Arkema wishes to contribute to optimized consumption of fresh water, whether it is taken from the surface or from groundwater. In this context, the Group is changing its production practices through systems to reduce its water consumption and by developing closed circuits. The actions thus carried out can relate to topics as diverse as better monitoring of consumption, the installation of flow meters, the implementation of leak detection programs, the change of technologies, the upgrading of fire circuits, the recovery rainwater and the recycling of water from washing or steam condensate. The water resource management approach within the industrial sites is based on the “Optim’O” project integrated into the Group’s operational excellence program. In order to strengthen its action for the preservation of water resources, the Group defined in 2021 a new objective concerning water withdrawal in relation to turnover. The indicator is based on gross volumes from which regulated withdrawals are deducted, as well as volumes resold to third parties; the reduction target is 11% compared to the reference year 2019, i.e. an objective of 8.0 m3/k€ in 2023