The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 to three US-based scientists for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. According to the academy they “planted an important seed for nanotechnology” by “producing particles so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena”.
Cambrex has completed a $38 million expansion at its small molecule API facility in High Point, North Carolina. This doubles capacity, with new analytical and chemical development laboratories, two new clinical manufacturing suites and a small-scale commercial manufacturing operation with three work centres and 2,000 litre reactors. Work originally began in 2021. This has created about 70 jobs.
Kensing, an Illinois-based manufacturer of natural vitamin E, plant sterols, anionic surfactants and esters for applications in personal care among other things, has acquired Advanced Organic Materials (AOM). Terms were not disclosed. AOM supplies non-GMO plant-based vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and phytosterols derived from sunflower and rapeseed out of facilities in Spain and Argentina.
Dr Hans-Joachim Jacob, senior expert - process & applications, at Ystral, looks at some key trends changing production processes
New technologies, changed requirements in production and ever more frequent product changes, but also more strict specifications with regard to occupational and environmental protection are significantly changing many production processes. Below, five examples are discussed from a longer white paper on the subject.
Process intensification
The Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) concluded on 30 September in Bonn, Germany, by adopting “a comprehensive global framework that sets concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals”.
The new Global Framework on Chemicals is based around 28 targets and outlines a roadmap for countries and stakeholders to address the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste, collaboratively. It calls, among other things, for the:
* Prevention of the illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste
At its latest Capital Markets Day on 27 September 2023, Arkema revealed its plans to strengthen its decarbonisation initiatives as well as its financial targets. This followed the recent validation of Arkema’s emissions reduction plan by the Science-Based Targets Initiatives.
Orion has opened its new Battery Innovation Centre at it main innovation hub in Cologne. The facility includes a full array of production, testing and diagnostic equipment. The focus of its work will be to “accelerate Orion’s tailor-made product and process development in close cooperation with customers”, the company said.
