SolVin to expand PVdC latex production

The Solvay and BASF joint venture SolVin is to build a new production line for polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) latex at its Tavaux, France site.

The 10,000tpa of additional capacity is in response to growing demand for the latex for barrier coatings in packaging applications, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical markets.

The new line will benefit from full upstream feedstock integration. It is due on stream in mid-2009.

SolVin plans to improve its logistics operations at the same time as the new line is being built in order to improve its service to the rapidly expanding Asian market. It will also “continue to assess opportunities” to create an entirely new production site in Asia or the North American Free Trade Agreement countries.

“With this new production line, SolVin will maintain its commercial and technological leadership as well as its global reputation of excellence in the PVdC market” said Vincenzio Morici, general manager of the Specialty Polymers Strategic Business Unit, Solvay. “This will provide SolVin with an appropriate competitive position to access the emerging markets in Asia and NAFTA.”