We are delighted to announce a second seminar on sustainable chemical feedstocks, co-organised with the Applied Materials Chemistry Group (AMCG), the Industrial Physical Chemistry Group (IPCG), and the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA). This event is a collaboration between industry and academia, and will focus on three main topics: Small Molecule Feedstocks, Circular Plastics, and Sustainable Chemicals from Underutilised Biomass.
There will be discussions and presentations from academia and industry, with a focus on the practical and an honest appraisal of the benefits and pitfalls of the different technologies. The three topics will intertwine and focus on using materials that have significant potential to improve sustainability within the chemical industry.
Session 1: Small Molecule Feedstocks (organised and chaired by SCHEMA):
We will explore recent developments and innovations in the use and management of renewable, small molecule feedstocks such as CO2 and H2. A key area of focus will be on catalytic transformation of these feedstocks into platform chemicals, fuels and materials, as well as how integrating these processes into the wider chemical industry could help drive the defossilisation of the sector.
Session 2: Circular Plastics (organised and chaired by iCAST):
We will hear about cutting-edge research exploring polymer synthesis, usage, recycling, upcycling, and end-of-life management. This session will explore sustainable polymerisation techniques, innovative designs aimed at enhancing recyclability, and advanced recycling processes encompassing both mechanical and chemical methods. We will also address the importance of upcycling strategies and biodegradable alternatives, alongside examining the critical role of policy and industry initiatives.
Session 3: Sustainable Chemicals from Underutilised Biomass (organised and chaired by the AMCG):
The drive for the whole chemicals sector to become more sustainable relies on the ability to convert readily available and renewable feedstocks into products. However, the transition from petrochemical to biochemical feedstocks remains extremely challenging, particularly concerning the conversion of widely available, non-food biomass, such as forestry, aquaculture and agricultural residues, into valuable chemical building blocks. In this session, we will look at how industry is embracing the change to these bio-based feedstocks, how research is supporting the production of high-value intermediates from low-value residues to feed into established supply chains and how policy is supporting these changes.
Practical information
This event will be spread over two days, allowing time for a networking conference dinner on the night of Thursday 12th December (dinner included in the price). This conference dinner on will be held at Burlington House
Registration fees:
RSC member = £325 (£225 Early bird)
Non-member = £375 (£275 Early bird)
RSC member (Student) = £175 (£125 Early bird)
Non-member (Student) = £200 (£150 Early bird)
Bursaries: There will be two bursaries available for young researchers. Please apply directly to the organising committee. Only researchers with a submitted abstract will be considered.
For further information and an agenda, visit: Chemical Feedstocks for Sustainable Industry 2024 (rsc.org)
