Syensqo has opened some new application development laboratories (ADLs) at Bollate, Italy, where it opened its ‘dry room’ laboratory for lithium batteries last year. They will focus on developing specialty polymers for applications in green mobility, energy-efficiency and sustainable sourcing, among others.
CEFIC has published ‘Safe and Sustainable by-Design (SSbD): A Guidance to Unleash the Transformative Power of Innovation’. The guidance can be accessed on the association website
This is based on insights from the chemical industry and bodies such as European Commission and its Joint Research Centre, the OECD, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. It offers specific activities for different phases of industrial R&D to help the industry move towards “a sustainable, circular, and inclusive economy” by 2050.
W.R. Grace has formally opened an expansion of the pharmaceutical CDMO expansion project it began 21 months ago at its site in South Haven, Michigan. The expansion has added 25% more capacity, including a new 15 m3 Hastelloy centrifuge and three 15 m3 multi-purpose chemical reactors.
South Korean paint and chemicals firm KCC has agreed to acquire the minority stake of SJL Partners Momentive Performance Materials and assume full ownership. This is subject to customary closing conditions and no price has been disclosed. Based in New York state, Momentive is a major supplier of silicone and speciality products for applications including personal care.
Octowood, a part of the Sweden’s Rundvirke Industrier Group, has invested in a new treatment plant using Arxada’s wood preservative, Tanasote. The company is one of Europe’s largest creosote treaters but wanted to offer an additional long-term wood protection option for pine used in fencing and power lines.
The Audit Committee of the Chemours board has delivered a “substantially complete” report of the findings of the internal review it was tasked to complete with regard to the conduct of CEO Mark Newman, CFO Jonathan Lock and principal accounting officer Camela Wisel. All three were put on administrative leave on 29 February pending its completion.
Almac Group has announced the completion of two new purpose-built facilities at its headquarters in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. The total investment is about $400 million and is part of a global investment programme announced in June 2022.
One is a 2,600 m2 GMP facility that more than doubles peptide API manufacturing capacity. This “will enhance synthesis, purification and isolation capabilities and meet anticipated demand for clinical development and commercial products”, the company said.
