Arkema inaugurated the expanded facilities at its Shanghai Research and Development (R&D) Centre in China, strengthening the centre’s role as a global innovation platform supporting the Group’s businesses. The expansion will promote collaboration across technical teams, encourage joint development with customers in China and other Asian markets, and accelerate innovation in advanced and sustainable materials. The investment also aligns with Arkema’s strategy to strengthen its global R&D laboratory network and develop high-performance Specialty Materials for emerging industrial applications.
Arkema Strengthens R&D Capabilities in China
During his visit to China, Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema, inaugurated the expanded centre alongside the Consul General of France in Shanghai, local government representatives, customers, partners and company management. China is Arkema’s second-largest market and one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs. As companies across the country increase their research and development activities, Arkema aims to strengthen its local capabilities and respond more effectively to evolving customer requirements.
Thierry Le Hénaff said, “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.”
Expanded Centre Builds on 15 Years of Materials Expertise
Arkema established the Shanghai R&D Centre in 2011 as Bostik’s Asia Technology Center, with an initial focus on adhesive solutions. Over the past 15 years, the facility has developed expertise in materials synthesis, formulation development and application-specific validation. This experience has supported innovations for several markets, including high-speed rail, food packaging and sustainable consumer goods.
The latest expansion increases laboratory space by approximately 20%. It also introduces collaborative facilities, including an interactive showroom, where Arkema can demonstrate its Specialty Materials solutions and engage more closely with customers and partners. Furthermore, the expanded centre will bring together expertise from across the Group, supporting the One Arkema strategy and strengthening the company’s position as an innovation partner for advanced materials applications.
Partnerships to Strengthen China’s Innovation Ecosystem
Beyond expanding its laboratory infrastructure, Arkema plans to deepen its engagement with China’s local innovation ecosystem. The company will strengthen collaboration with organisations such as Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park and Green Support Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., which maintain connections with start-ups and emerging technology companies. Through these partnerships, Arkema aims to encourage technology collaboration, identify emerging opportunities and accelerate the development of advanced material solutions.
Arkema Expands R&D Network Across China
Arkema is also advancing R&D investments at other key locations in China to support customers in high-growth technology sectors.
Changshu R&D Centre: Arkema plans to reach a new milestone in modernising and scaling up its battery materials laboratory capabilities, a programme that began earlier in 2026.
Guangzhou: The company is building a One Arkema laboratory focused on serving customers in the electronics and battery sectors.
These initiatives will complement the expanded Shanghai facility and strengthen Arkema’s ability to support customers through locally accessible research, technical expertise and application development.
Global Research Network Supports Sustainable Innovation
Arkema continues to strengthen its global R&D network by combining expertise from its Chinese facilities with capabilities at research centres across Asia, Europe and the United States. By expanding laboratory infrastructure, fostering customer partnerships and investing in strategic technology areas, the company aims to accelerate the development of high-performance, sustainable Specialty Materials. As per company press release, these investments will help Arkema respond to evolving industrial needs and reinforce its global innovation capabilities.
