In terms of sustainable development, the Chemicals sector offers quality solutions: lighter products for energy conservation, high-performance products with a longer lifetime, and recyclable, therefore environmentally sound, products. Through the quality of its Research and Development, TotalFinaElf's Chemicals segment is able to develop customized solutions that are geared to the requirements of end-users.
Environmental protection
 Opticoat 140 restores the sparkle of old bottles, thereby extending their life, with a resulting positive energy impact.
Kynar® PVDF is supporting the growth in use of lithium-ion batteries. It extends the life of the batteries, thereby further enhancing the autonomy of mobile phones and laptop computers, as well as electric cars.
WAC HBA® coagulants are used to purify industrial waste-water and effluent.
ISEA is a range of external wall paint-strippers for use by the construction industry. They are non-toxic and do not harm construction materials.
Atotech is developing products to coat engine cylinders in order to extend their life, in partnership with Daimler Chrysler.
Atofina has developed barrier materials for multilayer fuel tanks and fuel lines that help reduce emissions.
Quality of life
FForaperle 325 is a sealant film that can be applied to walls to protect them from damage and decay (graffiti, chewing gum, etc.) without altering their appearance, while also allowing them to "breathe". This product is also used to protect paper. Other PMMA-based films have been developed in the United States to protect external walls.
The PEBAX® breathable fiber is used in textiles (Goretex type fabrics) to provide moisture and bacteria resistance without preventing air from circulating, leading to benefits in surgical applications as well as in the packaging of fresh produce.
A number of Atofina products are used in the manufacture of diapers, with a variety of innovations in this area, both in the adhesives and in the absorbent layer itself.
Coextruded and laminate films consisting of Kynar® polyvinylidene fluoride, Oroglas PMMA and polypropylene have been developed to enhance the design and appearance of vehicles while also acting as a protective coating on exterior plastic parts.
In the media and entertainment sector, in addition, one major development concerns Oroglas VOD 100® PMMA for the manufacture of digital versatile disks (DVDs).
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MANAGING WASTE
The most efficient way to manage waste is to minimize waste production, which has led to the clean technologies concept that is currently used for all new processes. There will always be end-waste that requires disposal, however, and this waste is processed by specialized, high-performance companies.
Atofina decided to no longer store haz-ardous products on its own sites effective the end of 2000. In addition, customers are assisted in the case of certain products that could become waste. Used solvents, for example, are recovered for recycling or elimination, while Hutchinson adheres to the "95% recyclable" concept applied to scrap automobiles.
Gedi, a waste management software package, has been developed to inform sites quickly of available solutions for optimum treatment of the waste they produce.
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