Arkema Expands Lyon Battery R&D Hub with €10M Investment
Event summary
- Arkema is investing €10 million to triple the size of its Global Battery Center of Excellence in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, France.
- The expansion includes modernizing research infrastructure and increasing digitalization of R&D activities.
- The project is supported by the French Research Tax Credit and the France 2030 program.
- Arkema aims to accelerate the development of advanced materials for next-generation batteries.
- The center will replicate manufacturing conditions to better integrate materials into production processes.
The big picture
Arkema's investment underscores the intensifying global race for next-generation battery materials, as automakers and energy companies demand higher performance and sustainability. The expansion aligns with broader industry trends toward localized R&D hubs and digital transformation in materials science. With €9.1 billion in 2025 sales, Arkema is positioning itself as a key player in the battery value chain, particularly in Europe.
What we're watching
- Technological Leadership
- Whether Arkema can maintain its competitive edge in battery materials against global rivals through this expansion.
- Industry Collaboration
- The pace at which Arkema integrates its materials into cell manufacturers' production processes.
- Regulatory Influence
- How French government support through programs like France 2030 impacts Arkema's R&D strategy.