SolVin starts new production capacity for PVDC latex in France

12-Mar-09

SolVin, a joint venture of Solvay (75%) and BASF (25%), recently announced the successful startup of new production capacity for DIOFAN® polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) latex at its Tavaux (France) plant. The new production line boosts SolVin's PVDC capacity by approximately 20,000 mtpa. Originally targeted to startup in mid-2009, construction was completed ahead of schedule and the first runs occurred in the last week of January. This allows SolVin to provide an adequate response to the demand from the dynamic barrier packaging market. DIOFAN® PVDC latex is said to be a versatile, specialty barrier material. Key applications include coatings on high-value packaging films and papers where the integrity of the goods is critical, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It also finds use as a binder in the production of water-based paints with exceptional corrosion resistance and moisture barrier. The new production line in Tavaux benefits from the full upstream integration of raw materials and from the expertise of the manufacturing staff who have developed this operation to the global standard in terms of PVDC product quality and consistency. The new line is physically separated from the other PVDC production lines, providing important backup to current assets.