2024 Conference Agenda

Scope 3 Category 1 raw material emissions are often the largest emissions category for consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies.  Leading companies in these sectors have set ambitious GHG reduction targets.  They are focused on identifying and procuring lower GHG chemicals and materials, leading to an increased demand for these and new opportunities for suppliers.  Richard Platt will share insights from ERM’s work covering the emerging needs and requirements of these customers, the varying types of low GHG solutions, and the influence of changing reporting requirements and regulations.

In this session, attendees will learn about an ecosystem of Ohio companies, research institutions and non-profit partners utilizing a cluster framework to raise awareness, marshal resources, innovate technologies, and connect solutions that increase manufacturers’ competitiveness and resilience. With the emergence of digital transformation and sustainable production as critical components to manufacturing success, this region long known as the industrial heartland of America is transforming itself into a sustainable materials hub and circular manufacturing engine, positioning companies for greater productivity and profitability while also reducing their impact on the environment. Come learn why the White House, National Science Foundation, and many others are investing more than $2.5 billion into the region, as well as how your company may be able to tap into the innovation opportunities emerging as you consider your partnerships in North America.

Join us at the Greener Manufacturing Show in Cologne for an insightful talk on 'Using Eco Design Principles to Fit Green New Deal Regulations.' As businesses face growing pressure to meet sustainability standards, aligning with the Green New Deal is more crucial than ever. This talk will explore how companies can integrate eco design principles to not only comply with regulations but also gain a competitive edge. Discover strategies for reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource use, and designing products for a circular economy. Learn how sustainable design can help your business thrive while meeting ambitious climate goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape a greener future!

As global demand for sustainable, low-carbon products grows and regulatory frameworks such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) come into effect, businesses face mounting pressure to provide detailed insights into the environmental footprints of their products. This presentation will introduce AllocNow’s innovative Product Sustainability Platform, which enables large manufacturing companies to manage and scale lifecycle assessments across extensive product portfolios. Attendees will learn how the platform streamlines workflows and processes to ensure transparency, helping companies comply with regulations, optimize product sustainability, and communicate their environmental performance at scale.

We will review case studies from consumer product companies that have taken bold steps to work with their contract manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions including food manufacturing and household supplies. These lessons have broad application for many companies that are trying to tackle their Scope 3 emissions while ensuring regulatory compliance for supply chain reporting.

The Carbon Trust, a leading sustainability consultancy with over 20 years of experience, will guide you through the process of calculating, verifying, and communicating the carbon footprint of your chemical products and will be sharing key examples of innovation from the industry!

Fourteen years ago, the Dutch construction sector began making product footprinting a key requirement in procurement and tenders. This shift was driven by regulatory developments and an increasing need to stand out from competitors on sustainability. 

In cooperation with the Renewable Carbon Initiative, TÜV AUSTRIA is 
developing a new certification scheme to quantify the renewable carbon 
content of products derived from biomass, recycling or CO2 capture. 
Philippe Dewolfs will present the concepts of the Renewable Carbon Share, 
the foundations of the new “ OK renewable carbon “ certification scheme.

ESRS E1 Transition Plan Requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), as understanding of these requirements for corporate sustainability strategies and decarbonization planning will be crucial for many companies moving forward. 

Michael Carus, Founder and CEO from nova-institute, presents and discussed more than 20 commercially available plastics from biomass and CO2, as well as plastics from mechanical, physical and chemical recycling.

• The future of circular economy – turning CO2 emissions into plastics
• Introducing INGA – the world’s first biodegradable plastic produced entirely from CO2 emissions

IFF is a creator, innovator and manufacturer for food, health, biotechnology enabled active additives, materials and scent solutions and is directly serving the personal and home care market-place.  IFF is focused on innovation enabling unique product categories to drive sustainable growth and biotechnology takes center stage as the enabling platform technology. Creating a better world at IFF means understanding how we can leverage our business, our differentiated product performance and our partners for people and planet.  This presentation will describe IFF innovation strategy and introduces examples of the Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial™ platform technology with relevance to sustainable material development. 

The European Union, within the framework of the Green Deal, has been promoting a series of policies on plastic as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan. These policies aim to facilitate the transition to a more circular economic model by promoting innovative and sustainable business models, products, and materials. In this context, biodegradable and compostable plastics are presented as an alternative to conventional plastics in specific applications and as a tool in the fight against plastic waste. 
To strengthen the role of biodegradable and compostable plastics within circular economy and sustainability policies, progress has been made at the legislative level. For instance, Directive (EU) 2015/720 recognises the European standard EN 13432 as valid for determining the final acceptance criteria for packaging recoverable through industrial composting, although work needs to be done on the standard for home compostable packaging. 
The European Commission announced the publication of a policy framework on the environmental benefits offered using bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics; therefore, these legislative measures will accelerate the transition towards the use of these materials. In this line, the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, opens the possibility for mandatory compostability requirements for coffee capsules and tea bags. While Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which lays down rules on the marketing of EU fertilizing products, includes biodegradation criteria in soil and water as mandatory for the marketing of controlled-release coatings and water-retaining polymers, with the aim of counteracting the pollution caused by persistent microplastics in natural environments.
In this context, this work aims to promote the environmental benefits of these products through terminology and understanding of the biodegradation and compostability process and the various factors involved. In addition, the various end-of-life scenarios for biodegradable and compostable products are presented, focusing on compliance with relevant certifications and eco-labels as an appropriate means to ensure the environmental benefits of these products. Indeed, there is currently confusion among consumers, leading to deficiencies in plastic waste management and recovery systems.

Nature, including biodiversity and water, has become a focal point in sustainable management today. Following the focus on carbon, leading companies are now exploring how their business operations and supply chains impact and depend on natural resources. Frameworks such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Disclosure (TNFD) and Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) have been developed to guide companies through the complexities of managing their environmental impact. Anthesis is at the forefront of supporting early adopters of TNFD and pilot companies implementing SBTN. Many of these companies identify packaging as a critical area impacting water use, water pollution, and biodiversity. In this presentation, we will share our approach to addressing these challenges, providing insights and strategies for companies eager to enhance their sustainability efforts and navigate the intricate landscape of nature-related issues. Join us to learn how to effectively integrate nature-focused frameworks into your business practices and drive positive environmental outcomes. In this context, this session will explore: • Basic Nature topics • The TNFD and SBTN frameworks • First pilot projects and how the industry can get involved 
 

The disposal of rigid Polyurethane (PU) foam, commonly used in refrigerators and construction, poses a significant environmental challenge. Due to its complex structure, PU foam is difficult to recycle, often ending up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to plastic waste. As demand for sustainable waste management grows, designing and developing effective recycling solutions for PU foam has become critical.
The EU Horizon 2020-funded CIRCULAR FOAM project is addressing this issue through innovative chemical recycling technologies, eco-design, and regional clusters to create closed-loop systems for PU foam waste. The presentation will share insights from Work Package 1 (WP1) out of 9 in the project, which focuses on stakeholder engagement and consumer behavior across Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. Based on stakeholder interviews, Focus Group Interviews (FGI), and surveys, WP1 explores regional approaches to PU foam recycling, identifying gaps in regulations, collection processes, and consumer behaviors and attitudes, and offers strategies for advancing toward a circular PU foam economy.

This workshop is tailored for industrial designers, eager to enrich their toolbox with the right terminology when it comes to sustainability and circular economy. 

When starting the concept phase of a new product - which materials to consider? What eco-design principles should be practiced? 

How can you stay on top of things in this ultra-complex theme? A hands-on session awaits you.

Chemicals are at the base of nearly every supply chain and critical for our everyday lives. But the chemical sector is also responsible for about 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions with heavy reliance on fossil feedstock. To reduce emissions and connect the value chain from end-to-end, enabling end-of-life materials to become new products, we need collaborative innovation. Learn how the Global Impact Coalition is bringing together leaders from the chemical industry and beyond to speed up innovation and develop new business models to enable a net zero, circular future. 

Adopting a multi-criteria decision-making framework based on the planetary boundaries framework marks a significant step forward for sustainability in the chemical sector. This approach not only minimizes environmental harm but also promotes practices that actively restore biodiversity, protect ecosystems and improve global health.

The European Union's proposed Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) heralds a new era of sustainability, with rigorous mandates for recycled material content, eco-design, and transparency across product lifecycles. Central to achieving these ambitious goals is the development and implementation of advanced recycling technologies. This presentation introduces chemical recycling process as a key solution to the challenges posed by the ESPR. Chemical recycling technologies can be developed to convert plastic waste into high-quality chemical products, including aliphatic solvents, white oils, and paraffin waxes. This innovative processes may not only mitigate the issue of plastic waste but also generate valuable, sustainable materials for various industries. By transforming end-of-life plastics into high-purity chemical products, these technologies can support the circular economy, reduce dependency on virgin resources, and minimize environmental pollution. The presentation will cover the following key points: 1. Overview of the ESPR: An in-depth look at the regulation’s objectives, scope, and specific requirements for recycled content and chemical safety. 2. Plastic-to-products Technology: Detailed explanation of the chemical recycling plastic-toproducts process, highlighting its efficiency, scalability, and environmental benefits. Clariter technology to be presented as an example. 3. Alignment with ESPR Goals: How plastic-to-products approach aligns with the ESPR’s vision of sustainable product design, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. 4. Benefits to Industry and Consumers: The advantages of incorporating recycled chemical products into manufacturing processes, including regulatory compliance, enhanced sustainability, and improved product quality. 5. Future Prospects and Collaboration Opportunities: Exploring potential collaborations with manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance circular economy initiatives and drive innovation in recycling technologies. By leveraging innovative chemical recycling technologies, industries can meet the stringent requirements of the ESPR while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. This presentation aims to inspire and inform stakeholders about the transformative potential of advanced recycling solutions in fostering a greener economy.

Chemical processes are indispensable in almost all areas of value creation. Especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, the chemical industry has a long tradition and generates high revenues. At the same time, it is an energy-intensive sector that must undergo a transformation in light of European climate goals and the structural changes taking place in Germany. With the phase-out of fossil fuels and the development of a bioeconomy strategy by the Bioeconomy Council of North Rhine-Westphalia, the region has the opportunity to become a model for green chemistry and a more sustainable economy throughout Europe.
In this panel discussion, we will talk with leaders from the chemical industry, startups, investors, academics, and members of the Bioeconomy Council about the impact of the transformation of the chemical sector on the industry, the startup scene, and the Benelux region. We will also look at key innovations and disruptive technologies that will contribute to sustainable value creation in the chemical industry, such as biotechnology and other groundbreaking developments.

To address the growing concern of plastic waste, the utilization of recycled plastics in electronics and electrical (E&E) products is gaining momentum. While mechanical recycling technology has matured, enhancing recycled content in downstream polymer processing remains crucial. This study investigates the impact of recycled content and performance modifier on the short-term properties and durability of plastics. Our findings emphasize the significance of material sorting/screening and the management of recycled content in maintaining the quality of sustainable materials and promoting the application of circular economy principles. By providing insights into the relationship between recycled content and plastic performance, this research offers valuable guidance for optimizing recycled plastic practices and fostering sustainability in industrial applications.

We at PeelPioneers have the mission to save all orange residues and convert them into valuable ingredients and thus give them an extra round in various chains. From the peel we extract natural ingredients that are used in food, cosmetics, cleaning products and substrates. This allows us to re-use 100% of the peel and emit less CO2. One of our ingredients is Finix Orange Fiber. It is a functional ingredient with strong emulsifying capacity, provides stability and good sensoriality. We like to take everyone into our upcycled world to show what we have to offer in the Cosmetics world.

Pili has pioneered an innovative fermentation process for producing high-purity biobased aromatic intermediates, eliminating the need for traditional naphtha-based sources. This method converts biomass into aniline derivatives with over 95% purity, providing a sustainable alternative for the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and a range of other chemicals including phenols, benzoic acids, anilines, and salicylates. Guillaume Boissonnat-Wu, Pili's Scientific and Industrial Director, will present this significant advancement and explore the benefits of biobased aromatics compared to conventional methods.

The need for sustainable carbon creation is apparent. One of the most promising and high-impact solutions to reduce carbon footprint worldwide is on its way! Recell converts residual cellulosic feedstock into high-quality DE95 glucose as a building block for the green chemistry. By doing so it creates an alternative and truly sustainable stream supportive to the materials transition. This game-changing solution not only paves the way for new green resources, it also answers the need for a high-impact profile in achieving Science Based Targets (SBTi). Recell’s CEO Erik Pijlman will present the immense potential of these innovative resources and will address how they answer the need for green chemical resources. In addition, he will highlight the construction outlook of the flagship factory that will take Recell into the next phase towards large-scale production of renewable carbon.  

The presentation will assess four key lessons from current biobased chemical developers, looking into the why of the themes and industry examples on how it's working currently. The lessons will highlight the importance of the themes going forward to succeed in the biobased chemicals industry. The themes chosen are the establishment of value chains, sustainable production methods, funding and development opportunities, and renewable and sustainable feedstocks. The examples that will be highlighted will dive deep into how they are successful right now and how they will impact the industry going forward.  
 

Most manufacturing companies have set long-term corporate targets to reach net zero. Process heat, however, poses significant challenges for decarbonisation, particularly when dealing with high temperatures and steam. Differences in grid decarbonisation, fuel options, technologies, and policies across countries further exacerbate the challenge. This session will examine how global manufacturers can navigate the challenge of heat decarbonisation to create credible investment plans that drive long-term emission reduction. In this presentation, we will share real-life examples from large, multi-national companies around the world that have started this journey and we have helped deliver impact and realise sustainable performance.

The environmental impact of chemicals and plastics depends mainly on the supply of raw materials and chemical intermediates used in their production. To mitigate these impacts, chemical producers can build more sustainable supply chains through strategic purchasing decisions. However, this requires detailed information about the environmental impact of the production routes used by the various suppliers in the market, which is often unavailable. In this presentation, we introduce teh Carbon Minds database, a product carbon footprint and life cycle inventory database designed to systematically support the identification of environmental impact reduction opportunities through purchasing decisions. Unlike other databases, the Carbon Minds database maps the production of high-volume chemicals and plastics at the plant and supplier level across over 190 production regions worldwide. This higher level of granularity highlights differences in environmental impacts between countries, technologies, and individual suppliers. Using a case study of the climate impact of polypropylene production, we show that the carbon footprint of polypropylene supply can be reduced by up to 68% through choice of production regions and by up to 90% by choosing particular suppliers. Such insights can guide purchasing decisions, enabling substantial improvements in Scope 3 emissions to achieve climate targets.

The new reality of the electricity market is driving demand for innovative procurement solutions, while sustainability continues to grow in importance. By sourcing electricity directly from solar and wind farms through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), medium-sized companies can meet these challenges effectively.

Setting goals needs factual data ahead. Calculation models alone are not sufficient anymore: measurement is key.  The impact of conducting site measurements on the daily processes can be near neglectable when safely using UAV’s.  Site emission measurement compliant with EN17628:2022 is a clear guideline for reporting.

The manufacturing industry faces unprecedented challenges to evolve to net zero. Innovation holds the key to success, but some innovations are too expensive to put into production. Leading companies are trying new manufacturing processes to get a competitive edge, but without detailed cost and carbon footprint analysis of these new processes, time will be lost experimenting. In this presentation, we will explore the major challenges facing manufacturers from design to sourcing and reducing the environmental impact from production, along with the strategies, tools and techniques to reach net zero.

Increase the awareness of the availability and benefits of cellulose based biomaterials.
The interest in nano-cellulose based biomaterials has increased significantly over the past decade, and further magnified recently as this material is now commercially available. The presentation will summarize recent activities of Performance BioFilaments toward the use of nanocellulose based materials to improve the properties of other materials such as concrete and mortars, glass fibre nonwovens, and industrial fluids.  Several case studies will be presented where nanofibrillated cellulose has demonstrated significant improvements in performance, sustainability, and offering opportunities for de-carbonization.  Furthermore, the regulatory and safety aspects of introducing a new biomaterial will also be discussed.

According to Green Deal, the EU has taken an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions by at least 50% by 2030, whilst Germany set a yet more aggressive goal of reducing 
GHG emissions by 65%. This has been supported by set of new regulations, such as The 
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which introduces mandatory sustainability 
reporting for all enterprises, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aimed to stop 
carbon leakage and put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive 
goods that are entering the EU. Complete supply chains, regardless of the location of participants, 
will therefore need to adapt their activities quickly to these regulations, starting from the initial 
conceptualization and design of a product till the end of its life. 
On the other hand, materials with their production and processing represent a major contributor to 
GHG emissions, with the increase by 120% from 5 billion metric tons CO2-equivalent (GtCO2e) in 
1995 to 11Gt in 2015, raising their share of the global total from 15 to 23%, with forecasted further 
increase. In most cases, materials are by far the biggest contributor to the products carbon 
footprint, at least until the product has been produced. 
Consequently, the importance of accurate and optimal material selection in the early phases of 
product design and CAE simulations can never be overstated. Besides classical engineering 
considerations such as mechanical performance and cost, new aspects need to include carbon 
footprint and environmental impact, as well as lightweight optimization, compliance with regulations 
and optimizing sourcing and supply chain, in order to optimize related emissions. This paper 
presents recent developments designed to help engineers in the CAE simulation field to cope with 
these challenges.

The Fibrenamics Association, Institute of Innovation in Fibrous and Composite Materials, from the University of Minho, is an interface centre for generating, enhancing, and transferring advanced knowledge in fibrous and composite materials, operating under the motto “From Science to People”. Our mission is to design and implement integrated and customised research and technological development solutions in plastic composite and fibrous materials (synthetic and natural), contributing to the differentiation and competitiveness of the companies with which collaborations have been established. In polymer composites, the transformation, recovery and incorporation of industrial waste such as slate, lignin, cork, fishing nets, wood, pineapple leaves, solid urban waste slags, coffee grounds and textile waste have been explored. In fibrous polymer composites, the use of materials of natural origin, which are recyclable or biodegradable, has been adopted to promote sustainability and the concept of circular economy. To this end, the use of natural fibres such as jute, flax, hemp, coconut, banana and sisal, plastics of natural origin, recyclable or biodegradable, such as PLA, PHA, PBAT, TPS, PHB, etc. has contributed. In addition to this sustainable component, using these materials has enabled the development of functionalised composite solutions with antimicrobial characteristics, UV protection, barrier effect, humidity control, self-cleaning, anti-static, etc. These polymer composites have been applied in areas such as the automotive sector, construction, the food packaging sector, the textile industry, the biomedical industry, etc. Fibrenamics' outlook for the future is to deepen its knowledge and skills in the areas described above but also to explore new opportunities such as the valorisation of agroforestry, marine and industrial waste of natural origin for the extraction, through physical and chemical processes, of new materials such as fibres, monomers, polymers and nanomaterials. Another area to be explored is the development of new biopolymers, through the extrusion process to produce masterbatches, from resources of natural origin, such as food waste, which have highly versatile properties and applications, always focusing on sustainability and biodegradability. Finally, the upcycling of recycled polymers, through repolymerization in a reactive extrusion process with chain extenders, to apply them in more demanding areas, is an area where Fibrenamics is currently working.
 

PP is a versatile plastic material used for many applications. The main challenge is that PP is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to CO2 emissions. The main path for carbon reduction has until now been recycled PP and some very small amounts of biobased materials, typically based on master balanced technologies or natural fiber reinforced materials, challenging for recyclers. 

Our approach is to use lignin, a naturally occurring polymer in plants, combined with natural oils to make the two components miscible in each other. The result is a lignin-based formulation with polypropylene (PP) called Renol®. By blending this modified lignin with PP in various proportions and analyzing the resulting composite materials, the results show that lignin can maintain its characteristics while reducing the material's environmental impact and dependence on fossil fuels.

With optimal blending and processing, lignin-containing PP composites can achieve improved properties that surpass traditional PP, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications, from automotive and construction industries to packaging and consumer products.
In summary, this work indicates that lignin has great potential as a sustainable and effective component in PP, enabling a plastic material with substantially less carbon emission.
 

ADBioplastics has developed the multifunctional additive ADBio PLA+, which combined with pure PLA gives rise to PLA-Premium, a bioplastic enhanced to break the limits of PLA by improving the mechanical properties, barrier properties (to oxygen and water vapour) and processability of pure PLA, making it an alternative that, besides being sustainable, is competitive and functional compared to the properties of fossil plastics such as PET, PE or PS.
 
PLA-Premium is compostable and bio-based and can disintegrate into its basic components in a period of only 3 months under industrial composting conditions, which is certified by the OK Compost Industrial, awarded by TÜV Austria.
 
This advanced material has technical feasibility in industries such as food and cosmetic packaging, textiles, 3D printing, agriculture or consumer goods, among others.
 

The importance of collaborating amongst partners throughout the value chain is a critical tool to bring products to life. Working in silos and over protecting one’s own position will limit speed to market. Every final product requires the right materials, the right machine design, the right converters and the visionary brands to bring fibre solutions to their consumers. At a time when politics and culture are dividing us, business can lead the way towards combined solutions using shared incentives.

Lignin holds tremendous potential as a precursor for various biobased applications but still challenges science and industry to integrate it into existing or novel material and chemical applications. With its increasing availability on the one hand and the enhanced understanding of materials on the other, potential applications for lignin become more concrete. Hence, this presentation will summarize current activities in the wide field of lignin production and applications in the light of the extraction process, biomass, regional and market aspects. 
One of the main struggles for lignin valorization is due to its structural variability depending on the extraction process and the biomass applied. Here, Fraunhofer CBP supports with its pilot plants for biomass pretreatment and lignin depolymerization. The know-how that could be build up from various projects regarding lignin functionalities and their contribution to an actual value proposition for subsequent products was collated for Organosolv-processes and other benchmarking lignin qualities, such as Kraft lignin. Here, we will discuss lignin properties and the requirements to be used in applications such as carbon fibres, adhesives, composites or plant protection as such or after further depolymerization. 

1.    Microplastics & Marine Biodegradability:
o    Understanding the environmental impact of microplastics.
o    Innovations in PHA to enhance marine biodegradability.
o    Case studies and research findings on PHA degradation in marine environments
2.    Recycling:
o    Current state of PHA recycling technologies.
o    Challenges and solutions in integrating PHA into existing recycling streams.
o    The role of policy and industry standards in promoting PHA recycling.
3.    Renewable Carbon / Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
o    The importance of renewable carbon sources in the production of PHA.
o    Comprehensive life cycle assessments of PHA versus conventional plastics.
o    Strategies to improve the sustainability metrics of PHA production and usage.

The panel will explore sustainability beyond recycling, emphasizing fully biodegradable materials and a circular system that prevents persistence in the environment. Speakers will address challenges and opportunities, including microplastics and biodegradability.

How do we practice collaborative innovation? In this fireside chat, hear from chemical industry leaders in the Global Impact Coalition on their work to speed-up the net zero and circular transformation of the industry. They will share insights into the keys to success and experiences on what works and doesn’t as they navigate the road to a circular, net zero future for the chemical industry. 

Transitioning from a fossil- to renewable-based global economy requires a major shift in the way we think about every aspect of life. Central to this transformation is the careful design of chemicals that prioritize both performance and sustainability. Emphasizing a product’s value proposition will be linked to its functional benefits and sustainability metrics rather than sheer chemical volume.

There are already many examples of green chemistry developments, demonstrating that change is on the way. This presentation showcases diverse industry examples to underscore the growing influence of green chemistry across sectors, signaling a path towards a sustainable future. Specifically, we highlight fermentation chemicals as a strategic avenue in green chemistry. These chemicals, derived from biomass via microbial fermentation processes involving organisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and microalgae, offer sustainable building blocks for innovative products spanning various applications. Investing in these technologies is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge amidst evolving market demands.
 

The path to a sustainable future for the chemical sector requires bold, decisive actions and long-term vision. Inspired by a nature–positive, holistic approach, a product portfolio shift can be a game changer for any chemical company’s sustainability strategy. 
How should companies approach it? What actions should be prioritized? How can companies avoid the pitfalls of carbon “tunnel vision”? 
Beyond decarbonization, there’s a huge opportunity for a more sustainable chemicals industry. 
The workshop aims at transforming sustainability strategies through a planetary lens.

Pyrolysis, liquefaction and gasification are promising technologies to recycle plastics that are unsuitable for mechanical recycling. Yet, today more than 90% of the global plastic waste is being incinerated, landfilled or simply discarded into the environment. Today’s chemical recycling goal is turning plastic waste into suitable feed for refinery processes at economy of scale, using existing integrated refinery assets, remove contaminants and ensure feed stability in terms of volume and composition.

The main product of liquefaction and pyrolysis is an oil that contains too high levels of contaminants and needs upgrading before it can be applied in existing refinery processes. This can be done via adsorption, hydrogenation and chemical conversion techniques. Besides, liquefaction and pyrolysis produce significant amounts of CO2 that should be captured and re-converted into base chemicals. Main challenges are to develop the right adsorbents and catalysts including durable catalysts solutions that go beyond the catalyst itself.

Gasification of plastics does not only produce CO and H2, known as syngas, but also CO2 and a suite of contaminants, like Cl and N containing gases. H2, CO and CO2 can be re-converted into valuable chemicals e.g. by Fischer Tropsch, an old process, but with new developments and insights. 

Development of suitable sorbents and catalyst solutions requires a lot of down scaled R&D screening tests. Catalyst vendors, oil majors, chemical recycling companies, plastic manufacturers, institutes and R&D centers are currently working on this. Avantium aims to accelerate that research by offering R&D systems, expertise and services that use multiple parallel reactors that can operate 24/7 under very well defined and reproducible process conditions including automatic sampling enabling both online and offline product analyses. 

Together with leading industry and institutes Avantium developed applications and R&D solutions of which a few examples, including test results shall be given.
 

An interdisciplinary team of Fraunhofer researchers has developed an innovative synthesis process for the production of fine chemicals. While conventional processes use a sequence of different reactors and stirred tanks, the new process produces the end product in a continuous synthesis cascade, in the best case within a single reactor. The process leads to significantly more efficient process management and more sustainable production thanks to shorter changeover times and lower energy requirements. These benefits have a direct impact on the CO2 emissions of the synthesis process and its costs. 
During the workshop, the developments will be presented and the requirements for a transfer to real production will be discussed.