Evonik and the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (Likat) have discovered a new type of hydroformylation. The research team revealed that the important reaction can also work at low pressures with a stable catalyst. The discovery can also lead to the cost effective and sustainable production of aldehydes and alcohols.

AFC Energy has designed, built and commissioned the cracker demonstration plant which will deliver 140 tonnes of fuel cell grade hydrogen per annum. The demonstration is claimed to be the world’s largest ‘ammonia to hydrogen’ modular cracker demonstration in operation.

The same developments happening in the rest of the world are also reshaping laboratories: the increasing use of technology, digital tools and, of course, robots and artificial intelligence (AI). All these trends often go hand in hand with a greater awareness of environmental issues. In this trend report, we present a summary of the fruits these developments are already bearing and will bear in the future.

After successful editions in the Middle East and Europe, the Plastics Recycling Show is all set to debut in India. The show which is scheduled to be held in Mumbai aims at promoting responsible plastic usage and waste management.

The Fraunhofer IKTS research institute has been carrying out extensive research and development work in SOEC technology for 20 plus years. With this partnership, both the parties aim to bring high-temperature electrolysis toward industrial manufacturing and application.

Covestro has collaborated with Rondo Energy to install an innovative heat battery at Covestro’s Brunsbüttel site in Germany. The heat battery has the capacity to generate heat and steam for industrial production. By installing it, the battery aims to generate ten percent of the steam needed at the Covestro site with renewable energy.

Exxon Mobil is developing the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen production plant in Texas, USA which aims to have an annual production capacity of 900,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen along with an annual production capacity of more than one million tonnes of low-carbon ammonia.

India’s largest Chlor-Alkali project is commissioned by Mundra Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises. With a capacity of 2200 TPD and utilizing a 100 % NaOH process, the project is expected to play a vital role in the production of feedstocks for Mundra Petrochemical’s refineries and chemical plants.

Nouryon has recently announced that it has obtained the ISCC Plus certification for green ethylene oxide, ethanolamines, and ethylene amines. This certification will enable the company to produce more sustainable surfactants.

OQ Chemicals has secured the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus for its production site at Bay City in Texas, USA. The certification will help the firm to offer a sustainable alternative to its fossil-based portfolio.