AGC Chemicals Europe

What AGC Chemicals Europe does

AGC Chemicals Europe (AGCCE) is the European specialty chemicals subsidiary of AGC Inc., a Tokyo-listed Japanese conglomerate with more than 56,000 employees across glass, chemicals, electronics, and ceramics business units. Operating from a fluoropolymer manufacturing facility at Thornton-Cleveleys, UK (acquired from ICI in 1999) and a commercial and technical centre in Amsterdam, AGCCE manufactures and sells high-performance fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, ion-exchange membranes, and specialty fluorochemicals. Its portfolio spans the Fluon® family (ETFE resins, ETFE Film, PTFE, PFA, and Colour Concentrates), the Fluon+™ enhanced material science line (AR-ETFE, Adhesive, Semi-Conductive, Composites, Modifiers), AFLAS® fluoroelastomers including new FFKM grades PM-5000 and PM-5500, LUMIFLON® FEVE coating resins, CYTOP® amorphous fluoropolymers, FORBLUE® ion exchange membranes (FLEMION, S-SERIES, i-SERIES, SELEMION, sunsep), AMOLEA® and ASAHIKLIN® fluorinated solvents and refrigerants, EPINITY™ bio-based epichlorohydrin, RESIFA™ fine silica, polyols, and fine chemicals.

Revenue is generated primarily through direct B2B sales of specialty materials into industrial supply chains, with quote-based pricing reflecting custom specifications and long qualification cycles. The company pursues enterprise field sales supplemented by participation in major industry trade shows (ACHEMA, Fakuma, European Coatings Show, Hydrogen Technology Expo, in-cosmetics Global), co-exhibition partnerships with distributors such as Marubeni, and a Technical Centre plus the Hydrogen Energy Application Laboratory (HEAL) at Amsterdam Science Park that supports customer application testing. End markets include aerospace, automotive and EV powertrains, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, architecture and construction, green energy (hydrogen, fuel cells, redox-flow batteries, solar, wind), oil and gas, and industrial chemical processing.

AGC Inc. claims the No. 1 global position in ETFE and FORBLUE FLEMION membranes, and AGC Chemicals Europe serves as the European commercial and manufacturing hub for these and adjacent product lines. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications. The Thornton-Cleveleys site is subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny over historic PFAS/PFOA emissions and was announced for closure in 2026 after four years of operating losses, with the broader product portfolio continuing to expand into semiconductor, hydrogen, EV, and bio-based chemistry adjacencies.

Name

AGC Chemicals Europe

Legal name

AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd.

Website

https://agcce.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1907

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

AGC Chemicals Europe manufactures high-performance fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, ion-exchange membranes, and specialty fluorochemicals serving B2B industrial customers across aerospace, automotive/EV, semiconductors, healthcare, architecture, oil and gas, and green energy applications worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Fluoropolymer Manufacturing

NAICS

Chemical Manufacturing (325), Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521)

SIC

Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) (2820), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800)

akta.pro primary industry

Fluoropolymers & High-Barrier Resins Manufacturing (PTFE, PVDF, ETFE, EVOH) (IMANAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF, FEP, ETFE) (IMAEANAH), Specialty Rubber Compounds (FKM, HNBR, NBR, Silicone, CR) (IMANAJAB)

Keywords

• Fluoropolymer manufacturing
• Fluoroelastomer products
• Ion exchange membranes
• Specialty fluorinated chemicals
• FEVE resin coatings

Headquarters

HQ city

Thornton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers product sales: AGC Chemicals Europe manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of high-performance fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers including Fluon PTFE, ETFE, PFA, AFLAS FEPM/FFKM, and related compounds. Revenue is generated through direct B2B sales to industrial customers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, oil and gas, and healthcare sectors.
2. Specialty fluorochemicals and fine chemicals sales: Sale of specialty fluorochemical products including fluorinated solvents (AMOLEA, ASAHIKLIN), refrigerants (AMOLEA YD), ion exchange membranes (FORBLUE), fine silica (RESIFA), bio-based epichlorohydrin (EPINITY), polyols and polyurethanes, and fine chemicals including fluoroanilines, fluorobenzoic acids, and fluoroquinolones for pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications.
3. Fluoropolymer films, coatings, and architectural materials: Sale of Fluon ETFE film and Fluorine-based plastic materials for architectural applications including roofing, facades, and stadium structures (Allianz Arena, SoFi Stadium, Forsyth Barr Stadium). Revenue from both material supply and associated technical service.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AGC Chemicals Europe manufactures and sells high-performance fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, ion exchange membranes, fluorinated coatings, and specialty chemicals under brands including Fluon (ETFE, PTFE, PFA), AFLAS (FFKM, FEPM), FORBLUE (ion exchange membranes), LUMIFLON (FEVE resins), CYTOP (amorphous fluoropolymers), RESIFA (fine silica), EPINITY (bio-based epichlorohydrin), and AMOLEA/ASAHIKLIN (fluorinated solvents and refrigerants). Products are sold B2B to industrial customers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductors, healthcare, energy, architecture, and chemical processing sectors.

Product overview

AGC Chemicals Europe operates as a manufacturer and supplier of high-performance fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, and specialty chemicals, organized around several core product families. The fluoropolymers portfolio includes Fluon® ETFE Resins and Film, Fluon® PFA, Fluon® PTFE, and Fluon® Colour Concentrates, supplemented by the Fluon+™ Enhanced Material Science sub-brand offering AR-ETFE flexible compounds, Adhesive, Semi-Conductive, and Composite products. The AFLAS® fluoroelastomer line covers standard grades plus FFKM high-performance grades (PM-5000, PM-5500) for semiconductor applications. Specialty products include CYTOP™ amorphous fluoropolymers, LUMIFLON™ FEVE resins for ultra-weatherable coatings, and AsahiGuard® E Series water/oil repellents. The FORBLUE™ ion exchange membrane family encompasses FLEMION, S-SERIES (for PEM electrolysers and green hydrogen), i-SERIES, SELEMION, and sunsep gas separation membranes. Chemical products include pure fluorinated solvents (AMOLEA™ AS-300, ASAHIKLIN™ AE-3000), solvent blends, refrigerants, EPINITY™ bio-based epichlorohydrin, fine chemicals/custom synthesis, RESIFA™ fine silica microspheres, and polyols/polyurethanes. A technical services division including the Hydrogen Energy Application Laboratory (HEAL) supports product development and customer collaboration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fluon: Brand for PTFE, ETFE, PFA fluoropolymers and related products
• AFLAS
• FORBLUE
• LUMIFLON
• CYTOP
• RESIFA
• EPINITY
• AsahiGuard
• Fluon+
• F-CLEAN
• HEAL

Products and services

• AFLAS FFKM PM-5000 and PM-5500 High-performance fully fluorinated fluoroelastomer grades for semiconductor plasma processes and aggressive chemical environments, offering benchmark low compression set, thermal resistance exceeding 300°C, high purity with minimal trace metals, and filler-free formulation to minimize particle generation.
• AFLAS Fluoroelastomers (FFKM and FEPM) AFLAS fluoroelastomer product line including FFKMs (perfluoroelastomers) and FEPMs (tetrafluoroethylene propylene), providing superior chemical resistance, thermal stability, and low permeation for sealing in aggressive automotive, oil & gas, and semiconductor environments.
• Fluon ETFE Resins Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer resins providing exceptional chemical resistance, electrical properties, thermal stability, and mechanical toughness for wire insulation, automotive, aerospace, and architectural applications.
• Fluon ETFE Film High-performance fluoropolymer film (100-500 microns thick) offering excellent UV and weather resistance, self-cleaning properties, high light transmittance, and superior tensile strength, used in stadium roofs, facades, and architectural tension membrane structures.
• Fluon PFA Perfluoroalkoxy fluoropolymer providing excellent thermal and chemical resistance for protecting vital electronics in aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor applications.
• Fluon PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene polymers offering excellent non-stick properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability for high-performance coatings in industrial, automotive, and electronic components.
• Fluon+ Enhanced Material Science (MPC, Adhesive, Composites, Modifiers, mPLASTICS) Enhanced fluoropolymer product range incorporating proprietary technology offering MPC Colour Concentrates, Adhesive grades, Semi-Conductive/Antistatic compounds, Composites, Modifiers, and mPLASTICS sub-products for high-voltage cable and advanced insulation applications.
• LUMIFLON FEVE Resins Fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resin fluoropolymers enabling fluoropolymer coatings to cure at room temperature, offering ultra-weatherability, corrosion resistance, and lifespan up to 60 years for architectural, aircraft, and industrial coatings.
• CYTOP Amorphous Fluoropolymers Amorphous fluoropolymer product line for optical, electronic, and specialty chemical applications where high clarity, chemical inertness, and optical transparency are required.
• FORBLUE Ion Exchange Membranes (FLEMION, S-Series, i-Series, SELEMION, sunsep) Comprehensive range of ion-exchange membranes for water electrolysis, hydrogen production, fuel cells, and electrochemical applications. Includes FLEMION (hydroxyl ion exchange), S-SERIES (PEM electrolysers), i-SERIES, SELEMION (electrodialysis), and sunsep (gas drying/separation).
• AsahiGuard E Series Water & Oil Repellents Fluorinated water and oil repellent products for surface treatment applications across industrial, architectural, and consumer product sectors.
• F-CLEAN Greenhouse Film ETFE-based film engineered for greenhouse and agricultural applications, offering superior weatherability, light transmission, thermal insulation, and durability for covered cultivation environments.
• AMOLEA AS-300 Pure Fluorinated Solvent Pure fluorinated solvent with low global warming potential, designed for precision cleaning and deposition applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.
• ASAHIKLIN AE-3000 Hydrofluoroether Solvent Hydrofluoroether (HFE) based pure fluorinated solvent offering excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability for electronics cleaning and heat transfer applications.
• AMOLEA YD Refrigerants Fluorinated refrigerant products for commercial, industrial, and specialized cooling applications with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants.
• EPINITY Bio-based Epichlorohydrin Bio-based epichlorohydrin derived entirely from vegetable-based glycerine (100% renewable carbon content, ASTM D6866 verified), achieving 67% reduction in Global Warming Potential and 57% less energy consumption vs. petro-based ECH. Drop-in compatible with existing epoxy resin manufacturing processes.
• RESIFA Fine Silica Fine silica microsphere product line for cosmetics, skincare, and industrial formulations. Includes SUNSPERA, SUNLOVELY, M.S. GEL, and SUNSPHERE series. COSMOS certified, plastic-microbead-free, used as SPF boosters and matting agents.
• Fine Chemicals (CDMO/Custom Synthesis) High-purity fine chemicals and custom synthesis (CDMO) capabilities for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and advanced material applications, including fluorinated intermediates such as fluoroanilines, fluorobenzoic acids, and fluoroquinolones.
• PREMINOL Polyols and Polyurethanes PREMINOL branded polyols for polyurethane formulations serving industrial, automotive, and construction applications requiring high-performance foam and coating systems.
• Hydrogen Energy Application Laboratory (HEAL) Technical laboratory at Amsterdam Science Park providing in-situ and ex-situ PEM water electrolysis testing, characterisation, qualification, endurance assessment, process optimisation, and failure analysis services for FORBLUE membrane customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 67% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) vs petro-based epichlorohydrin for EPINITY bio-based ECH
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MarubeniminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024AGC Chemicals Europe co-exhibits with Marubeni at events such as Fakuma 2024, extending market reach through Marubeni's distribution networks in certain industrial markets.
• Vector FoilteccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Vector Foiltec fabricated the ETFE cushions for the Forsyth Barr Stadium project using Fluon ETFE FILM supplied by AGC Chemicals Europe. The stadium roof covers 20,588m2 with ETFE cushion panels. This is a key reference project demonstrating AGC's ETFE film capabilities in architectural applications.
• Michigan State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with Michigan State University for research on enhancing sustainability of epoxy resins and coatings using EPINITY bio-based epichlorohydrin.
• AllnexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partnership with Allnex exploring further innovations to enhance sustainability of epoxy resins and coatings using EPINITY bio-based epichlorohydrin.
• DEKRAminorOthersDEKRA reviewed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) benchmarking EPINITY bio-based ECH against state-of-the-art petro-based ECH, providing third-party verification of environmental credentials including the 67% GWP reduction claim.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Saint-Gobain: Saint-Gobain is a broad industrial materials incumbent whose high-performance plastics and architectural products overlap with AGC's Fluon ETFE Film and LUMIFLON coatings for stadium and infrastructure applications, particularly in Europe.
• Honeywell: Honeywell is a broad incumbent in fluorochemicals and refrigerants (HFO-1234yf, Solstice line) and competes with AGC's AMOLEA YD refrigerants and ASAHIKLIN solvents across electronics cleaning, refrigerants, and industrial applications.
• 3M (Dyneon fluoropolymers divestiture): 3M's Dyneon fluoropolymer business historically competed directly with Fluon PTFE and AFLAS elastomers; recent 3M PFAS-exit actions make it a comparable broad incumbent whose strategic retreat reshapes competitive dynamics for AGC Chemicals Europe.

Direct peers

• Syensqo (formerly Solvay Specialty Polymers): Syensqo's specialty polymers business supplies Halar ECTFE, Solef PVDF, and Tecnoflon FKM/FFKM elastomers, directly competing with AGC's Fluon ETFE/PFA and AFLAS fluoroelastomer lines across industrial, oil & gas, and semiconductor applications.
• Shanghai 3F New Materials: Shanghai 3F is one of China's largest fluoropolymer producers (PTFE, FKM, FEP, PFA) and a direct product-line competitor to AGC Chemicals Europe's Fluon and AFLAS portfolios in industrial and chemical processing end-markets.
• Arkema: Arkema's fluoropolymers business (Kynar PVDF, Forafac, Pebax) and Bostik adhesives overlap with AGC's specialty fluoropolymer and elastomer offerings, particularly in EV batteries, chemical processing, and architectural coatings.
• HaloPolymer: HaloPolymer is a Russian fluoropolymer manufacturer (PTFE, FEP, PVDF, fluoroelastomers) competing with AGC's Fluon and AFLAS lines, particularly in oil & gas, chemical processing, and Eastern European industrial markets.
• Chemours: Chemours is the largest direct competitor in fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers (Teflon PTFE, Viton FKM, Kalrez FFKM, Krytox), serving the same aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and chemical processing end-markets as AGC Chemicals Europe's Fluon and AFLAS lines.
• Gujarat Fluorochemicals: GFL is a leading Indian fluoropolymer and fluorochemical manufacturer (Inoflon PTFE, PVDF, FKM, refrigerants) competing with AGC's Fluon range in chemical processing, automotive, and refrigerant applications, particularly in emerging markets.
• Daikin Industries: Daikin is a Japanese-headquartered fluorochemical and fluoropolymer producer (Neoflon ETFE/PFA/PTFE, DAI-EL fluoroelastomers) with overlapping product lines in refrigerants and architectural films; it is the most directly comparable Asian-headquartered competitor to AGC Chemicals Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/agcchemicals_eu
• Facebookfacebook.com/AGCChemicalsEurope
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/agc-chemicals-europe

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AGC Chemicals Europe