The Applied Materials Chemistry Group (AMCG), the Industrial Physical Chemistry Group (IPCG), the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA), and the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) are delighted to announce second seminar on sustainable chemical feedstocks. The 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. We believe these topics are knit together by the idea of using materials that are not food-competitive, nor necessarily thought of as high value and generally under-utilised currently, but with a significant potential to improve sustainability within the chemical industry. Discussions and presentations will be a balance between academia and industry, with a focus on the practical and an honest appraisal of the benefits and pitfalls of the different technologies. Based on feedback from the last event in 2023 we have decided to spread the event over 2 days to give these themes more space to breathe and allow for a networking conference dinner at on the Thursday night (dinner included in the price).
Session 1: Small Molecule Feedstocks (chaired by SCHEMA):
In the ‘Small Molecule Feedstocks’ session, we will explore recent developments and innovations in the utilization 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 defossilization of the sector.
Session 2: Circular Plastics (chaired by iCAST):
In the ‘Circular Plastic’ session, 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 (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.
The conference dinner on Thursday 12th December will be held at Burlington House
Registration fees:
RSC member = £325 (£235 Early bird)
Non-member = £375 (£285 Early bird)
RSC member (Student) = £175 (£125 Early bird)
Non-member (Student) = £200 (£150 Early bird)
Bursaries:
There will be up to six bursaries available for young researchers. Bursaries will cover entrance fees for the event as well as a limited contribution to travel and accommodation. Please apply directly to the organising committee. Only researchers with a submitted abstract will be considered.
Session 1: Small Molecule Feedstocks (chaired by SCHEMA):
In the ‘Small Molecule Feedstocks’ session, we will explore recent developments and innovations in the utilization 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 defossilization of the sector.
Session 2: Circular Plastics (chaired by iCAST):
In the ‘Circular Plastic’ session, 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 (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.
The conference dinner on Thursday 12th December will be held at Burlington House
Registration fees:
RSC member = £325 (£235 Early bird)
Non-member = £375 (£285 Early bird)
RSC member (Student) = £175 (£125 Early bird)
Non-member (Student) = £200 (£150 Early bird)
Bursaries:
There will be up to six bursaries available for young researchers. Bursaries will cover entrance fees for the event as well as a limited contribution to travel and accommodation. Please apply directly to the organising committee. Only researchers with a submitted abstract will be considered.
