AkzoNobel's Imagine Chemistry challenge generates more than 200 ideas
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
March 17, 2017
Open innovation initiative will lead to new commercial opportunities for
chemicals business
An enthusiastic response to AkzoNobel's Imagine Chemistry initiative has
resulted in more than 200 innovative ideas being submitted by chemistry start-
ups, scientists, research groups and students around the world.
Developed in conjunction with KPMG, Imagine Chemistry was launched to help solve
real-life chemistry-related challenges - such as finding ways to revolutionize
plastics recycling - as well as uncovering sustainable opportunities for
AkzoNobel's Specialty Chemicals businesses.
From the 200 submissions received, AkzoNobel will now select 20 finalists to
attend a three-day event in June at the company's principal research facility in
Deventer, the Netherlands.
"We have been very impressed by the number and quality of the submissions," said
Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for
Specialty Chemicals. "This confirms our belief that there is tremendous
potential even in mature chemistries. We are looking forward to working with the
eventual winners to scale up their ideas and turn them into a commercial reality
with real global impact."
The Imagine Chemistry challenge is focused on finding solutions in five areas:
* Revolutionizing plastics recycling
* Waste water-free chemical sites
* Cellulose-based alternatives to synthetics
* Bio-based and biodegradable surfactants and thickeners
* Bio-based sources of ethylene
There are also "open challenges" for broad ideas in two further areas: Highly
reactive chemistry and technology; and sustainable alternatives to current
technologies.
The challenge is part of an integrated approach to further deploy AkzoNobel's
innovation capability in support of its growth ambitions. "We put innovation and
sustainability at the heart of everything we do," added Vanlancker. "Our
strategic ambition is to deliver a world-beating product portfolio across all
our markets, building on collaborative and open innovation."
Recent innovations from AkzoNobel's Specialty Chemicals business include Bolikel
XP, a next generation, biodegradable micronutrient to efficiently combat iron
deficiency in crops; and Berol DR-B1, a safe and sustainable surfactant for
consumer and commercial cleaning applications that involve direct release.
- - -
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and
inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer
of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection
and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a
pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are
designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making
life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately
46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known
brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently
ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and
communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by
what we do.
Not for publication - for more information
Corporate Media Relations
T +31 (0)88 - 969 7833
Contact: Andrew Wood
Media Release - AkzoNobel:
http://hugin.info/130660/R/2088616/788405.pdf
Infographic - Imagine Chemistry:
http://hugin.info/130660/R/2088616/788413.jpg
Factsheet - AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals:
http://hugin.info/130660/R/2088616/788409.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: AkzoNobel NV via GlobeNewswire
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 17.03.2017 - 10:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 530874
Anzahl Zeichen: 4488
contact information:
Town:
Amsterdam
Kategorie:
Business News
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 237 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"AkzoNobel's Imagine Chemistry challenge generates more than 200 ideas"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
AkzoNobel NV (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
