France’s Arkema (Colombes; www.arkema.com) has signed a toll agreement with its long-term cooperation partner, Addiplast (Saint-Pal-de-Mons / France; www.addiplast.com), to compound its bio-sourced polyamide resins “Rilsan" (PA 11) and “Hiprolon” ( PA 6.10, PA 10.10, PA 10.12), along with other specialty long chain polyamides, such as “Rilsamid” PA 12 and Hiprolon PA 6.12, into a new range of high-end materials and compounds for injection moulding. The products will be sold for higher performance applications in automotive and electronics.

With the new pact, Addiplast – which has cooperated with Arkema since 2000 – is in a position to expand its offering in biosourced polymers and polymers reinforced with natural fibres. The new range of compounds, the company said, will help fulfil the specific requirements of niche applications such as coloured, flame-retardant ESD and electrically conductive materials.

For Arkema, which claims it is the only chemical producer to offer the entire range of long-chain polyamides as well as biosourced PA derived from castor oil, the deal presents an opportunity to expand into new markets. The compounds made from conventionally produced PA will be marketed under the “Addinyl” brand, the bio-sourced products under the “Addibio” Renew brand.