Strategic Allies Ltd. posted this Technology Call
Seeking organisations able to help scale up production of membrane distillation systems for deployment globallyWe are working with a developer and supplier of equipment for the sustainable supply of safe drinking water in remote areas. Many remote island communities or those in conflict areas do not have access to a consistent supply of fresh drinking water or a reliable energy source to allow water to be created where it is needed. There is therefore a need for technology to transform non-potable water (polluted, waste, grey, brackish or seawater) into safe drinking water. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are currently used in large desalination infrastructure projects, but are unsuitable when access or power is restricted, or if supply is required in a short time-frame. Membrane distillation (MD) processes are increasingly being investigated as a potential alternative to RO for these scenarios. The process relies on the partial pressure difference (triggered by a temperature difference) between each side of the vapour-selective and hydrophobic membrane pores. These pores are larger than in RO systems, resulting in less pressure, and subsequently less energy required, which facilitates the use of resulting MD systems in remote, off-grid locations with renewable energy sources.Organization from Germany posted this Technology Call
Seeking thickening agent/s for surfactant-based systems that can be added at the end of production to increase viscosity1. The solution should be applicable to a cold process 2. Ideally a pre-dispersion or liquid would be preferred 3. The thickening agent should not cause turbidity 4. The solution/s should be compatible with anionic and cationic surfactants. 5. Please exclude bio-polymers as a solution.Clariant posted this Technology Call
Seeking Innovative Sustainable Biopolymers and Biorenewable Building BlocksSynthetic polymers are often used as thickening agents for liquid formulations. Already small quantities (< 1%) enable the formation of a gel network, which is most important for the correct application of the product. However, due to their persistence the reputation of synthetic polymers has deteriorated during the last years, which has increased the demand for natural alternatives. Despite the huge interest of the industry in green alternatives, successful candidates are a rarity, due to numerous technical and commercial hurdles. It is therefore most important to find partnerships with universities, start-ups, or well-established companies, which may lead to the development of new sustainable polymers for industrial and consumer applications.Organization from Germany posted this Technology Call
Seeking effective ways to combat malodours on surfaces in household areaMalodour is defined as an olfactory stimulant that when detected is considered to be offensive to the individual. Common malodours are often attributed to poor personal hygiene including halitosis, damp dog smells, tobacco smells, bathroom odours as well as damp clothing. Depending on the type and source of odour, specific solutions against it are necessary. The fight against malodours in the household area is time and energy consuming. For many consumers common ways e.g. masking of odour with fragrance are no longer adequate and more effective solutions are required. The company is searching for solutions that can be applied to consumer products to ensure long-term effectiveness in malodour control, especially focusing on new and effective means of eliminating malodours on soft surfaces (e.g. prevent the smell from lingering on clothes or fabrics), as odours can be deposited and easily trapped in materials. The company is specifically looking for a solution which contains active molecules that attract and eliminates malodours completely and permanently.Organization from Germany posted this Technology Call
Seeking eco-friendly bleaching and oxidative cleaving process for waxesWaxes are typically make up of linear or branched-chain hydrocarbon chains and can contain polar functionalities like e.g. ester or amide groups. Their importance has been well recognized, especially with the growing demand of modern consumer products like packaging, cosmetics and pharmaceutical. Plant-based or renewable waxes are also gaining favor in recent years due to higher sustainability compared to fossil based waxes. We are seeking sustainable green oxidative cleavage process that can convert renewable ester waxes, like rice bran wax and sugar cane wax, to similar end products obtained by conventional processes. Many oxidative cleavage processes are already established in the industry, but not many are eco-friendly. Furthermore, with the shifting focus from fossil waxes to plant-based waxes, alternative oxidative technologies do result in chemically different products from different plants. Here the company is keen to explore modern bleaching technologies or to work with technology-partners with bleaching experiences on renewable materials. The company is open to partners from any country and to a variety of cooperation. Research cooperation agreements with research organizations might yield into publications or consequent R&D contracts. Depending on the stage of technology readiness, an out-licensing of the process is possible or a joint venture might be a way to further develop for feasibility studies for a pilot scale up.