Roland Lescure visits Speichim Processing to launch Choose France – Édition France
On November 14, 2025, Roland Lescure, Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty, visited the Speichim Processing site in Saint-Vulbas (Ain), a subsidiary of the Séché Environnement Group. This visit marked the start of the first French edition of the Choose France summit, dedicated to investments by French companies within the country. It was an opportunity to highlight the strategic role of green chemistry in France’s ecological transition and industrial sovereignty.
A model example of the circular economy
Speichim Processing, a recognized expert in solvent regeneration and green chemistry, has established itself as a major player in thecircular economy in Europe.&The Saint-Vulbas site, located in the Parc industriel de la plaine de l’Ain (PIPA), develops innovative technologies that transform used materials into high-quality inputs essential for strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other industries.
During his visit, Roland Lescure praised the Séché Environnement Group’s commitment to a virtuous approach to ecological transition. “&“By steering this company toward a circular economy, you have set it on a path that is now promising, with the ability to master exemplary technologies,” the minister told Maxime Séché, the group’s CEO.
The facility recently inaugurated in Saint-Vulbas includes a new purification plant as well as a research and development laboratory dedicated to solvent recycling. This €26 million investment, supported by the France Relance plan to the tune of €2.2 million, demonstrates the Group’s ability to innovate in the service of a more sustainable industry.
Green chemistry and industrial sovereignty
Beyond its environmental performance, Speichim Processing plays a decisive role in French and European industrial sovereignty. Its regenerated products replace supplies that are predominantly sourced from outside Europe and are particularly resource-intensive. This relocation of critical input production to the national territory directly contributes to reducing France’s dependence on imports.
“Recycled solvents emit 80% less CO₂ than new solvents and allow us to reduce our imports,” Roland Lescure emphasized on his social media accounts. The minister described Speichim Processing as a French “ example ” for the ecological transition, highlighting an approach “ that avoids having to extract resources from deep within the earth ” or from abroad.
Choose France – France Edition: Promoting French Investment
The minister’s visit to Saint-Vulbas marked the kickoff of a four-day event dedicated to investments by French companies within the country. For the first time since its launch in 2018, the Choose France summit took place in France, bringing together 150 participants as well as professional federations and employer organizations.
Séché Environnement is proud to support this momentum through ambitious investments aimed at fostering a more sustainable, more self-reliant, and more competitive industry. This commitment is part of a long-term vision that reconciles economic performance with environmental responsibility, demonstrating that it is possible to create value while protecting the environment—a major competitive advantage for European industry.