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Key Trends in the Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry

Abhinav Anand | July 14, 2022 | 1369 views | Read Time : 1 min

Key Trends
The chemical business is intricate, with numerous sub-sectors dealing with various challenges. Thus, there are some differences in the sector's main areas of digitalization. For instance, while specialty chemicals with smaller batches but larger profit margins are concerned with improving quality, large factories are concentrated on accelerating throughput speed.

To be able to react to quick and repeated changes in demand, supply, and working circumstances, however, every plant must optimize output, reduce waste, improve safety and sustainability, and become more nimble. Therefore, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing are expected to be the three most popular applications for digital transformation during the coming two years.

Key Trends


Production Optimization

The first and most valuable use cases of digitalization in chemical plants center on production optimization through improved equipment performance, process automation, remote and predictive monitoring, and simplified maintenance.

Chemical factories, which often provide basic chemicals for use as end products in other sectors, have a special responsibility to maintain consistently high product quality. However, doing so can be challenging given the significant variations in raw material supply and quality. In addition, as process engineers can change the mix on the fly in reaction to fluctuations in quality, feedstock, or ambient temperatures, better data and analytics enable finer and more frequent adjustments.


Lowering Waste

The main advantage of digitally transformed plants so far has been cost reduction. The price volatility of raw materials is a problem for the chemical production sector because customers naturally want constant low prices. Minimizing waste is critical since facilities must contend with rising energy costs.

Analytics tools that monitor fluctuating raw material prices aid factories in negotiating the best deals with suppliers and preparing in advance for price spikes. The risk of oversupply is reduced since plants can prepare the proper quantities of various products thanks to more precise demand predictions.

Sustainability, Compliance, and Safety

The chemical industry is heavily regulated as a result of the quantity of hazardous chemicals and the number of end-use industries that rely on it. Businesses are adopting digital transformation to boost safety awareness, reduce emissions and dangerous flare incidents, and guarantee a transparent and accurate audit trail.

Plants that quickly adopt digital solutions for remote monitoring, supply chain visibility, waste reduction, production optimization, raising their safety profile, and opening up new opportunities will profit from higher profits and increased revenue, whereas those that hesitate for too long risk failing in the long run.

Spotlight

Aston Chemicals Ltd

Aston Chemicals is an independent distributor of Specialty Chemicals, providing the European Personal Care industry with innovative, high quality raw materials and outstanding levels of customer service. We offer our customers a completely integrated service, from dedicated R&D support to efficient delivery of products to manufacturing plants.

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Chemical Management

Application of Chromatography in Various Industries is Changing the Game!

Article | June 29, 2021

Used to separate and analyze compounds into their various components— chromatography plays a crucial part not just in the food industry but in the realms of drug testing, forensics, and even quality control in our favourite alcoholic drinks as well. Advanced Chromatography is an analytical technique introduced to the world by chromatography instrument companies to separate and analyze individual chemicals from complex compounds. Recent developments in the biotechnology and pharma industries have created a significant surge in the chromatography market. Read on to find out five fascinating facts about the day-to-day applications of chromatography in various industries and why businesses are looking to invest more in OEM chromatography manufacturing. Why are Industry-Decision Makers Adapting to Chromatography? Liquid Chromatography; A Popular Choice in Drug Testing Today, a lot of drug tests use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry because it is easy to use, widely available, and gives quick results. LC and LC-MS can be done in almost any testing facility, which is different from other methods. It can be run by people with little training, so a testing facility can hire mostly technicians instead of highly trained scientists, who are harder to find. LC-MS is also very accurate, which means that there are fewer false positives. With liquid chromatography, you can get results in about 10 to 30 minutes, which is very fast. This technology is used by many drug testing labs across the country. It is widely used and trusted for testing drug samples and many other things. Businesses associated with the sports industry are leveraging chromatography to effectively and accurately test athletes for doping or performance-enhancing drugs. Use of HPCL in Pharmaceutical Industries Chromatography is used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries to create vaccines. In addition, chromatography can determine which antibodies best neutralize viruses and diseases. Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. used the chromatography technique to develop the experimental immunization Zmapp to counteract the deadly Ebola virus. And it is still being used today to fight the coronavirus. The pharmaceutical industry has gained enormous success by exclusively using HPLC to obtain precise results during drug trials. The results can be used to analyze finished drug products and their ingredients quantitatively and qualitatively during manufacturing. The Detector in Forensic Science Chromatography methods are a well-established, powerful suite of methodologies in forensic science, from drug busts, murders, and robberies, to the identification of a plethora of chemical compounds that may be present in samples from terrorist incidents. Forensics use gas chromatography to help solve crimes. It helps analyze blood and clothing samples, allowing forensic scientists to investigate who and what was present at a crime scene. In particular instances, chromatography can even help forensic scientists pinpoint the exact whereabouts of the alleged perpetrator and victim before the crime happened. It’s an error-free process. Therefore, it is incredibly helpful in court. Additionally, chromatography is extremely handy in arson investigations. Most fires have a virtual cocktail of different substances. Every compound and substance differs in size and weight. Chromatography helps break down these varying compounds and substances to help determine what exactly started the fire. Liquid Chromatography in Food Industry Liquid chromatography plays a vital role in the food industry nowadays. It absolves and permits the selective removal of a wide variety of flavor and non-flavor-active food ingredients. The USDA, along with other countries, has prioritized rigorous testing of processed meat's contents. For example, in 2013, it was found that horsemeat was being sold as beef without anyone noticing. As a result, the food industry decided to change its analytical techniques. Chromatography quickly became the best way to find out what was in processed meats. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to ensure that meat labeled beef was actually beef. In addition, it could tell if horse meat was mixed in with the beef, which helped keep people safe. Bio-Rad Fast Acid Analysis Column in Beverage Testing Not just food, many beverage manufacturers also use chromatography to ensure that each bottle of their product is the same. But, again, consistent taste is the main priority. And knowing the exact content of each bottle is the most proactive way to measure things. The Bio-Rad fast acid analysis column has been successfully used by many companies to quantitatively determine vitamin C in juices, fresh drinks, and powdered drinks. Chromatography Market is Opening New Dimensions in Various Businesses Undoubtedly, technological advancement has created a vigorous need for chromatography devices. According to Verified Market Research, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2020 to 2027, the chromatography market is projected to reach USD 4.73 billion by 2027. The chromatography instrumentation market is currently witnessing huge advancements in the design of columns. This is raising the demand for development of better analytical reagents and resins. Increasing collaborations among the existing players, specifically in the Asian market is another propelling factor for this market. Additionally, emergence of green chromatography, increasing usage of chromatography instruments for monoclonal antibody purification, and usage of nanomaterial in chromatography are also fuelling the growth of this market. Plus, increased government funding in research and development activities is further driving the market growth. With various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, chemical, food and beverage, and other industries contributing to its market growth, one thing is for sure— the increase in the chromatography system market is here to stay.

Read More
Chemical Management

The multi-million dollar polymers opportunity: continued big regional price differentials

Article | July 13, 2021

POLYMER BUYERS outside northeast (NEA) and southeast Asia (SEA) have a big opportunity to save millions of dollars on procurement costs during the rest of this year through purchasing more from the two regions.The opportunity has arisen because I believe that NEA and SEA polymer prices will remain very cheap relative to most of the world until at least the end of 2021. NEA comprises China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Our definition of the SEA region is Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.NEA and SEA producers can also make a lot of money by constantly monitoring and acting on strong arbitrage opportunities in other regions. As supply disruptions in the US look likely to continue, Europe and South & Central America seem particularly good opportunities for both buyers and producers.Before we discuss why I see NEA and SEA remaining cheap relative to most of the rest of the world until at least the end of the year, let us consider in more detail the size of the prize, starting with the resin buyers.

Read More
Chemical Management

Organic Catalyst Boasts Big Benefits

Article | June 3, 2021

An enzyme-mimicking catalyst opens a new route to important organic molecules such as glycolic acid and amino acids from pyruvate, report researchers in Japan. Moreover, the new catalyst is cheaper, more stable, safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional metal catalysts used in industry, they note, adding that it also displays the high enantioselectivity required by the pharmaceutical industry. “On top of these advantages, our newly developed organic catalyst system also promotes reactions using pyruvate that aren’t easily achievable using metal catalysts,” says Santanu Mondal, a PhD candidate in the chemistry and chemical bioengineering unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan, and lead author of a study recently published in Organic Letters. “Organic catalysts, in particular, are set to revolutionize the industry and make chemistry more sustainable,” he stresses. The researchers use an acid and an amine mixture to force the pyruvate to act as an electron donor rather than its usual role as an electron receiver (Figure 1). Effectively mimicking how enzymes work, the amine binds to the pyruvate to make an intermediate molecule. The organic acid then covers up part of the intermediate molecule while leaving another part that can donate electrons free to react to form a new product. Currently, the organic catalyst system only works when reacting pyruvate with a specific class of organic molecule called cyclic imines. So, the researchers now are looking to develop a more-universal catalyst, i.e., one that can speed up reactions between pyruvate and a broad range of organic molecules. The challenge here is to try to make the electron-donating intermediate stage of pyruvate react with other functional groups such as aldehydes and ketones. However, different catalysts create different intermediates, all with different properties. For example, the enamine intermediate created by the researchers’ new reaction only reacts with cyclic imines. Their hypothesis, currently being investigated, is that creation of other intermediates such as an enolate, if possible, would achieve a broader pyruvate reactivity. In terms of cost, the researchers note that a palladium catalyst used in similar reactions is 25 times more expensive than their organic acid — which also is made from eco-friendly quinine. In addition, they believe scale-up of the process for industrial use definitely is possible. However, the researchers caution that the current amine-to-acid-catalyst loading ratio of 1:2 probably would need to be optimized for better results at a larger scale.

Read More
Chemical Management

Demographics are reshaping petrochemicals trade flows, investment patterns and demand

Article | May 23, 2021

TEN YEARS AGO, fellowblogger Paul Hodgesand Ifirst highlighted the leading rolethat changing demographics would play in reshaping petrochemicals supply and demand. We have been emphasising the importance of demographics ever since. Demographics have, of course, always been a critical shaper of economies throughout human history. But during the last 70 years, there have been such major changes in demographics that the study of demographics must be at the very heart of your company’s strategy. The Babyboomer generation in the West led to a surge in demand as the rapid increase in babies born in the 1950s and early 1960s joined the workforce from the 1970s onwards. This helps explain high levels of inflation during that decade because too much demand was chasing too little supply. Another driver of inflation was the Middle East embargos against oil exports to the West because of the West’s support for Israel. Then came the 1990s and first the integration of Eastern Europe into the global economy. This helped dampen inflationary pressures because of the plentiful supply of workers in the east willing to work for low wages in export-focused factories. This reduced the cost of finished goods in the West. Next came Deng Xiaoping’s critically important“southern tour”in the early 1990s and China’s gradual integration into the global economy. China increasingly leveraged its very youthful population to again make cheap goods to export to the West. Hundreds of millions of young people were willing to migrate from the countryside to China’s coastal cities to work in export-focused manufacturing plants. The world began to talk about the “China price” and how it was further depressing global inflation.

Read More
Chemical Management

The multi-million dollar polymers opportunity: continued big regional price differentials

Article | June 29, 2021

Used to separate and analyze compounds into their various components— chromatography plays a crucial part not just in the food industry but in the realms of drug testing, forensics, and even quality control in our favourite alcoholic drinks as well. Advanced Chromatography is an analytical technique introduced to the world by chromatography instrument companies to separate and analyze individual chemicals from complex compounds. Recent developments in the biotechnology and pharma industries have created a significant surge in the chromatography market. Read on to find out five fascinating facts about the day-to-day applications of chromatography in various industries and why businesses are looking to invest more in OEM chromatography manufacturing. Why are Industry-Decision Makers Adapting to Chromatography? Liquid Chromatography; A Popular Choice in Drug Testing Today, a lot of drug tests use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry because it is easy to use, widely available, and gives quick results. LC and LC-MS can be done in almost any testing facility, which is different from other methods. It can be run by people with little training, so a testing facility can hire mostly technicians instead of highly trained scientists, who are harder to find. LC-MS is also very accurate, which means that there are fewer false positives. With liquid chromatography, you can get results in about 10 to 30 minutes, which is very fast. This technology is used by many drug testing labs across the country. It is widely used and trusted for testing drug samples and many other things. Businesses associated with the sports industry are leveraging chromatography to effectively and accurately test athletes for doping or performance-enhancing drugs. Use of HPCL in Pharmaceutical Industries Chromatography is used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries to create vaccines. In addition, chromatography can determine which antibodies best neutralize viruses and diseases. Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. used the chromatography technique to develop the experimental immunization Zmapp to counteract the deadly Ebola virus. And it is still being used today to fight the coronavirus. The pharmaceutical industry has gained enormous success by exclusively using HPLC to obtain precise results during drug trials. The results can be used to analyze finished drug products and their ingredients quantitatively and qualitatively during manufacturing. The Detector in Forensic Science Chromatography methods are a well-established, powerful suite of methodologies in forensic science, from drug busts, murders, and robberies, to the identification of a plethora of chemical compounds that may be present in samples from terrorist incidents. Forensics use gas chromatography to help solve crimes. It helps analyze blood and clothing samples, allowing forensic scientists to investigate who and what was present at a crime scene. In particular instances, chromatography can even help forensic scientists pinpoint the exact whereabouts of the alleged perpetrator and victim before the crime happened. It’s an error-free process. Therefore, it is incredibly helpful in court. Additionally, chromatography is extremely handy in arson investigations. Most fires have a virtual cocktail of different substances. Every compound and substance differs in size and weight. Chromatography helps break down these varying compounds and substances to help determine what exactly started the fire. Liquid Chromatography in Food Industry Liquid chromatography plays a vital role in the food industry nowadays. It absolves and permits the selective removal of a wide variety of flavor and non-flavor-active food ingredients. The USDA, along with other countries, has prioritized rigorous testing of processed meat's contents. For example, in 2013, it was found that horsemeat was being sold as beef without anyone noticing. As a result, the food industry decided to change its analytical techniques. Chromatography quickly became the best way to find out what was in processed meats. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to ensure that meat labeled beef was actually beef. In addition, it could tell if horse meat was mixed in with the beef, which helped keep people safe. Bio-Rad Fast Acid Analysis Column in Beverage Testing Not just food, many beverage manufacturers also use chromatography to ensure that each bottle of their product is the same. But, again, consistent taste is the main priority. And knowing the exact content of each bottle is the most proactive way to measure things. The Bio-Rad fast acid analysis column has been successfully used by many companies to quantitatively determine vitamin C in juices, fresh drinks, and powdered drinks. Chromatography Market is Opening New Dimensions in Various Businesses Undoubtedly, technological advancement has created a vigorous need for chromatography devices. According to Verified Market Research, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2020 to 2027, the chromatography market is projected to reach USD 4.73 billion by 2027. The chromatography instrumentation market is currently witnessing huge advancements in the design of columns. This is raising the demand for development of better analytical reagents and resins. Increasing collaborations among the existing players, specifically in the Asian market is another propelling factor for this market. Additionally, emergence of green chromatography, increasing usage of chromatography instruments for monoclonal antibody purification, and usage of nanomaterial in chromatography are also fuelling the growth of this market. Plus, increased government funding in research and development activities is further driving the market growth. With various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, chemical, food and beverage, and other industries contributing to its market growth, one thing is for sure— the increase in the chromatography system market is here to stay.

Read More
Chemical Management

Southeast polyolefins demand growth could be negative again in 2021

Article | July 13, 2021

POLYMER BUYERS outside northeast (NEA) and southeast Asia (SEA) have a big opportunity to save millions of dollars on procurement costs during the rest of this year through purchasing more from the two regions.The opportunity has arisen because I believe that NEA and SEA polymer prices will remain very cheap relative to most of the world until at least the end of 2021. NEA comprises China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Our definition of the SEA region is Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.NEA and SEA producers can also make a lot of money by constantly monitoring and acting on strong arbitrage opportunities in other regions. As supply disruptions in the US look likely to continue, Europe and South & Central America seem particularly good opportunities for both buyers and producers.Before we discuss why I see NEA and SEA remaining cheap relative to most of the rest of the world until at least the end of the year, let us consider in more detail the size of the prize, starting with the resin buyers.

Read More
Chemical Management

Boom in petrochemicals demand guaranteed but we must grow sustainably

Article | June 3, 2021

An enzyme-mimicking catalyst opens a new route to important organic molecules such as glycolic acid and amino acids from pyruvate, report researchers in Japan. Moreover, the new catalyst is cheaper, more stable, safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional metal catalysts used in industry, they note, adding that it also displays the high enantioselectivity required by the pharmaceutical industry. “On top of these advantages, our newly developed organic catalyst system also promotes reactions using pyruvate that aren’t easily achievable using metal catalysts,” says Santanu Mondal, a PhD candidate in the chemistry and chemical bioengineering unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan, and lead author of a study recently published in Organic Letters. “Organic catalysts, in particular, are set to revolutionize the industry and make chemistry more sustainable,” he stresses. The researchers use an acid and an amine mixture to force the pyruvate to act as an electron donor rather than its usual role as an electron receiver (Figure 1). Effectively mimicking how enzymes work, the amine binds to the pyruvate to make an intermediate molecule. The organic acid then covers up part of the intermediate molecule while leaving another part that can donate electrons free to react to form a new product. Currently, the organic catalyst system only works when reacting pyruvate with a specific class of organic molecule called cyclic imines. So, the researchers now are looking to develop a more-universal catalyst, i.e., one that can speed up reactions between pyruvate and a broad range of organic molecules. The challenge here is to try to make the electron-donating intermediate stage of pyruvate react with other functional groups such as aldehydes and ketones. However, different catalysts create different intermediates, all with different properties. For example, the enamine intermediate created by the researchers’ new reaction only reacts with cyclic imines. Their hypothesis, currently being investigated, is that creation of other intermediates such as an enolate, if possible, would achieve a broader pyruvate reactivity. In terms of cost, the researchers note that a palladium catalyst used in similar reactions is 25 times more expensive than their organic acid — which also is made from eco-friendly quinine. In addition, they believe scale-up of the process for industrial use definitely is possible. However, the researchers caution that the current amine-to-acid-catalyst loading ratio of 1:2 probably would need to be optimized for better results at a larger scale.

Read More
Chemical Management

Demographics are reshaping petrochemicals trade flows, investment patterns and demand

Article | May 23, 2021

TEN YEARS AGO, fellowblogger Paul Hodgesand Ifirst highlighted the leading rolethat changing demographics would play in reshaping petrochemicals supply and demand. We have been emphasising the importance of demographics ever since. Demographics have, of course, always been a critical shaper of economies throughout human history. But during the last 70 years, there have been such major changes in demographics that the study of demographics must be at the very heart of your company’s strategy. The Babyboomer generation in the West led to a surge in demand as the rapid increase in babies born in the 1950s and early 1960s joined the workforce from the 1970s onwards. This helps explain high levels of inflation during that decade because too much demand was chasing too little supply. Another driver of inflation was the Middle East embargos against oil exports to the West because of the West’s support for Israel. Then came the 1990s and first the integration of Eastern Europe into the global economy. This helped dampen inflationary pressures because of the plentiful supply of workers in the east willing to work for low wages in export-focused factories. This reduced the cost of finished goods in the West. Next came Deng Xiaoping’s critically important“southern tour”in the early 1990s and China’s gradual integration into the global economy. China increasingly leveraged its very youthful population to again make cheap goods to export to the West. Hundreds of millions of young people were willing to migrate from the countryside to China’s coastal cities to work in export-focused manufacturing plants. The world began to talk about the “China price” and how it was further depressing global inflation.

Read More
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Spotlight

Aston Chemicals Ltd

Aston Chemicals is an independent distributor of Specialty Chemicals, providing the European Personal Care industry with innovative, high quality raw materials and outstanding levels of customer service. We offer our customers a completely integrated service, from dedicated R&D support to efficient delivery of products to manufacturing plants.

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Chemical Management

Lummus and RWDC Announce Agreement to Accelerate and Scale PHA Production

prnewswire | September 12, 2023

Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company developing biopolymer material solutions, announced a binding Joint Development and Commercial Cooperation Agreement (JDCCA) to rapidly expand manufacturing and global licensing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In April, Lummus and RWDC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on global PHA deployment initiatives. "This agreement highlights Lummus and RWDC's strong commitment to addressing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with conventional plastics production," said Leon de Bruyn, Lummus Technology's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership in this innovative space aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our ongoing dedication to developing technologies that accelerate the use and availability of eco-friendly plastics." "We look forward to the value that will be created in combining Lummus' expertise with ours to improve people's lives and health by making PHA polymers and resins available at large scale," said Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC's Chief Executive Officer. "It has always been our goal to develop sustainable materials that benefit every living thing on the planet, and this partnership is a monumental step in that direction. Lummus' and RWDC's decision to work together is an exciting development toward making it possible for more people to benefit from natural materials while preserving resources and our environment for future generations." RWDC uses plant-based oils, including post-consumer or waste cooking oils, to produce its proprietary Solon™ PHA, which can be organically recycled or composted in home and industrial composting facilities. Products or packaging made with PHA that find their way into the environment, therefore, will fully biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, preventing persistent plastics and microplastics from accumulating in the environment. Articles produced with PHA also can be recycled, re-used or returned to the carbon cycle by way of organic recycling or composting systems. Lummus' interest in pursuing this partnership is testament to RWDC's attractiveness to licensors, due to its demonstrable technology innovation and technical capabilities; commercial value proposition and unit economics; and existing global brand partnerships that continuously validate market demand. RWDC is uniquely positioned as the only PHA manufacturer in the market to provide scalable and cost-effective biopolymer production and first- and best-in-class formulation capabilities and guidance on conversion for product development. Licensing and technology development through its forthcoming partnership with Lummus further enhances RWDC's position as a market leader. Moreover, Lummus' polymer expertise, illustrated through its Novolen® polypropylene technology, highlights a commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions in polyolefin technology to drive transformative change within the plastics industry. About Lummus Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing technology solutions that make modern life possible and focus on a more sustainable, low carbon future. We license process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitalization to customers worldwide. About RWDC Industries Founded in 2016, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including Solon™ PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore and operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia.

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Chemical Management

JAGGAER and Chemwatch to Deliver Industry-Leading Chemicals Search and Management Solution

businesswire | September 01, 2023

JAGGAER, the global leader in Autonomous Commerce, is collaborating with Chemwatch, the international leader in enhanced chemicals management, to enable researchers to comply with safety standards across the full lifecycle for chemical reagents while saving on time and cost. The integration gives users of JAGGAER Research Material Management (RMM), the industry-leading solution for acquiring and managing commercial reagents and lab supplies, access to more than 140 million Chemwatch Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The integration will be available to mutual customers in Q3 2023. It will enable them to view Safety Data Sheets and use the associated indexed data in real time. “Extending our solutions through partnerships like this is at the heart of our Autonomous Commerce strategy to make customers stronger, faster and more agile while reducing costs and risks,” said JAGGAER Chief Product Officer, Dawn Andre. Regulations require organizations to maintain a supplier-specific SDS for each chemical in their inventory. While that’s already a significant task for a manufacturing or MRO operation, for even moderately large research labs that often have inventories of more than 50,000 products – and constantly expanding – the challenge becomes truly daunting. Service organizations have been the traditional answer, but with annual charges per document, cost can be a serious barrier. “The new JAGGAER RMM-Chemwatch integration is highly automated, minimizing manual review and attention, so you get the benefits of the full-service approach at a lower, predictable annual cost,” said Tom Russell, General Manager, RMM Solutions. “We’ve been aware of Chemwatch for some time now and have watched their evolution to provide the largest and most comprehensive, rigorously maintained collection of supplier-specific content for materials used in research labs. Coupling JAGGAER’s approach to acquisition and material inventory with their data and flexible API offers the opportunity to bring a uniquely new and valuable capability to the market,” Russell added. “JAGGAER RMM gives researchers a first-class integrated buying experience. Combined with Chemwatch data and our API, researchers can now automate the identification of vendor-specific documents in the full Chemwatch collection, directly from the purchase process. This will inform the full lifecycle for chemical reagents and lab supplies from acquisition through waste, enabling consistent and informed access and reporting, and reducing risk, while saving time and cost,” said Dr. Bernie Bialkower, Principal, Chemwatch. “The Chemwatch API already offers real-time access to data that RMM customers previously obtained from third-party suppliers. With this in place, we are exploring other ways in which Chemwatch can provide further information and add more value,” Russell concluded. About Chemwatch Chemwatch is a world leader in the chemicals management space. With over 30 years’ experience, they specialize in chemical safety across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, mining, governments and manufacturing. An international company headquartered in Australia, Chemwatch has offices throughout the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Chemwatch offers their clients access to over 140 million SDS and support in over 90 countries, with access to 50 languages. They also provide a range of other services, including SDS authoring Chemicals Management SDS management Risk Assessment analysis Asset management via barcode and RFID Chemical regulatory compliance About JAGGAER JAGGAER is leading the Autonomous Commerce revolution, a self-governing B2B commerce experience between buyers, suppliers, things (IoT) and partners. Over $500 billion worth of goods flows frictionlessly through our Enterprise Commerce Network every year. Leveraging AI and machine learning, our intelligent procurement solutions provide enterprise buyers and suppliers smart-match recommendations that align buyer needs with supplier capabilities. Our solutions autonomously execute many of the repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks required to facilitate enterprise commerce. We are Networked, Intelligent, Comprehensive and Extensible. We are over 1,100 employees strong, all focused on customer success.

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Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

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Chemical Management

Lummus and RWDC Announce Agreement to Accelerate and Scale PHA Production

prnewswire | September 12, 2023

Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company developing biopolymer material solutions, announced a binding Joint Development and Commercial Cooperation Agreement (JDCCA) to rapidly expand manufacturing and global licensing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In April, Lummus and RWDC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on global PHA deployment initiatives. "This agreement highlights Lummus and RWDC's strong commitment to addressing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with conventional plastics production," said Leon de Bruyn, Lummus Technology's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership in this innovative space aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our ongoing dedication to developing technologies that accelerate the use and availability of eco-friendly plastics." "We look forward to the value that will be created in combining Lummus' expertise with ours to improve people's lives and health by making PHA polymers and resins available at large scale," said Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC's Chief Executive Officer. "It has always been our goal to develop sustainable materials that benefit every living thing on the planet, and this partnership is a monumental step in that direction. Lummus' and RWDC's decision to work together is an exciting development toward making it possible for more people to benefit from natural materials while preserving resources and our environment for future generations." RWDC uses plant-based oils, including post-consumer or waste cooking oils, to produce its proprietary Solon™ PHA, which can be organically recycled or composted in home and industrial composting facilities. Products or packaging made with PHA that find their way into the environment, therefore, will fully biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, preventing persistent plastics and microplastics from accumulating in the environment. Articles produced with PHA also can be recycled, re-used or returned to the carbon cycle by way of organic recycling or composting systems. Lummus' interest in pursuing this partnership is testament to RWDC's attractiveness to licensors, due to its demonstrable technology innovation and technical capabilities; commercial value proposition and unit economics; and existing global brand partnerships that continuously validate market demand. RWDC is uniquely positioned as the only PHA manufacturer in the market to provide scalable and cost-effective biopolymer production and first- and best-in-class formulation capabilities and guidance on conversion for product development. Licensing and technology development through its forthcoming partnership with Lummus further enhances RWDC's position as a market leader. Moreover, Lummus' polymer expertise, illustrated through its Novolen® polypropylene technology, highlights a commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions in polyolefin technology to drive transformative change within the plastics industry. About Lummus Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing technology solutions that make modern life possible and focus on a more sustainable, low carbon future. We license process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitalization to customers worldwide. About RWDC Industries Founded in 2016, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including Solon™ PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore and operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia.

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Chemical Management

JAGGAER and Chemwatch to Deliver Industry-Leading Chemicals Search and Management Solution

businesswire | September 01, 2023

JAGGAER, the global leader in Autonomous Commerce, is collaborating with Chemwatch, the international leader in enhanced chemicals management, to enable researchers to comply with safety standards across the full lifecycle for chemical reagents while saving on time and cost. The integration gives users of JAGGAER Research Material Management (RMM), the industry-leading solution for acquiring and managing commercial reagents and lab supplies, access to more than 140 million Chemwatch Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The integration will be available to mutual customers in Q3 2023. It will enable them to view Safety Data Sheets and use the associated indexed data in real time. “Extending our solutions through partnerships like this is at the heart of our Autonomous Commerce strategy to make customers stronger, faster and more agile while reducing costs and risks,” said JAGGAER Chief Product Officer, Dawn Andre. Regulations require organizations to maintain a supplier-specific SDS for each chemical in their inventory. While that’s already a significant task for a manufacturing or MRO operation, for even moderately large research labs that often have inventories of more than 50,000 products – and constantly expanding – the challenge becomes truly daunting. Service organizations have been the traditional answer, but with annual charges per document, cost can be a serious barrier. “The new JAGGAER RMM-Chemwatch integration is highly automated, minimizing manual review and attention, so you get the benefits of the full-service approach at a lower, predictable annual cost,” said Tom Russell, General Manager, RMM Solutions. “We’ve been aware of Chemwatch for some time now and have watched their evolution to provide the largest and most comprehensive, rigorously maintained collection of supplier-specific content for materials used in research labs. Coupling JAGGAER’s approach to acquisition and material inventory with their data and flexible API offers the opportunity to bring a uniquely new and valuable capability to the market,” Russell added. “JAGGAER RMM gives researchers a first-class integrated buying experience. Combined with Chemwatch data and our API, researchers can now automate the identification of vendor-specific documents in the full Chemwatch collection, directly from the purchase process. This will inform the full lifecycle for chemical reagents and lab supplies from acquisition through waste, enabling consistent and informed access and reporting, and reducing risk, while saving time and cost,” said Dr. Bernie Bialkower, Principal, Chemwatch. “The Chemwatch API already offers real-time access to data that RMM customers previously obtained from third-party suppliers. With this in place, we are exploring other ways in which Chemwatch can provide further information and add more value,” Russell concluded. About Chemwatch Chemwatch is a world leader in the chemicals management space. With over 30 years’ experience, they specialize in chemical safety across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, mining, governments and manufacturing. An international company headquartered in Australia, Chemwatch has offices throughout the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Chemwatch offers their clients access to over 140 million SDS and support in over 90 countries, with access to 50 languages. They also provide a range of other services, including SDS authoring Chemicals Management SDS management Risk Assessment analysis Asset management via barcode and RFID Chemical regulatory compliance About JAGGAER JAGGAER is leading the Autonomous Commerce revolution, a self-governing B2B commerce experience between buyers, suppliers, things (IoT) and partners. Over $500 billion worth of goods flows frictionlessly through our Enterprise Commerce Network every year. Leveraging AI and machine learning, our intelligent procurement solutions provide enterprise buyers and suppliers smart-match recommendations that align buyer needs with supplier capabilities. Our solutions autonomously execute many of the repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks required to facilitate enterprise commerce. We are Networked, Intelligent, Comprehensive and Extensible. We are over 1,100 employees strong, all focused on customer success.

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Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

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