At the dawn of the new millennium, under the impetus of Kofi Annan, 46 companies gathered at the United Nations laid the foundations of a global pact (Global Compact), which committed them to respecting 10 principles relating to human rights, international labor standards, the environment and the fight against corruption. And 3 years later, in 2003, the Global Compact France network was born, of which ARMOR GROUP quickly became a member. Our membership was a response to our concern for socially equitable, ecologically safe and economically efficient development, as well as to the demands of some of our customers. It was also a real source of inspiration, as by participating in the program, companies commit to integrating the 10 principles of the Compact, or the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), into their operational practices.

More specifically, bringing solar energy to everyone, everywhere, was a major commitment we made back in 2010. We opted for disruptive, low-carbon, flexible and aesthetic innovation. And yet, despite the determination of our teams, extensive R&D, emblematic achievements such as the Novartis Pavilion in Switzerland and €100m invested, the cost/return mix was not favorable, with the result that sales did not take off and the ASCA business remains largely loss-making. At the end of June, we came to the conclusion that the conditions were not ripe for continuing to develop solar solutions based on OPV technology. As a result, ASCA is being restructured in France and Germany. We will, however, maintain our production facilities and patents, in order to continue manufacturing semi-finished organic solar coils.

Far from allowing ourselves to be weakened by the trials we may encounter on our way to a more sustainable world for present and future generations, we at ARMOR GROUP are determined to demonstrate our resilience. A new stage has now begun, and we will continue to innovate, always!