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2020 annual and sustainable performance report

Innovative for designing the future

Pebax® Rnew® elastomer: Bio-based performance for athletes

Polyamide 11 is also used to make the Pebax® Rnew® elastomer. Obtained by combining rigid polyamide 11 “blocks” and flexible polyether blocks, Pebax® Rnew® elastomer is racking up successes in the world of sport. It is recognized by all major manufacturers for its lightweight qualities (20% lighter than other elastomers), impact-resistance, durability and energy return. This unique material has proved its worth in the soles of many football and running shoes. For example, Kenyan Brigid Kosgei, the world record-holder in the mixed-sex marathon category, was wearing it when she won the 2020 London Marathon. The excellent cold-resistance of Pebax® Rnew® elastomer also makes it a material of choice for ski boots (Scarpa). Some Pebax® Rnew® grades are used to make bio-based water-resistant breathable membranes for high-performance clothing such as ski jackets (Picture).

From sourcing to recycling, a material of choice for the circular economy

Life cycle analysis has found that the manufacture of polyamide 11 emits a total of 35% to 40% less CO2 than its petroleum-based equivalent. At the other end of its life, Rilsan® products offer genuine recycling opportunities, which the Group is working to implement with its clients under the Virtucycle program (see p. 46) before the end of 2022.

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ARKEMA IS THE WORLD’S LEADING CASTOR PROCESSOR

Productioncapacities : +up 50% by the end of 2021!

Arkema operates along the entire production chain, from the amino 11 monomer, made from castor oil, to polyamide 11, at its sites in Marseille, Serquigny (France), Birdsboro (US), Changshu and Zhangjiagang (China). In response to strong growth in Asia, our overall capacity will increase by 50% in early 2022 thanks to our new-generation factory at the Jurong Island site in Singapore. This is a major achievement, involving an exceptional investment by the Group of €500 million over five years, the largest in our history.