Leading the Industry Image Taskforce in France

LyondellBasell manufacturing sites in the South of France have long been committed to promoting and developing sound relations with their communities.

Years ago, the refinery started organizing Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meetings with its neighbors in Berre and Rognac. Similarly, LyondellBasell’s operations in Fos are widely recognized for transparent dialogue with the communities.

Nevertheless, to improve the image of the industry and its needs, trust needs to be built up on an on-going basis.

Thus, the local industrialists and the regional employers’ association set up an industry image communications group a year ago to address the issue and share in good practices already in place. Isabelle Aguesse (Berre) and Laura Pigeard (Fos), from the Corporate Communications Public Affairs/Public Relations department, are active members of this group.

The June debate, which was recently organized by the group, gathered more than 200 participants including community members, environmentalists, state representatives, the mayors of Berre and Fos, and business, industry and union leaders. The exchanges on industry performance, risk management and social responsibility were introduced by a short video stating all stakeholders’ point of view, including Henri Braun’s as General Manager of the newly acquired Berre refinery, Patrick Sciurca, works council secretary in Berre, and Laura Pigeard, industry image group chair, participated in the panel for LyondellBasell. Two hours and a lot of lively exchanges later, most participants had been able to make their points. It was understood that the industry does generate environmental and health concerns in the community. At the same time, efforts, progress and open communication were acknowledged.

"LyondellBasell believes that there is no contradiction for a plant to be profitable and at the same time safe, reliable and performing well environmentally. We are committed to ongoing progress on environment, health & safety performance and transparency in our operations. Our record speaks for that," said Laura.

According to feedback on the event and media coverage, LyondellBasell is truly perceived as a leader in CAP efforts and open communication with our neighbors.