Ecochem 2014 (Basel, Switzerland, November 11–13, 2014)

Ecochem: over 3000 to gather in Basel in November 2014 to bring forward the green chemical revolution

Europe’s first International Conference and Exhibition on Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering launched last year to an audience representing the elite of the sustainable chemistry industry. One thousand attendees, of which 40% were decision makers, gathered at the 3 day event to promote new collaborative approaches and solutions. These strategies and technical solutions are designed to equip the leaders of tomorrow with the strategic and technical knowledge, contacts and skills needed to reinvent businesses and economies.

Over 240 speakers from the world’s leading chemical and end-user companies such as Dow, BASF, Clariant, Evonik, DuPont, INEOS, Nestle, Nike, Volkswagen, Levi’s, Siemens, P&G, Novartis and L’Oreal as well as innovators and biotechnology suppliers delivered 3 days of both high-level strategic and technical content.

Ecochem also attracted the world’s most eminent academics, scientist and industry leaders, including the ‘founding fathers’ of Green Chemistry, Paul Anastas, previously Assistant Director for the Environment in the White House Office of Science and Technology, and John Warner, President and CTO of the Warner Babcock Institute. They were joined by Professor James Clarke from the University of York, Jim Iley the Executive Director of Science and Education at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Dr. David Constable the Director of the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute, Dr. Hubert Mandery the Director General of Cefic and many more. Interviews with high level speakers as well as some strategic sessions were recorded at the event and are partially available online now at ecochemex.com.

What happened at the event?

There were several noteworthy announcements made last year, such as the launch of SusChem Switzerland National Technology Platform. SusChem addresses challenges specific to the European chemical and industrial biotechnology industry for the benefit of society as a whole. Scottish Enterprise also introduced their Industrial Biotechnology strategy for Scotland which set a new target of increasing turnover from £189m to £900m by 2025. The new strategy is designed to capture a larger share of a global market which is worth £360bn. Elevance also announced ‘Renewicals™’, a breakthrough category of novel products, building blocks and ingredients that enable performance impossible until now. Elevance encouraged the industry to join the high-growth specialty chemicals company in developing sustainable products that perform better than current alternatives.

What was said – in the words of expert attendees

John Pearson, CEO, Chemical Industry Roundtables, LLC: “Ecochem was simply the most comprehensive event on renewable chemistry ever brought to fruition. It pulled together all strands of the industry, from thought leaders, to financiers, to technologists, to commercial personnel, to brand owners, in a very lively and informative 3 day event”.

Mark Williams, General Counsel, Circa Group: “I agree that it was a very successful forum for the exchange of views and the capacity to make connections with a highly diverse group of very significant contributors to the industry was much appreciated”.

Murray McLaughlin, Sustainable Chemistry Alliance Canada, Bioindustrial Innovation Centre-Executive Director and President & CEO Suschem Alliance: “This was an excellent conference with good line up of speakers and very strong industry base of attendees. Networking capabilities were emphasized for attendees and hence a lot of new contacts were made. Look forward to the next one”.

John Warner – Co-founder – Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry: “The diversity of the people here is so surprising... (we were) struck by the passion of people here in their areas and how they are recognising now green chemistry and sustainability is arcing so many aspects of the commercial enterprise”. The most opportunities are with industry sectors that do not typically speak to each other under the umbrella of sustainability have solutions for each other which they would not know if it were not for this conference.

The buyers and the sellers in the same place is absolutely necessary to bring about change in the chemical industry.

What to expect in 2014

Ecochem will return in 2014 from November 11th to 13th 2014, gathering over 3000 attendees and 150 exhibitors, representing the whole value chain, to accelerate innovation, research, commercialisation and market uptake in the design, production and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and processes.

A new development in January saw The United Nations Industrial Development Organization agreeing to holding the Third Global Chemical Leasing Award Ceremony at Ecochem. The Award intends to further enhance the global visibility of Chemical Leasing by acknowledging the best practices and inspiring companies and individuals around the globe applying the Chemical Leasing business concept. Please visit www.ecochemex.comto contribute to Ecochem 2014 or apply to the Chemical Leasing Award.