The Earth is getting warmer! The phenomenon of climate disruption and its origin are now no longer in question. Responsible chemicals manufacturer, Arkema has initiated countless actions to help in the fight against climate change.
At the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), to be held in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015, Arkema is partnering the “Arche de Noé Climat” [Noah’s Ark climate] project launched by Ségolène Royal, French Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, and devised by street artist Gad Weil by becoming the official supplier of the material that will give shape to the 140 animal representations in this work of art for the general public.
“The choice of Arkema’s ALTUGLAS® PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) fulfils two major criteria for me” G. Weil explains: “As a material it can be recycled and reused later on to manufacture other objects than the animals initially created; hence it is part of the circular economy and addresses the issue of climate warming.
Meanwhile, it has this remarkable ability to capture light and restore it in the way that only ice, a natural element, can do!”
A spectacular project...
At the request of Ségolène Royal, French Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Gad Weil has devised a spectacular uniting initiative to rally French people around the key issues of the Climate Conference. This revisited Noah’s Ark features 140 animal representations made from ALTUGLAS®, Arkema’s PMMA, and will make its way into Paris on the River Seine in September before setting off to meet the people of France throughout the autumn.
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ALTUGLAS® PMMA, a unique material
Renowned for its outstanding optical properties and its transparency outperforming that of glass, PMMA is also characterized by its light weight and sturdiness while also offering an unlimited range of colors.
In order to meet the artist’s needs, Arkema supplied in record time over one hundred acrylic sheets in various colors, i.e. some 15 tons of material. Furthermore, Arkema’s subcontractors specializing in cutting, printing and assembly operations were called upon to assist Gad Weil with the manufacture of these animals. This Noah’s Ark climate was made possible thanks to Arkema’s technical know-how combined with the artist’s imagination.
“We are delighted and proud to be involved in this major event intended to heighten awareness in the public at large of the issues of the fight against global warming”, stated Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Arkema has been engaged for many years in minimizing its environmental footprint, and is a designer of performance materials and innovative solutions to help all stakeholders address this major challenge.”