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Arkema has reduced CO2 emmissions by 39% since 1990.

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PLANT-BASED PLASTICS IN YOUR SHOES! Pebax® Rnew, when biochemistry goes further than traditional techniques...
NO WASTE WITH CASTOR OIL! Biochemistry is not a new invention! After the Second World War, French chemists managed to create polymers from castor oil...
QUIZ Are you sure to know the differents eco-labels on your packages? Do you know which is the proportion of oil used today destinated for the chemical industry? Test your acknowledgements on the renewable resources.

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Biochemistry: taking advantage of green gold

Chemistry as we know it is mostly based on oil, natural gas and coal, all of which are non-renewable fossil fuels. The anticipated oil shortage and environmental concerns mean that chemical companies have to find alternative raw materials to meet our daily needs. Bioproducts are a promising field of research and development for a more environmentally friendly chemical industry.

Focus on bioproducts: biofuels, bioplastics and more. These materials, made from plant-based raw materials such as castor oil, help address environmental concerns. Plants have two key advantages: they are “renewable” and consume CO2 as they grow. That means less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The challenge faced by researchers is considerable: they must combine technical performance and respect for the environment.

A challenge for bioplastics: to produce a product which is as effective as traditional plastics from renewable raw materials. From ski boots to cell phones, cars to packaging... bioplastics play an increasingly important role in our daily lives.

For the consumer, choosing a bioplastic product means helping to protect the environment. For companies, bioplastics are an innovative solution which accelerates sustainable development.

A strategic priority for Arkema: At Arkema, sustainable development is a driving force for innovation. Bioplastics already represent 20% of our technical polymer business and 25% of the division’s research and development budget is dedicated to them. We are currently working on 3rd generation bioplastics which will be both renewable and recyclable. The ecological revolution has started and we are moving towards a more responsible chemistry and sustainable products.

Renewable, biodegradable, recyclable: what’s the difference?

Do not be fooled: a renewable product is not necessarily biodegradable and vice versa…

At the end of its life, a “recyclable” product can be processed and reused. Glass, metal, paper and some plastics are recyclable.

A “renewable” material is made from plant-based materials which can be grown, rather than removed from the environment, meaning that the available resources can be renewed. These materials are not necessarily recyclable or biodegradable but they do help to reduce levels of carbon in the atmosphere by capturing it.

A “biodegradable” material can be naturally decomposed by living organisms in the environment, reating CO2, methane, water or biomass.

The many faces of plastic

Plastic takes many forms, which can be split into two groups, each serving a different purpose.

Consumer plastics are produced on a large scale for widespread use. Examples include plastic bags and packaging. Some, such as bags made from cornstarch, are biodegradable.

High performance or technical plastics have useful mechanical, chemical and electrical properties. They are used in high-tech and added value products and are designed to last. They are not biodegradable, but as they are produced from plant-based materials, their manufacturing methods help to reduce ambient CO2 levels. At the end of their long life cycle, they can be burned to produce energy.

Arkema is specialised in high performance bioplastics made from castor oil or wood oils produced by the paper making industry.