Yprema promotes industrial ecology - what does this involve?
YPREMA is the industry leader in the treatment and recycling of demolition waste, incinerator ash and inert waste. It selects, recycles and processes these materials into end products used by construction/engineering companies. Our business helps to make the concept of sustainable development a real and credible force, by reducing transport, waste and the consumption of natural resources.

Can you describe your company to us?
Our company was set up in 1989. It has 100 employees and annual turnover of  €20 million. As a result we've got a great deal of experience in industrial ecology, with the distinctive feature of being located in urban areas. Our challenge is to explain to politicians and local residents why it's ecologically important to locate our plants close to towns and cities.

Is Paris Region a good location for you in this respect?
We have 6 treatment and recycling centres in Paris Region, which is a net importer of materials, making it a very attractive location as far as we're concerned. The regional authorities are able to look beyond merely local interests and to prioritise the needs of the community as a whole, and they've stated their support for a move towards industrial ecology. In addition, ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency) supports our plan for an urban facility located in Emerainville (Seine-et-Marne), and the regional authorities have promised us an OSEO, (the French innovation agency) loan. Our business has a vital role to play within the development of Paris Region as a whole.