Themes
Our community is tackling some of today's most pressing sustainability challenges, from carbon capture and utilisation, urban mining and bio-based technologies to process development, electrified molecules, advanced materials and circular chemistry. Through open innovation and the exchange of knowledge, BlueChem accelerates the journey from breakthrough research to industrial impact.
Urban mining
Rethinking waste as a resource and creating new value from materials that would otherwise be lost. Through water treatment, chemical recycling and smarter connections between material streams, innovators are finding ways to keep valuable resources in our economy while ensuring that recovery remains economically viable and does not come at the expense of excessive energy use.
Process development
At the core of ChemTech lies the continuous improvement of how chemical processes are designed and operated. From energy efficiency and alternative reactor technologies to new approaches in process engineering and safety. Innovators are developing smarter ways to produce chemicals while reducing energy use, improving safety and enabling more sustainable production.
Electrified molecules
Developing the building blocks for tomorrow’s green chemistry, with a focus on molecules such as CO₂, H₂ and ammonia. By developing new ways to produce, convert and use these molecules, innovators are helping the chemical industry progressively reduce its dependence on fossil-based energy and feedstocks.
Biotech linked to niche market applications
Bio-based feedstocks are an essential part of any long-term strategy for a more sustainable chemical industry. At BlueChem, biotechnology connects with areas where Antwerp’s ecosystem offers particular expertise and market opportunities, such as urban mining and fashion. By combining biotech with these applications, innovators can tap into complementary knowledge, value chains and industrial partners to develop distinctive, high-value solutions.
Advanced materials
Sustainable chemistry ultimately comes together in the materials we create. By combining alternative feedstocks with cleaner production processes, innovators can develop materials that deliver both sustainability ánd performance. From carbon and graphite-based applications to functionalised plastics and other high-performance materials, these materials enable new applications across energy, mobility, electronics, construction and other specialised industrial markets.
