Updated on 2011-12-29

The National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine celebrates its 40th anniversary

In 40 years, the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine (INPL) in Nancy has trained 23,000 engineers, 3,700 doctors and awarded 9,500 DESS, DEA and masters diplomas. The INPL will be absorbed... full article

Lorraine: from heavy chemicals to green chemistry

Updated on 2011-05-06

Chemicals, petrochemicals, mineral chemistry, parachemistry... are all fields that are well represented in Lorraine. And by major industrial groups.

Organic chemistry

Total's heavy chemicals branch, Total Petrochemicals, manufactures polyethylene, polypropylene and styrenics. It is based in Carling, not far from Arkema, France's biggest chemicals manufacturer and world leader in PMMAs. It consists of three poles of activities: vinyl products, industrial chemistry and performance products. Arkema has also set up its Research and Development Centre for the East of France (the CRDE) in Carling. Its missions include the development of acrylic monomers, the treatment of industrial waters and the expert appraisal of damage to materials.

Carbone Lorraine's chemical engineering equipment division at Pagny-sur-Moselle ranks first in the world among manufacturers of anti-corrosion thermal equipment made of noble metals.

Mineral chemistry

Solvay Carbonate France based in Dombasle-sur-Meurthe, world leader in carbonate and its derivatives, produces 700,000 tonnes of carbonate and 120,000 tonnes of sodium bicarbonate every year. Salins du Midi and Salines de l'Est and Cérébos are a major presence in the salt industry. Rosières-aux-Salines, Château-Salins... Salt production in Lorraine goes back several centuries and its extraction is, moreover, the reason for the arrival and development of the chemical industry.

In Meuse, the chemicals industry is especially geared towards lime production at Dugny-sur-Meuse and Sorcy-Saint-Martin.

Fine chemicals and parachemistry

Fine chemicals and the production of specialities for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors are also present in Lorraine, in particular with Cristal Laser, European leader in the production of synthetic crystals. Arkema also produces ultra-fine powders for cosmetics. And in parachemistry, Novasep in Pompey specialises in the creation of new molecules and is a partner of major pharmaceutical groups.

Green chemicals, chemicals of the future

Ineos in Verdun-Baleycourt (Meuse) produces biofuels from rapeseed for incorporation into conventional fuels, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Schweitzer in Ludres manufactures rubbish bags using plant-based materials. Novacarb, in Laneuveville-devant-Nancy, has joined Poweo in a partnership to build a biomass power plant. The Vosges-based company Salveco manufactures 100% organic cleaning and hygiene products.

Photo credit: © Olivier - Fotolia.com

Chemicals industry: some definitions...

Updated on 2009-11-05

PMMA (methyl polymethylacrylate) A transparent thermoplastic polymer whose monomer is methyl methylacrylate (MAM). PMMA is better known under its commercial name of Plexiglas®. Green chemistry Design, development and preparation of chemical products and processes to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. The molecules are synthesised from renewable carbon made from plant or animal matter. Biomass Total mass of... full article

Green industries: Lorraine supports VANAPA projects

Industries

• • Aeronautic
• • Agri-food
• • Automotive
• • Chemistry
• • Logistics
• • Paper-Cardboard
• • Solar energy
• • Timber
• • Windpower

Territories

• • Lorraine
• • Meurthe-et-Moselle
• • Meuse
• • Moselle
• • Vosges

Focus

• • Some of Moselle's outstanding businesses
• • Top of the league for vocational high schools and engineering institutes: Lorraine
• • Chemicals industry: some definitions...
• • Aeronautical industry: aircraft parts made in Lorraine
• • The timber industry in Lorraine and its markets

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