Arkema reflects on two decades of growth and transformation in specialty materials

Arkema reflects on two decades of growth and transformation in specialty materials

(IN BRIEF) Arkema is marking 20 years since its creation and Paris stock market listing by highlighting its transformation into a global specialty materials company focused on innovation and sustainability. Since 2006, the company has nearly doubled in size, increased the share of specialty chemicals in its business portfolio to 85%, completed around thirty acquisitions and expanded manufacturing operations across North America and Asia. Arkema also emphasized its investments in research and development, low-carbon technologies and advanced materials used in sectors including renewable energy, electronics and clean mobility. The company said it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions significantly while improving workplace safety and diversity, positioning itself for continued growth in global specialty materials markets.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 18-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Arkema is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its listing on the Paris Stock Exchange, marking two decades of transformation from a largely European commodity chemicals producer into a global leader in specialty materials focused on innovation, sustainability and advanced industrial technologies.

Founded on 18 May 2006 with the ambition of becoming an independent reference player in specialty materials, Arkema said its growth over the past twenty years has been driven by strategic acquisitions, industrial expansion, research and development investments and a continuous reshaping of its business portfolio. Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since the company’s creation, said the group’s transformation had been enabled by the commitment of its workforce, the breadth of its technologies and long-term support from customers and stakeholders.

Over the last two decades, Arkema has significantly increased its focus on specialty chemicals, which now account for 85% of total sales compared with 36% at the company’s inception. The transformation has been supported by almost thirty acquisitions, including the purchases of Bostik, Coatex, Sartomer, Den Braven and the adhesives business of Ashland.

The company also expanded its global manufacturing footprint by establishing industrial facilities in North America and Asia, including major sites in Beaumont, Calvert City, Changshu, Kerteh and Singapore. Arkema said this geographic diversification has allowed it to balance sales more evenly across the world’s major regions and strengthen resilience in a more complex international market environment.

According to the company, shareholder value creation has also been a significant aspect of its growth story. Employees now hold nearly 10% of the group’s share capital, while Arkema’s total shareholder return has increased by around 270% over the twenty-year period despite broader challenges facing the global chemicals sector.

Innovation has remained central to the company’s strategy, with annual research and development spending exceeding 3% of sales in 2025. Arkema said its materials technologies are increasingly being applied in sectors such as clean mobility, energy efficiency, electronics, renewable energy, healthcare and 3D printing.

Alongside industrial expansion, Arkema highlighted progress in environmental and social responsibility. The company stated that it has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 67% since 2013 under targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). It also reported major improvements in workplace safety and gender diversity, with women now representing 31% of senior management and executive positions compared with 18% in 2015.

Looking ahead, Arkema said it intends to continue pursuing growth opportunities in specialty materials markets while maintaining its focus on sustainable innovation, environmental responsibility and long-term industrial development.

Media Contacts:

Gilles Galinier
VP Communication
+33 (0)1 49 00 70 07

Anne Plaisance
+33 (0)6 81 87 48 77
anne.plaisance@arkema.com

SOURCE: Arkema