Sasol Ltd.'s business unit, Sasol Chemicals, has established a new research, development and analytics (RD&A) laboratory in Brunsbüttel, Germany, according to a press release. The new addition is intended to leverage the company’s capabilities to create innovative solutions for its global customers.
“Co-creating innovative solutions with our customers has been a long-standing tradition at Sasol Chemicals, and our new lab provides a state-of-the-art environment to pursue the cooperation we share with them,” Dr. Cronje Grove, vice president of advanced materials for Sasol Chemicals, said. “For example, the new lab in Brunsbüttel will play a key role in the work of the CARE-O-SENE consortium that is developing new catalysts for the large-scale commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuels.”
Planning and construction for the over $37 million project began in April 2019. Spanning 7,000 square meters, the facility is made up of 33 offices and 82 evaluation stations, where 140 employees have access to its advanced equipment. With these features, the workforce will have the ability to analyze up to 200,000 samples per year.
A section of the analytical laboratory has been certified for active ingredients in pharmaceutical applications, the Good Manufacturing Practice assures.
“Labs with this designation ensure a constant high-product quality using qualified analytical equipment, validated analytical methods and skilled personnel,” the press release stated.
The new establishment will prioritize advanced and sustainable solutions for Sasol’s operations in the personal care, paper industry, metalworking and lubrication markets, “as well as catalysts and catalyst supports, high-performance abrasives and coatings,” a recent press release stated.
The addition is intended to help Sasol Chemicals better fulfill the needs of more than 6,500 customers across 118 countries.
“The new facility in Brunsbüttel is a milestone for Sasol Chemicals,” said Dr. Silke Hoppe, VP of essential care chemicals for Sasol Chemicals. “It greatly enhances our ability to partner with our customers to address their challenges as they transform their portfolios toward more sustainable solutions.”