French PVC producer Kem One (Lyon; www.kemone.com) on 2 April announced the launch of a project to convert its diaphragm and mercury chlorine / caustic soda electrolysis at its plant in Lavéra / France to the bipolar membrane technology. The switch is aimed at ensuring that the facility will comply with the European directive phasing out the use of mercury by the end of 2019. Kem One said the investment was “major” for its development and sustainability, adding that financing for the project was supported by the French state.

The PVC producer, which last year was acquired by industrialist Alain de Krassny and OpenGate Capital (Los Angeles, California / USA; www.opengatecapital.com) – see Plasteurope.com of 03.01.2014 – said that by mid-2016, the conversion would improve the reliability of the Lavéra site, enabling energy savings, higher product quality and a reduced environmental impact. Kem One president de Krassny added that the move would “strengthen Kem One’s competitive position in the chlorochemicals and PVC field.”