To assist its growth in Asia and strengthen its research network, French chemicals and plastics producer Arkema (Colombes; www.arkema.com) has opened an innovation centre in South Korea. The facility is located within Seoul’s HanYang University, in recognition of a partnership which spans many years, Arkema said. It will specialise in high performance polymers and renewable energies, areas of excellence for the university.

The centre will also enable Arkema to support its South Korean customers in the adhesives and technical polymers markets for applications in the electronics, composites and renewable energy sectors. Arkema said the decision to integrate research between industry and academia reflected its success in France, bringing outstanding capacity for innovation while ensuring scientific excellence.

The company also operates research centres in China and Japan.