CPI partners with RSC to tackle chemical science challenges

TECHNOLOGY innovation centre CPI has partnered with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) as part of the learned society’s Synergy programme. The programme aims to promote cross-industry collaboration to enable participating companies to tackle complex chemical science challenges that can hinder development.

It can be difficult for companies facing chemistry-related problems early in the innovation process to source the expertise needed to identify commercially-viable solutions. The issue is not limited to chemical science companies and can affect those working in diverse markets, including aviation, medtech, and packaging. The Synergy programme brings together companies facing similar technical problems and identifies opportunities for collaboration.

CPI has chemistry experts from diverse industry sectors working throughout its national centres to solve the issues the RSC is highlighting.

Jo Reynolds, Director of Science and Communications at RSC, said: “Collaboration is absolutely key to advancing the chemical sciences, and to solving some of the most pressing problems facing industry. I am very pleased that we are taking this next step forward. In signing a partnership with CPI, we hope to make even further progress in bringing together the right people to tackle these challenges.”

Nick Johnson, Commercial Director at CPI, said: ​“The RSC’s Synergy programme provides a fantastic opportunity to tackle some of the common chemistry problems holding back many innovative companies. Following the programme’s spirit of collaboration, we are gladly supporting the RSC with our broad chemistry expertise, covering diverse sectors from agriculture to formulations.”

The topics covered by the programme are based on participant input. So far it had focussed on reducing waste in the liquid formulations industry and preventing corrosion by using non-metallic materials.

A key output of the programme so far is a report on polymers in liquid formulations, such as those used in shampoos, detergents, inks, and adhesives. It highlights how companies can collaborate to solve the key challenges in this area and reduce product and process development costs. CPI was a vital contributor.

The programme is currently seeking new topics to explore in future.