The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has awarded French chemicals company, Arkema the sustainable leadership award for societal contributions for its dedication to advanced bio-circular polyamide 11. The renowned award recognizes products, processes, or projects that demonstrate a dedication to innovation for society's long-term sustainability.

Arkema has shown its commitment to leadership by currently constructing the world's largest bio-factory for advanced polyamide 11 in Singapore, which is made entirely from sustainable castor oil.

It is a founding member of the Pragati project in India, the world's first sustainable castor farming programme, to promote sustainable castor bean cultivation. So far, the Pragati project has taught and certified thousands of castor bean growers and their families.

Arkema launched its Virtucycle recycling initiative in 2019 to deepen its commitment to the circular economy. The concept creates loops for collecting and recycling high-performance polymers while reducing CO2 emissions.

Arkema recently announced the proposed acquisition of Agiplast, a long-time recycling partner, which would enable the firm to provide a complete materials circularity solution to clients.

Chief marketing officer, high-performance polymers, Arkema,  Kevin Hanrahan, said the ACC has recognized their advancements in advanced bio-circular (ABC) polymers, as well as the Group's global commitment to developing sustainable solutions that address present and future social issues. They're investing hundreds of millions of euros in its new integrated Singapore facility, which will open in the first part of next year and produce 100% of their monomer and polymer from sustainable castor beans.