Towards more sustainability with High-Performance Polymers
Our contribution to a more sustainable world:
Lowering our carbon footprint: a continuous effort
Thanks to continuous efforts, Arkema further decreased the carbon footprint of its bio-based Rilsan® PA11 grades reaching less than 1.3 kg CO2e/kg, by using renewable or low carbon energy sources and by making several energy efficiency improvements in its production sites.
Our 6 Main Sustainability Themes
Bio-based - we are global leaders in high performance polymers derived from sustainable castor oil
Durability in Use - Unlike disposable plastics, our polyamide, polyketone, and fluoropolymer families are generally highly durable in their intended applications
Lightweight - this is particularly true of our specialty polyamide grades; Lighter materials can save tremendously in vehicle fuel consumption
Recyclability - virtually all of our polymers are recyclable and reusable through our Virtucycle® program
Sustainable Markets - our polymers play enabling roles in many applications that are key to global sustainability - such as, water filtration, solar energy, EV batteries, cool roofing
Responsible Stewardship - for example, many of our emulsion-process fluoropolymers are uniquely produced without the use of fluorinated surfactants
We engage to address United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The High Performance Polymers sustainability offer addresses 10 of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations Global Compact. Our "Big Three" relate to (1) Climate Action, (2) Sustainable Cities and Communities, and (3) Responsible Consumption and Production.
These are complemented by our activity in Affordable and Clean Energy markets, our commitment to Environmental Stewardship (Improved Life On Land and Below Water), and our Health and Well-Being enhancing involvement in health and sports markets.
A worldwide recognition of Arkema's commitment
Durability In Use = Making Things That Endure = Responsible Use
A common theme across the High Performance Polymers' product range is durability in use. Simply put, they are specified in extreme applications requiring longevity of service. They are generally not employed in disposable systems that quickly end up in the waste stream.
There are many examples.
Kynar® fluoropolymers are frequently specified in the following:
- Industrial piping systems that are resistant to extreme chemicals
- Fire resistant cables and wires that save human lives by preventing flame and smoke spread during catastrophic building events
- Long life solar panels that resist the harsh weather environments of deserts for several decades
- Water filtration membranes that endure harsh chemical cleaning and sanitizing without the need to be scrapped and disposed of
- Factory-applied paints and coatings for buildings (including IR reflective 'cool building' paints) that endure for many decades, without the need for re-coating
- Field-applied building paints and cool roof coatings that protect underlying substrates from weather-related failure, thus dramatically lengthening their service life and delaying their entry into municipal waste streams. Their extreme durability also allows tremendously longer re-coat intervals, thereby lowering VOC emissions
- High density lithium ion batteries that enable electric vehicles to thrive (replace internal combustion alternatives)
Arkema specialty polyamides, in addition to often being bio-based, also offer the following:
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Typically much more durable than traditional short chain polyamides (nylon) - far greater hydrolysis and chemical resistance i.e. long life hydraulic tubing
- Typically 20% lighter than traditional polymers, allowing substantial weight reduction in vehicles, particularly when replacing metals; also, lighter weight generally means lower consumption, lower usage rates
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Pebax® elastomers enable athletes and their sports shoes to perform at a higher level (many world records and gold medals so far); Arkema's Pebax Powered® consumer branding program encourages everyday athletes to embrace a healthy lifestyle
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Pebax® elastomers also enable life-saving heart surgeries (angioplasty) to millions of people across the globe. Once considered a highly invasive procedure available mainly to wealthy individuals, angioplasty is now frequently performed on an outpatient basis at much lower financial cost, and with spectacularly high success rates
Arkema's High Performance Polymers Latest Sustainability News
Arkema’s advanced bio-circular polyamide 11 range labeled as a “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution”
Arkema reaches a carbon footprint of 1.3 kg CO2e/kg for the global production of its bio-based polyamide 11 chain, 80% lower than conventional fossil-based polyamides
Arkema’s waterborne PVDF range has received the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” label, rewarding its high efficiency in durable cool roof solutions
Arkema celebrates 30 years of specialty polymer recycling and expands its certified range
