Belgium-based chemical group, Solvay opened in Brazil its first fully dedicated Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (IBL) to boost the development of innovations and solutions based on sustainable chemistry, used in a growing range of end-markets.
The fully integrated laboratory in Paulinia will chiefly focus on researching new processes and molecules derived from biomass, which is mostly plant or vegetable based and abundantly available in Brazil with its favourable climate and vast surface, says Solvay.
The laboratory’s highly qualified researchers will work jointly with the Group’s Global Business Units in Solvay’s research and innovation centres worldwide as well as with external partners including public and private institutions. Research programmes in place include notably projects in flavours, fragrances, surfactants, cellulose derivatives and solvents.
For many decades now Solvay has been developing products and solutions based on bio-sourced raw materials such as ethanol and glycerol. Its growth and innovation strategy responds to society’s challenges in dealing with the scarcity of resources amid growing industrialisation, urbanisation and an increasing number of consumers.
(PRA)
