Arkema expands its Shanghai R&D center, with China being its second market
Arkema officially opened, according to a press release published on October 15, 2026, the extension of its research and development center in Shanghai, presented as an innovation platform serving all of the group's activities. China is the second market for the chemicals company, according to its chief executive officer, Thierry Le Hénaff, who inaugurated the site.
A center created at Bostik, open to all group activities
The Shanghai center was created in 2011 under the name Bostik Asia Technology Center, with a specialization in adhesive solutions. According to the press release, it has developed over fifteen years expertise in material synthesis, formulation development and application validation, for markets such as high-speed rail, food packaging and sustainable consumer goods.
The extension should enable synergies between teams and co-development with customers in China and Asia. The group links it to its "One Arkema" strategy, which consists of mobilizing all of its materials expertise, as well as to its investment strategy in its global network of laboratories.
"As industries and customers in China accelerate their R&D efforts, we must continue to strengthen our local capabilities to stay as close as possible to their needs," said Thierry Le Hénaff at the inauguration, in the presence of the French Consul General in Shanghai, representatives of local authorities, customers and partners.
Changshu and Guangzhou complete the R&D network in China
Specifically, the extension increases the laboratory space by approximately 20% and adds new collaborative spaces, including an interactive exhibition space dedicated to Specialty Materials solutions. The site should also strengthen its links with the local ecosystem, through partnerships with Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park and Green Support Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., two structures close to start-ups and emerging technology companies.
The group indicated it is continuing to develop its R&D network in several Chinese regions. Within the next two months, its Changshu center should take a new step in the modernization and capacity increase of its materials laboratories for batteries, a project initiated earlier this year.
Arkema is also building a "One Arkema" laboratory in Guangzhou intended for customers in electronics and batteries. As a reminder, the three segments of Specialty Materials (Adhesives, Advanced Materials, Coating Solutions) represented approximately 85% of the group's sales in 2025, on total revenue of approximately 9.1 billion euros.
