Arkema sponsors the refurbishment of Palais de la découverte

12/14/2009    Press Release

Arkema is partnering the Palais de la découverte as a sponsor for the development of a new permanent area dedicated to « Learning about matter and energy ».

The Palais de la découverte is a unique venue for learning about the everyday contributions made by modern and innovative chemistry. Hence Arkema has decided to sponsor the Palais de la découverte for its refurbishment project, and in particular to provide its backing for the development of a dedicated area designed to help future visitors better understand the behavior of matter as well as tomorrow’s energy challenges.

Arkema’s commitment to making science accessible to everyone

As France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema places innovation at the heart of its development strategy in the knowledge that the chemical industry is capable of providing innovative solutions, in particular in the field of new materials, products and processes derived from renewable raw materials, and of new energies. « Arkema is very pleased to be involved in a modern and innovative scientific project. Its association with the Palais de la découverte has come naturally, because just like this institution, we aspire to valorize the contribution of chemistry and science in helping meet the challenges of the 21st century » states Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema.

The permanent area entitled « Learning about matter and energy » will open its doors at the end of 2011. Arkema’s current research, in particular the advances it has made in the field of processes and products derived from vegetable raw materials, its high-performance materials at the service of the photovoltaic sector, its surfactants and its self-healing polymers and rubber will be on display during chemistry presentations.

The Palais de la découverte of the 21st century

The refurbishment of the Palais de la découverte began in 2008 as part of an eco-design initiative both for the renovation of the building which is to house the new permanent area and for the scientific content and the museum exhibits which will make the Palais an institution worthy of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The Palais de la découverte focuses in particular on three objectives conveying innovation, while underpinned by actions achieved thus far:

• valorizing the human element, the experimental approach, and the real, through an approach that offers pointers to every member of the public to help them take a position in scientific debates, and prepares for the major changes in society;
• encouraging scientific and technical vocations by providing young people with the opportunity of a positive experience of the scientific approach, by providing teachers with educational resources, and by furthering the understanding of the fundamentals of science, as well as professions in science and technology;
• building a new programming designed to highlight experimentation and the pleasure of learning.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.6 billion euros in 2008. Arkema has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.