In addition to decarbonization, what are the other principal growth drivers for Air Liquide?
Air Liquide’s major strength has always been its dynamic and diversified business portfolio, which is rich in potential sources of growth. I would like to mention two. First is electronics, where Air Liquide is currently a leading supplier of ultra-high purity gases and advanced molecules. A real revolution is taking place in this sector. The semiconductors market is growing rapidly, driven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and connected objects, as well as by an increased need for North American and European sovereignty. This is evidenced by the establishment of several “megafab” (5) projects. We are currently reinforcing our leadership position in these geographic areas.
Our second major source of growth is of course healthcare, and in particular home healthcare. This sector is continuing to evolve, after having demonstrated its central role during the public health crisis. Our Group is making a contribution. Both at hospital and at home, our activity is committed to a transformation toward value-added offers for patients and healthcare professionals. By offering personalized support and innovative solutions, we aim to improve the quality of life of patients at the best cost for the healthcare system.
You have been leading the Group since June 2022. How do you see the rest of the year?
With energy and determination. And also with a great deal of composure, owing to my confidence in the unwavering commitment of our teams, regardless of what the future may hold.
Since my appointment, I regularly meet with our teams, and every time I do, I am impressed with their proactive approach in a context that frankly had the potential to be unsettling. From one side of the globe to the other, I have seen the same commitment to satisfying our customers, the same desire to advance, innovate and create an impact. This is a great source of pride for me as a leader, and I am deeply grateful to them.
The coming months will without a doubt be complex and full of surprises. But we are ready and determined to meet the needs and expectations expressed by our customers and patients, and to invent a more sustainable future together.
- on a comparable basis
- at constant exchange rates
- In metric tons of CO2 equivalent from Scopes 1 and 2 on a “market basis,” restated to take into account for a full year from 2020 and each year thereafter, emissions from assets, which correspond to changes in scope (both upwards and downwards) and which have a significant impact on CO2 emissions.
- The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, in place since January 1, 2023, aims to curb inflation by reducing the deficit, while meeting the challenges of climate change and strengthening the social security system.
- A megafab is a very large capacity electronic chip production unit.
“I went to meet the teams, and I saw everywhere the same desire to satisfy our customers, the same drive to move forward and create impact.”
Visiting the Air Liquide industrial site in Hamilton, Ontario, in Canada.
Discussing with a researcher at the Shanghai Innovation Campus.