Since the establishment of the Periodic Table of Elements (PSE) 150 years ago, not only the number of known elements has increased, but new technologies have also emerged: Chemical pesticides to protect the harvest, batteries for energy on the move and plastics in every form, color, and function. The current focus is on the sustainability aspect. But here, too, chemistry offers new solutions. The 10 most promising technologies for a more sustainable world have been selected by the chemical association IUPAC.

Evonik and Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions have granted a license for HPPO Technology to Zibo Qixiang Tengda Chemical to produce propylene oxide. Corresponding agreements were signed by the parties in Guangzhou in China.

The European Commission pursues in its 7th environmental programme key objectives in dealing with substances and materials known under the catchwords ‘non-toxic environment’ and ‘circular economy’. These target areas have numerous interfaces in waste, chemicals and product law, resulting in multiple conflicting goals. A total of five experts with many years of experience have dealt intensively with this topic and presented solutions. 

Over 100 years after the development of the air separation process, gases are an indispensable ingredient in modern processes. Are we taking full advantage of these volatile enablers? Jens Waldeck, Linde Gas European CEO, and Elisabeth Mehlan, Head of Market Development in Europe, are convinced that, in order to win customers for new avenues in gas exploitation, it is essential to understand their processes.

Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (Kipic) has awarded Veolia a contract for the operation and maintenance of its refinery wastewater treatment plant in Al Zour in southern Kuwait. The 7-year contract has a volume of $ 63 million.

BASF and Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) have signed an agreement to cooperate closely in the area of machine learning. The aim of the collaboration is to develop workable new mathematical models and algorithms for fundamental questions relating to chemistry, for example, from process or quantum chemistry.

5,600 billion Euros is the ultimate Grand Prix for chemicals. But the winner is by no means identified — The chemical industry experienced above-average growth globally. With this development, chemical companies could pocket 5,600 billion Euros per year till 2035. But the global distribution is not equal: The North American market is growing strongly whereas the market in Europe has stagnated. The consequence: The significance of the old continent could get marginalized for this industry. There is still time to change course.

For 140 years Linde has been setting standards in the world of gases and helping to make our world more productive — Gases have made it possible. Whether chemicals, metallurgy, food industry, processing industry or environmental technology, there is barely any sector that can do without the hidden champions from the tank or pressure cylinder. Here, the development of technical gases has been inextricably linked to the achievements of one man — and of the company that bears his name to this day. Since the development of the air separation process, Linde has constantly reinvented itself — and is now developing the solutions for the industries of tomorrow.

BASF and Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) intend to invest US$ 500 million in an integrated aroma ingredients project at their existing joint venture site BASF Petronas Chemicals in Gebeng, Kuantan. With this investment, the partners will help meet the globally growing demands of customers in the flavor and fragrance industry, especially in Asia Pacific.

It may just be “nothing,” but this “nothing” really packs a punch! Without vacuum, many everyday things would be impossible — whether spectacles, smartphones, medicines or foodstuffs with a long shelf life. Pfeiffer Vacuum has been synonymous for high-quality vacuum technology for over 125 years. And it is not just the technology itself that makes the company stand out, but above all its feeling for the different challenges faced by particular industries.