Neo by Nature x Institut Polaire Français

Neo by Nature x French Polar Institute

Written by: Hector Sentilhes

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Time to read 6 min

Neo by Nature is proud to be the supplier of the Paul-Émile Victor French Polar Institute , which is the resources and skills agency for scientific research in the polar regions. After two years of hard work, we are proud to unveil our most ambitious project since the founding of Neo by Nature. A video is also available if you want a total immersive experience.

PRESENTATION OF FRENCH POLAR INSTITUTE

WHAT IS THE FRENCH POLAR INSTITUTE?

The Paul-Emile Victor French Polar Institute is an institution dedicated to scientific research and the exploration of the polar regions. Founded in 1987, it is named after the famous French explorer Paul-Emile Victor, a symbol of adventure and discovery. The Institute aims to encourage and support polar studies in various fields such as climatology, marine biology, geophysics, and many others. Its operational base is located in Brest, but its activities extend well beyond French borders:

  • In the Arctic, the Franco-German AWIPEV station in Ny-Ålesund, on the island of Spitsbergen, including the Charles Rabot building and the Jean Corbel station

  • In Antarctica, the Dumont-d'Urville station on Pétrels Island, in Adélie Land, and the Concordia station on the Antarctic plateau, responsibility for which is shared with Italy

  • In the Subantarctic Islands, in the Kerguelen, Crozet, Amsterdam and St Paul Islands

THEIR MISSIONS?

The French Polar Institute has several crucial missions that contribute significantly to the understanding of polar ecosystems and their global implications. These missions include:

  • Scientific research: The French Polar Institute supports multidisciplinary research projects aimed at expanding our knowledge of the polar regions. Teams of researchers, made up of scientists from diverse backgrounds, work together to address the unique challenges posed by these extreme environments.


  • Observation and Monitoring: The institute engages in long-term observation programs to monitor climate change, biodiversity, and other phenomena related to the polar regions. These crucial data contribute to the understanding of global environmental dynamics.


  • Management of the logistical means necessary for the implementation of projects in the polar regions: This includes the provision of logistical support for scientific expeditions, the management of research bases and stations, as well as the coordination of operations in extreme environments. The French Polar Institute plays a crucial role in facilitating scientific research and exploration in the polar regions.

  • International scientific consultation: The Institute plays an active role in international exchanges on polar regions and contributes to making France's polar research shine on a global scale.

Each project benefits from the logistical support of the French Polar Institute , which offers advanced research infrastructure, specialized equipment, and field expeditions to enable quality work to be carried out in these unique environments.

DUMONT D’URVILLE AND CONCORDIA

The French Polar Institute is a crucial entity in the exploration and research of the polar regions, with a notable presence in two main stations: Dumont d'Urville and Concordia.


The historic Dumont d'Urville station, founded in 1956, is a French scientific stronghold in Antarctica. Nestled on Petrel Island, it owes its name to the first French explorer to set foot on Antarctic soil. Functionally managed by the Polar Institute, it houses a variety of scientific projects under the sovereignty of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Its strategic location near the Emperor penguins makes it a privileged place for the study of marine biodiversity and climate change. With its laboratories, it constitutes a real scientific campus, also serving as a starting point for missions to the Concordia station and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. It plays a vital role in ensuring the reception and distribution of supplies for the French Polar Institute.


As for the Concordia station, located on the Antarctic plateau, it is a Franco-Italian station. Established in 2005, it is one of the few stations located inside the Antarctic continent, making it a vital center for global seismic and geomagnetic observation networks. Located on Dome C, a 3,300 meter thick ice cap, Concordia allows ice coring to study the Earth's climate over hundreds of thousands of years. Its high altitude location and dry air make it an ideal site for astronomy and atmospheric research. The station is divided into two towers, one for "quiet" activities and the other for "noisy" activities, as well as technical buildings. During the summer, some of the staff stay at a nearby summer camp. Facilities include scientific laboratories and specialist equipment. The station integrates innovative technologies, such as a gray water treatment unit in collaboration with the European Space Agency, and cogeneration for heating. Organic waste is transformed into compost, while other waste is sorted and treated outside the continent.

A TEMPERATURE THAT IS COLD IN THE BACK

The polar regions are synonymous with extremely low temperatures (up to -84°C average temperature in summer), creating unique challenges for scientists and explorers. This freezing temperature is one of the reasons for our collaboration with the French Polar Institute. Neo by Nature moisturizing shower gel helps fight the cold and prevent the skin from being dehydrated and tight. Thanks to its triptych of naturally powerful active ingredients: aloe vera which soothes, heals and protects, hyaluronic acid intensely retains water, and inulin which maintains a balanced microbiome, their skin is more capable of not being damaged by the cold wind.



"I wanted to prove to the world that our project was unique. It was really a major challenge to allow them to spend the long months in such conditions. It is a way for us to achieve our vision, that of manufacturing refillable care products with powerful formulations, while protecting the environment"

Hector Sentilhes

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management is particularly difficult because the location means that they are limited in the quantity to be stored on site. Waste disposal is done by shuttle, so our rechargeable system makes their task much easier. In a region where water contamination is a major problem, our hydrating shower gel helps because it has 0% plastic and is refillable with 99% natural ingredients. The dilutable format has made it possible to considerably reduce the weight and size compared to a classic shower gel. Our commitment to sustainability and reducing plastic waste aligns perfectly with the preservation values ​​of the French Polar Institute .

A HYGIENIC SOLUTION

Adopting a hygienic lifestyle is important regardless of location. For environmental reasons, classic solid soap is a solution but less practical for hygiene reasons. Solid soap does not carry a huge risk of bacteria development but if poorly dried soap is left in a dry place, there may be risks. If the solid soap stagnates in the water, things can get worse.

CONCLUSION

Neo by Nature, supplier to the Paul-Emile Victor French Polar Institute, is a fusion of polar expertise and commitment to responsible skin care. Our Neo by Nature products, formulated to counter cold temperatures, provide essential protection to exposed skin. Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and inulin, present in our refillable moisturizing shower gels, meet the specific needs of the teams at the French Polar Institute . Our commitment to clean, plastic-free formulations aligns with the preservation mission of the French Polar Institute , minimizing environmental impact and facilitating waste management in these unique polar conditions. By supporting scientific research, sustainability and skin well-being in extreme environments, our partnership with the French Polar Institute illustrates our shared commitment to responsible innovation. Together, we are crossing new horizons in the heart of extreme cold.

The French Polar Institute selected us for our commitment to exceptional hydration and our deep respect for the environment.

Just like researchers and explorers, join us in this adventure by integrating Neo by Nature into your daily life. Opt for sustainable and responsible beauty.

HOW DID WE BECOME THE OFFICIAL SUPPLIER?

We responded to a call for tenders from the French Polar Institute. Our product has stood out thanks to its moisturizing properties and its commitment to the environment.

HOW MANY SCIENTISTS LIVE IN THE STATIONS?

On average, each station houses a team of 20 to 30 people during the austral summer and less than 10 people during the austral winter. However, these figures may vary depending on the specific missions and needs of each station.

WHO GOVERNS ANTARCTICA?

Although several nations, including France, claim rights to the South Pole, it remains neutral territory, not belonging to any country. It is a "terra nullius".


HOW TO WORK FOR THE FRENCH POLAR INSTITUTE?

Every year, the Polar Institute recruits around forty people, winterers and summer campers, to work in its research stations. More information is available here .

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