Elevance and Arkema announce global partnership

Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. and Arkema announced a global partnership for the development and production of renewable specialty polymers. Elevance is providing novel, differentiated, functionalized renewable starting materials, including the company’s 9-decenoic methyl ester, from their bio refineries. Arkema has a long and well-established background in the field of bio-based specialty polymers. By combining their expertise, both companies will work on the development of a range of specialty bio-based polymers based on Elevance specialty methyl ester intermediate. “Arkema’s position as producer of high-performing bio-sourced technical polymers is a natural fit for our unique specialty chemicals,” said Andy Shafer, executive vice president of sales and market development for Elevance. “We are pleased to be partnering with them in this important market for both of us”. Based in Woodridge, Ill., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. creates valued specialty chemicals from natural oils. Using a Nobel Prize-winning technology called olefin metathesis, the company creates high performance ingredients for use in personal care products, detergents, fuels, lubricants and other specialty chemicals markets. Arkema is France’s leading chemical maker. (February 27, 2012)