Bostik, the adhesive solutions segment of Arkema, has announced the start-up of a new world-scale industrial adhesives plant in Nara, Japan, within the Bostik-Nitta JV. Those new capacities will enable Bostik to serve its Japanese customers in the continuously growing markets of diapers, hygiene, packaging, labelling, transportation and electronics.

The investment is in line with Bostik’s growth and geographical expansion strategy. The new facility includes several production lines dedicated, on the one hand, to adhesives for the non-woven industry (diapers and hygiene) and, on the other hand, to the industrial markets of packaging, labelling, transportation and electronics. It will enable Bostik to support the strong growth of its customers in the disposable hygiene sector in Japan and to expand the manufacturing of certain industrial adhesives ranges in Asia. This investment represents a new step in the geographical strengthening of Bostik, remaining close to its customers, and confirms its commitment to developing innovative and sustainable products at the highest level of quality and performance, according to Arkema.

The investment is in line with the Arkema’s roadmap to become a pure specialty materials player by 2024, centred on adhesive solutions, advanced materials, and coating solutions. Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials.

“We are very pleased with the successful start-up of this new plant, the first one in Japan for Bostik. The geographical expansion of our production capacity to support the growth of our customers is a core part of our strategy to become a leading global player,” Vincent Legros, executive vice president, Bostik said.