaboration among research teams and support joint development projects with customers across China and Asia.
It will focus on accelerating innovation in advanced applications and developing sustainable material solutions.
“China is Arkema’s second-largest market and one of the most dynamic innovation hubs worldwide. As industries and customers in China accelerate their R&D efforts, we must continue to strengthen our local capabilities to stay closely aligned with their evolving needs. This upgrade of Arkema’s R&D Center in Shanghai will bring together expertise from across the Group to co-develop with our customers high performance, sustainable Specialty Materials solutions,” said Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema.
Arkema’s Shanghai R&D Centre was established in 2011 as Bostik’s Asia Technology Center, focusing on adhesive solutions. Over the past 15 years, the centre has developed expertise in materials synthesis, formulation development and application testing, supporting innovations for high-speed rail, food packaging and sustainable consumer goods.
The expansion supports Arkema’s One Arkema strategy by combining expertise across its businesses and strengthening its position as an innovation partner.
It increases laboratory space by around 20% and introduces new collaborative areas, including an interactive showroom to present the Group’s speciality materials solutions and improve engagement with customers and partners.
The expanded centre will also strengthen collaboration with the local innovation ecosystem through partnerships with organisations such as Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park and Green Support Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., which maintain close links with start-ups and emerging technology companies.
Globally, Arkema continues to strengthen its research and innovation capabilities through its extensive R&D network, connecting expertise in China with research centres across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Source: Arkema
