“Accelerating the shift towards a cutting-edge chemicals sector that integrates environment management through eco-design.”

This is the aim of the Lyon and Rhône-Alpes Chemicals and Environment competitiveness cluster, a globally-oriented cluster created by Arkema, the CNRS, the IFP, Rhodia and Suez and labelled in July 2005.

This vision of a cutting-edge chemicals industry results in:

  - The design of new and more durable products

  - The design of new and cleaner manufacturing processes

  - R&D (Research and Development) activities among the best in the world

  - The training of industry players and developments in working methods

By conducting these activities, Axelera’s aim is to become the showcase for the “chemicals of the future” and position itself as an internationally leading industrial and scientific cluster in 2012.

To reach this objective, the cluster gathers and coordinates industry, business, research and training participants around 12 technology cooperation projects operating in three major themes (catalysis, processes and materials).  To date, six of these projects have been assembled, two of which have been launched.

At the same time, five cross-discipline projects are being put together to establish the cluster as a technology and business entity and foster its international deployment.