Air Liquide China Green Action Kicks off    

Air Liquide, the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, launches a Green Action in China. Led by Mr. Remi Charachon, President & CEO of Air Liquide China, Employee volunteers of Air Liquide participated in the tree planting activity in Shanghai Caohejing Hi-Tech Park on March 10th, which commences the Air Liquide China Green Action in 6 cities across the country.
   As consequence of CO2 emissions, the issues of global warming and dynamic climate change are of increasing concern. Since its creation in 1902, air gases (oxygen, nitrogen and argon) have been at the core of Air Liquide's activities. While their production does not emit CO2 directly, the Group constantly works on improving energy efficiencies and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emission. More than 60% of the Group's R&D budget is dedicated to work on the environment and sustainable development.
??Today, Air Liquide is acting in various fields. By using oxycombustion technology (use of oxygen instead of air) in industrial furnaces, nitrous oxide (NOx) and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced. Air Liquide products and services are widely used by the fast-growing photovoltaic industry. Air Liquide has over 40 years of experience in hydrogen, a promising clean energy, covering its entire chain from production to application. Moreover, Air Liquide is constantly strengthening its involvement in areas of renewable resources such as second generation biofuels.
   In 2008, Air Liquide Group's revenues amounted to Euro 13.1 billion, of which almost 80% were earned outside France. Already present in China in 1916 and with an increased development in the last 15 years, Air Liquide employs about 2 500 people in this country. The number of plants in China will increase from 6 in 2004 to 31 in 2009 following the signature of long term contracts. Air Liquide has a strong investment plan in China, in order to satisfy the increasing demand and provide solutions in terms of efficiency, environment protection and healthcare.