Arkema inaugurated a next-generation acrylic acid purification unit at its Carling site in France, introducing an innovative process that improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. The new facility strengthens the Group’s position in the European acrylics market while supporting the decarbonisation of the chemical industry. The project forms part of Arkema’s broader climate strategy, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of its industrial operations through targeted investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema, and Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.
€150 Million Investment Supports Industrial Decarbonisation
Arkema invested nearly €150 million in the new purification unit, making it one of the company’s largest industrial projects in France. The facility also contributes to Arkema’s decarbonisation investment programme, which could reach a cumulative €400 million over the 2022–2030 period. The inauguration coincided with the General Assembly of the Critical Chemicals Alliance, where European industrial leaders and policymakers discussed strategic challenges facing the region’s chemical sector. Key priorities included industrial sovereignty, competitiveness and decarbonisation. Through this investment, Arkema aims to strengthen European chemical production while improving the environmental performance of its manufacturing operations.
New Technology Improves Energy Efficiency and Reduces Emissions
The next-generation purification unit delivers significant operational and environmental benefits. According to Arkema, the innovative process improves the energy efficiency of acrylic acid purification by 25% and reduces the carbon intensity of operations at the Carling site by 20%. In addition, the technology optimises resource and waste management while significantly reducing solvent consumption. These improvements can help lower the environmental footprint of acrylic acid production while enhancing industrial efficiency. The investment demonstrates how process innovation can support emissions reduction without compromising the competitiveness of chemical manufacturing.
Carling Site Strengthens Europe’s Acrylics Production
Arkema’s Carling facility is one of Europe’s leading acrylic production sites. It manufactures acrylic monomers used in a range of industrial applications, including performance coatings, adhesives, water treatment and advanced materials. By upgrading its purification infrastructure, Arkema aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of acrylic acid production while strengthening its position in the European market.
Arkema Emphasises European Industrial Competitiveness
Thierry Le Hénaff highlighted the role of the investment in advancing the company’s climate ambitions. He noted that Arkema’s decarbonisation programme combines industrial investment with efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Stéphane Séjourné also emphasised the importance of retaining essential chemical production capabilities in Europe. He described the Carling project as an example of how industrial hubs can invest in lower-carbon production, preserve regional expertise and support Europe’s strategic autonomy. As per the press release , the acrylic acid purification unit marks an important step in Arkema’s efforts to combine industrial competitiveness with decarbonisation. By deploying energy-efficient technology and reducing resource consumption, the company aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient European chemical industry.
