Minakem has been awarded the 2020 Pierre Potier prize. The prize was awarded for the continuous flow chemistry process Minakem developed to produce a bio-sourced solvent which repurposes plant waste, notably corn stalk or sugar cane residue.
Minakem’s development of the bio-sourced solvent 2-Me THF is in conformance with the European Commission’s Bioeconomy Strategy to improve and scale up the sustainable use of renewable resources and address local and global sustainable development.
Through its continuous flow chemistry process, Minakem has grown as a producer of 2-Me THF, which replaces chlorinated solvents as a reaction solvent or as an extraction solvent in hazardous environments.
Due to its preservative properties, bio-based 2-Me THF also has applications in the production of other key solvents, such as green propylene glycol (Pentiol Green), used in the cosmetics industry.
“Minakem is immensely honored to have received the Pierre Potier award, one of the highest industry distinctions for international chemistry professionals and academia,” said Jean-Louis Brayer, research director at Minakem. “We thank the panel for its recognition of our continuous flow chemistry process, which attests to our dynamism and ongoing commitment to invest in plant chemistry that enables us to develop the highest quality processes and products. Chemistry and industry are vectors for environmental change. We value the increased public awareness on the uses of organic waste that this award highlights.”
“Major cosmetics firms, such as L’Oréal, have reported on their increased use of plant-based ingredients. Using sustainable raw materials has become a priority over the last ten years, due to customer preference for products made from sustainable materials and production processes that protect the environment,” added Olivier Jentzer, R&D director at Minakem.
