University of Antwerp and Solvay join forces for green chemistry technologies
The University of Antwerp and Solvay have signed an exclusive license agreement to access a new patented organic synthesis technology developed by the research team headed by Professor Bert Maes, Collen Francqui Research Professor in the ORSY division of the Department of Chemistry. This technology will enlarge the capabilities that Solvay can offer to its customers to develop new environmentally friendly solutions for its markets.
The recognition of the invention by a leader in its industry reinforces the visibility of the scientific excellence of the University of Antwerp in the field of catalysis for sustainable organic chemistry, one of the Centers of Excellence at the university named CASCH. A part of the basic strategic research leading to this new technology was funded by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Vlaams Agentschap voor Innovatie en Ondernemen - VLAIO) under the umbrella of Catalisti, the spearhead cluster for the Flemish chemical and plastics industry, as well as the EU Cooperation Program Interreg Flanders-The Netherlands. The ORSY division develops new sustainable synthetic methodologies towards fine and speciality chemicals using catalysis. Feedstock includes renewables such as chemicals obtained from non-edible biomass refineries. A major research topic is the development of new synthetic methods aiming direct functionalization of challenging unreactive bonds omnipresent in the renewables. Special attention is given to the assessment of greenness of newly developed methodologies using Green Metrics. The division has a longstanding tradition of industrial collaborations and is a partner in the sustainable chemistry valorization consortium InSusChem.
Focus on sustainable chemistry and materialsThe current license deal with Solvay is a new example of the high potential of the University of Antwerp in the key valorisation domain of sustainable chemistry and materials. The University of Antwerp will strengthen this valorisation domain by opening Blue-App at the Blue Gate Antwerp site. Blue-app is an open innovation hub where the various actors of the relevant innovation ecosystem can physically meet to work together on innovation projects as well as follow training programmes. This will lead to more industrial collaboration and societal and economical impact within the region.
About Solvay Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 24,100 employees in 64 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group’s innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world’s top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of €10.2 billion in 2019. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels (SOLB) and Paris and in the United States, where its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a Level I ADR program. Learn more at www.solvay.com.