BASF and Heidelberg University Commit to Advancing Sustainable Chemistry with Catalysis Research Lab (CaRLa) Extension

BASF and Heidelberg University Commit to Advancing Sustainable Chemistry with Catalysis Research Lab (CaRLa) Extension

(IN BRIEF) BASF and Heidelberg University have extended their partnership for another five years to continue operating the Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa) until 2028. CaRLa, founded in 2006, focuses on homogeneous catalysis and organic synthesis, with the aim of developing sustainable chemical processes. Currently, CaRLa employs 10 researchers, and more than 100 employees from 34 countries have been involved in its projects over the years. The collaboration aims to accelerate the transfer of technology and knowledge into large-scale applications. CaRLa’s recent work has centered on chemical recycling of plastic waste and the development of catalysis systems for bio-based and biodegradable polymers.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 7-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF SE (ETR: BAS), the world’s largest chemical producer, and Heidelberg University have announced an extension of their partnership to continue operating the Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa) until 2028. Founded in 2006, CaRLa has been at the forefront of research in homogeneous catalysis and organic synthesis, contributing to the development of sustainable chemical processes. With a current team of 10 researchers and a rich history involving over 100 employees from 34 countries, CaRLa serves as a bridge between academia and industry.

Dr. Helmut Winterling, President of BASF Group Research, highlighted the laboratory’s role in advancing BASF’s sustainability goals by developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes, stating “Basic research in the field of homogeneous catalysis is important for BASF, as it helps us develop chemical processes that require less energy and generate less waste. CaRLa is thus an important cornerstone for us to achieve BASF’s sustainability goals. At BASF, we have benefited in recent years from CaRLa’s broad expertise and research findings. We are therefore very pleased to continue our collaboration with Heidelberg University and our access to this chemical and technical know-how in the future.” Since 2015, 18 projects have been transferred to BASF research, where they are further developed for industrial applications. CaRLa therefore represents a successful collaboration between academic and industrial research.”

Prof. Dr. Katja Patzel-Mattern, Vice-Rector Innovation and Transfer at Heidelberg University, emphasized the laboratory’s unique approach, integrating research fields to expedite the transfer of technology and knowledge into practical applications. “Going beyond the classic partnerships between science and industry, the concept of the CaRLa catalysis laboratory is based on close integration of the research fields. This accelerates the transfer of technology and knowledge into large-scale applications, which is particularly important given that society is facing the challenge of sustainable resource use. Another important building block of this collaboration is promoting new talent. Young researchers benefit from this collaboration within the framework of CaRLa because the knowledge relating to sustainability that they acquire can also be applied in their subsequent careers in industry or academia.”

In recent years, CaRLa has intensified its efforts in developing innovative processes for the chemical recycling of plastic waste. These efforts include selectively breaking down polyurethane plastics into basic building blocks for recycling into polymers. Additionally, the laboratory is actively researching catalysis systems for the efficient production of bio-based and biodegradable polymers.

CaRLa’s contributions have resulted in the publication of 104 academic papers in prestigious journals and the filing of 41 patent applications since its inception.

To coincide with the contract extension, organizational changes will take place at CaRLa. Prof. Dr. Thomas Schaub and Dr. Jaroslaw Mormul will jointly lead the laboratory on behalf of BASF, with Dr. Julia Schüller, Vice President Chemicals Research at BASF, and Dr. Christian Rein, head of the research group Homogeneous Catalysis and Acrylics at BASF, joining the steering committee. On the Heidelberg University side, the steering committee includes organic chemist Prof. Dr. A. Stephen K. Hashmi as scientific manager and inorganic chemist Prof. Dr. Peter Comba as a member.

CaRLa operates as an “Industry on Campus” project of Heidelberg University, fostering the transfer of research results and scientific findings to the business and industrial sectors. These projects facilitate collaboration between basic research and industry partners to jointly develop technological innovations.

Catalysis is a cornerstone of industrial chemistry, with catalysts playing a crucial role in more than 80% of chemical product synthesis. They reduce energy consumption, minimize resource utilization, and enable cost-effective and environmentally friendly production methods. Homogeneous catalysis, a specialty of CaRLa, involves reactants and products existing in the same physical state as the catalyst, further enhancing its importance in industrial processes.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, Ruperto Carola is an internationally oriented research university whose subject spectrum includes the humanities, the social sciences, law, the natural, engineering and life sciences, and medicine. As one of the Universities of Excellence in Germany, Heidelberg University’s successes in the Excellence Competitions and its standing in international rankings confirm its leading role in the academic landscape. It is part of Heidelberg University’s self-concept to further develop outstanding individual disciplines, to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, and to carry research results over into society. With a research-oriented course of study in more than 180 programmes, its nearly 30,000 students can choose from a virtually singular array of subject combinations and individual qualification pathways.

www.uni-heidelberg.de/en

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SOURCE: BASF SE