Pioneering the next generation of bio-based polymers in partnership with London-listed Synthomer

Posted on 4 February 2025

Chemists at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, in partnership with Synthomer, are developing new bio-derived monomers to help drive the defossilisation of the chemical industry.

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The research team aims to co-deliver bio-derived, lower carbon footprint monomers in a move towards more sustainable production processes.

Synthomer is a British manufacturer of high-performance speciality polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection.

The three-year ‘Prosperity Partnership’ project is supported by funding from Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Synthomer and the University of York, with a combined value of £2 million.

EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships are business-academia collaborations with a focus on relevant industrial outcomes.

This collaboration will help Synthomer meet their 2050 net zero target, and help train the next generation of synthetic and polymer chemists in aspects of Green Chemistry needed by future industry.

Professor Helen Sneddon, Director of the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, said: “We're delighted to be building on our existing collaborations with Synthomer on the challenge of Bio-based Monomers for a Defossilised Speciality Polymer Industry.

“This research is a key topic of interest as the plastics industry increasingly looks to move away from petrochemicals. Whilst bulk plastics, such as plastic bottles and bags, have garnered much media focus in recent times, there is a critical need for a versatile platform of high quality, reproducible, bio-derived monomers, with differentiated properties, formed from reliable sources of biomass (and/or CO2), on a scale of 100’s-1000’s of tonnes per annum that does not compete with food.”

Professor Sneddon and Professor Antoine Buchard, Department of Chemistry, are heading up the team of two postdoctoral researchers, four PhD students and two academics, plus support at Synthomer, to work on the project.

Robin Harrison, Vice President of Technology Platforms and External Innovation at Synthomer, comments: “This project embodies our strategic focus on innovation and sustainability, and our investment in long term R&D as a key driver of our sustainability commitment.

“Bringing together our expertise and leadership in speciality sustainable polymers with the University of York’s world-leading authority in sustainable polymer research, this partnership aims to bring sustainable bio-based alternatives to our markets.”