New Headquarters in Paris La Défense Unveiled by Arkema
Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials, has officially set up its headquarters in the heart of La Défense, Europe’s largest business district. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s transformation, emphasizing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being. The headquarters, named Lightwell, will serve as a central hub for Arkema’s operations, partners, and stakeholders, symbolizing the Group’s forward-thinking approach to business.
A Modern and Collaborative Work Environment
With a floor area of approximately 25,000 m², Lightwell is designed to be much more than just a workspace. It aims to create a modern, collaborative environment that fosters seamless communication and synergies between Arkema’s diverse teams. The headquarters is strategically located in the center of La Défense’s Esplanade, one of the most iconic business districts in Paris, and benefits from excellent transportation links. This prime location not only facilitates interaction with stakeholders but also contributes to the company’s attractiveness as an employer.
The design of the headquarters places a strong emphasis on both the quality of life at work and collective performance. Arkema has incorporated various elements into the building that align with its core values and commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). By combining innovative design with practicality, the headquarters aims to enhance employee well-being while driving Arkema’s growth and innovation.
Showcasing Arkema’s Innovations and Expertise
Lightwell is more than just a corporate office—it is also a showcase of Arkema’s expertise in sustainable materials and innovative solutions. The building incorporates various Arkema products, demonstrating the company’s commitment to performance and sustainability.
One such product is an eco-friendly paint made from Arkema’s patented SYNAQUA® resin, which is solvent-free and composed of 97% bio-based molecules. This innovative paint covers almost all of the interior walls of the headquarters, reinforcing Arkema’s dedication to environmentally conscious practices. The furniture used throughout the building, including chairs and tables in the atrium, is crafted with Arkema’s Rilsan® material. These pieces, designed by Maison Gatti, are a perfect blend of modernity and the Parisian art of living, demonstrating the functional and aesthetic value of Arkema’s specialty materials.
Additionally, Bostik®, a subsidiary of Arkema, provided solutions for the preparation and installation of the building’s flooring and tiles, ensuring durability and performance. The premium coatings from Ideal Work®, another Arkema brand, were also used to enhance several areas of the building, providing both an aesthetic and functional touch.
New Headquarters in Paris La Défense Unveiled by Arkema
Sustainability at the Core of the Design
Arkema’s headquarters is designed with sustainability at its core, meeting some of the most demanding environmental standards. The building operates entirely on renewable energy and aims to achieve HQE Exceptional and BREEAM Excellent certifications. These certifications reflect Arkema’s commitment to building a workplace that not only meets the environmental standards of today but is also prepared for the future, anticipating the energy standards set for 2050.
The sustainable design of Lightwell also includes features that reduce energy consumption and minimize the building’s environmental footprint. This dedication to sustainability reinforces Arkema’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation while making a positive impact on the environment.
Innovating for the Future: “Le Lab” Showroom
One of the most exciting features of Lightwell is “Le Lab,” a showroom designed to highlight Arkema’s technological trends and innovations. This immersive and interactive experience offers a dynamic way to explore the company’s cutting-edge solutions, making it accessible in multiple languages, including French, English, and Chinese.
“Le Lab” is not just a static display—it’s an evolving experience that showcases the Group’s ongoing technological advancements in an educational and engaging manner. The showroom uses digital solutions to provide global accessibility, ensuring that Arkema’s innovations are shared with a wider audience. With its focus on interactive demonstrations and rich content, “Le Lab” serves as a platform for Arkema to communicate its commitment to innovation and its efforts to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
A Vision for a Modern, Collaborative Future
Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, shared his thoughts on the new headquarters: “This project symbolizes our great ambition, our collective commitment, and our ability to create a space for living and working well together, while bringing innovative solutions to our customers and partners. This change of location is the result of a team effort driven by passion and the desire to build a modern workplace that meets the highest environmental standards, while reflecting the entrepreneurial and international culture of our Group. Our specialty materials and innovations will find their rightful place here.”
Arkema’s new headquarters in La Défense represents much more than just a relocation; it is a statement of the company’s dedication to its people, the environment, and its role in the future of sustainable innovation. The Lightwell building exemplifies Arkema’s vision for a modern, collaborative, and sustainable workplace, setting the stage for the Group’s continued growth and success in the years to come.
