Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow Exuding Excellence with Disruptive Efforts
Christophe Rizzo
CEO of EMEA/Americas, IM GROUP
Valentina Cigna
Global Director of HR and President of IM GROUP
Lau Kar Seng
General Manager of Inkmaker Shanghai and Member of the Board
VOL-02 | ISSUE-15 | 2022
Roberto Guerra CEO Asia Paci c, IM GROUP
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T
he fundamental driver of sustainable growth in any industry is innovation, and the chemical industry has constantly been innovating. The traditional approach and the status quo in the chemical sector are no longer viable options.
Ensuring Sustainability with Range of Innovations
Evidently, any industry that doesn't evolve according to changing times loses its relevance. Change is a constant phenomenon in this world, and embracing the change and thriving in such circumstances is what sets a particular leader, industry, or company relevant than the others. Chemical companies that embrace the change hold the potential to make a significant difference in the business world. Today, the lab-based process of finding and developing new chemicals makes it tough to determine the behaviors of materials under changing conditions. Besides, it is unproductive, expensive, and time-consuming. The slowness of the innovation process creates disconnection from accelerating speed in the marketplace. Material informatics envision the open digital platforms. Such platforms accumulate a large amount of material knowledge and leverage machine learning algorithms to develop new innovations efficiently and rapidly. Productive chemical tech companies leverage evolving digital technologies and open digital platforms, partnerships, and collaboration to reshape innovation. This helps bring new products to market quickly and increases the output of innovation efforts. Such companies try to keep their innovation strategies relevant, considering changes in the industry. They make strategic investments and work to change existing innovation processes to confront innovation challenges expertly. The chemical companies that are at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation using advanced technologies can deliver the most technologically advanced solutions. These companies can play the most important role in building a better tomorrow for future generations. A
massive wave of innovation from chemical companies is essential to reduce greenhouse gases and support a cause of circular economy. Existing innovation capabilities are not enough to ensure sustainable success. Therefore, these chemical companies are recognizing growth opportunities and are aiming for a range of innovations to improve tomorrow's solutions for a better tomorrow. The future growth of chemical companies lies in thinking about the big picture and delivering broad, innovative, and evolving products, services, and processes. Challenges of climate change, water shortage, loss of biodiversity can be confronted with competent contribution from chemical companies, and it will be a huge win-win for everyone. Sufficient investments can help chemical companies minimize the challenges on the planet by coming up with newer and newer innovations. Smart technologies, Artificial Intelligence, a digitally-enabled approach, multidisciplinary innovations, cloud connectivity, data analytics, and collaborative ecosystems can help chemical companies tackle environmental issues, save the planet from the great crisis, and provide sustainable platforms for future generations. In this edition of "Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow," we have enlisted some efficient chemical companies that are highly innovative and are addressing the issues on the planet with sustainable solutions. Along with the journey of these companies, you will also find CxO standpoint by industry veterans and insightful articles drafted by our in-house editorial team. Happy Reading!
Sharad Chitalkar sharad@insightssuccess.com
CONT
ENTS Cover Story
08
IMGROUP
Exuding Excellence with Disruptive Efforts
28
Articles
Stepping Up Technological Advancements in Healthcare
38
cxo
Transforming Healthcare in Africa
Efforts Needed By Today’s Business Leaders
50
Tech Bites Tips to Adapt to Tech in Everyday Life
18
Advonex
Sustainable Innovations for a Better Tomorrow
24
Archroma
A Global Leader in Dyes and Specialty Chemicals
32
Blendwell Chemicals Proficiently Contributing to the Sustainability of the Environment
36
Ceradis
Creating Environmental-friendly Agriculture with Innovative Formulation
42
Hexion Inc.
On the Path to Responsible Chemistry
46
Lantha Sensors
Analysis Simplified
52
Microban® International Innovation and Partnerships Driving Consumer Confidence
56
PHT International Inc.
At the Forefront of Green Chemistry through Innovation and Technology
Editor-in-Chief Hitesh Dhamani Managing Editor Anish Miller
Executive Editor Sharad Chitalkar
Assistant Editors Jenny Fernandes
Visualizer
Associate Designer
Co-designer
David King
Shyam Sonawane
Sonia
Senior Sales Manager
Business Development Manager
Kshitij S
Peter Collins
Marketing Manager
Sales Executives
John Matthew
David, Martin, Irfan
Technical Head
Business Development Executives
Jacob Smile
Steve, Joe, Saurabh
Technical Specialist Aditya
Digital Marketing Manager Marry D'Souza
SME-SMO Executive Atul Dhoran
Research Analyst Frank Adams
Database Management Stella Andrew
Circulation Manager Robert Brown
Technology Consultant David Stokes
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1 T O P
Chemical Tech Companies Building
a Better Tomorrow
Company Name
Featured Person
Brief
Advonex advonexintl.com
Chad Joshi, Co-Founder and CEO
Advonex International develops and sells sustainable ingredients for lubricants, cosmetics, personal care products and other markets.
Archroma archroma.com
Heike van de Kerkhof, CEO
Archroma offers to manufacturers, brand owners and retailers the tailor-made system solutions that they need in their specific production process and market.
Blendwell Chemicals blendwell.co.za
Judy Sunasky, Managing Director
Blendwell Chemicals is a manufacturer of an extensive range of high quality cleaning chemicals.
Ceradis ceradis.com
Willem-Jan MEULEMEESTERS, CEO
Ceradis develops and sells innovative and environmental friendly fungicides for crop protection purposes and fertilizers for plant nutrition purposes.
DuoKem duokem.com
Carlos Linares, VP Business Development
Duokem formulates and manufactures high-quality chemicals at a competitive price for a myriad of different industries.
Hexion Inc hexion.com
Craig Rogerson, CEO, President
Hexion is using chemistry to help solve today’s most pressing issues to shape the future.
IM GROUP im-group.com
Christophe Rizzo CEO EMEA/ Americas IM GROUP and Roberto Guerra CEO Asia Pacific IM GROUP
IM GROUP is a global manufacturer of integrated dispensing systems.
Lantha Sensors lanthasensors.com
Nicolia L. Wiles, Prime TechPR
Lantha Sensors seeks to revolutionize the entire chemical analysis industry via disruptive innovation and product development focused on simplifying the complex.
Microban International microban.com
Emily Best, North America Marketing Manager
Microban International, Ltd. is the world's leading innovator in antimicrobial, odor control and surface modification technologies.
PHT International Inc phtinternational.com
Lihong Yu, President And Founder
PHT International is a leading Custom Manufacturing Organization for chemicals specializing in the Pharmaceutical, Agricultural and Industrial sectors.
C O V E R
Christophe Rizzo
CEO of EMEA/Americas, IM GROUP
Valentina Cigna
Global Director of HR and President of IM GROUP
Lau Kar Seng
General Manager of Inkmaker Shanghai and Member of the Board
Roberto Guerra CEO Asia Paci c, IM GROUP
S T O R Y
Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
T
o keep up with the evolving times of the business world, Inkmaker founded IM GROUP. Incorporating this change the group truly distinguishes its global direction of delivering technologically advanced, "total-process engineering" turnkey solutions guided by its credo “The Colour of Trust”; to provide a trusted service to the industries it serves while strengthening its commitment to total safety and responsibility. IM GROUP’s trustworthy, reliable, and precise leadership has constantly put their heart into their efforts, making the company one of the Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies building a better tomorrow. Insights Success recognizes the sheer excellence of IM GROUP that has consistently evolved on many fronts. Internally; from its smart-4.0-equipped factories, systems and processes, its software, the AI technology it uses and how it uses it, to its global teams around the world. Most significantly externally too. After making significant investments on the acquisitions of several companies, businesses, and brands—since 2019—combining expertise, intel, technology, and hardware. IM Group implemented the strategy to consolidate all its brands under a single holding group brand with a clear and autonomous identity, to better compete in the marketplace as a Total-Solutions Provider. Committed Excellence IM GROUP (formerly Inkmaker Group)—rebranded on world earth day (22 April 2021) and is now the holding brand of Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko, Tecnopails, and as of late IEC+. With its combined strength, IM GROUP now offers total process-engineering solutions
IM GROUP offers Total Process Engineering through its brands: Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko, Tecnopails and IEC+.
within the industries of paint, coatings, ink, specialtychemicals, adhesives, corrugated packaging, flexopackaging, pharma, food, cosmetic, textiles, and more, and operates with its own staff and offices in over 15 countries across five continents. It also has its proprietary software developed in-house, these include; the industry-leading IMAESTRO, IMPRIMO, IMAGO, and IMTECNO. On 18 June 2021, the group was recognized as one of the "Top 10 chemical tech solution providers in Europe 2021" by Manufacturing Technology Insights, which was reported in over 30 of the world's most prominent industry media. On 18 October 2021, Global Business Leaders Magazine named Christophe Rizzo, IM GROUP's CEO for Americas and EMEA, one of the 20 influential leaders everyone should know in 2021. Most recently, on 28 October 2021, just 6-months after IM GROUP's rebranding, IEC+—a specialist in the design and manufacture of Dispersing, Grinding, and Mixing equipment through to Engineering Studies and Turnkey Solutions—joined the group. This announcement launched the next stage of the group's strategy and evolution; "Advanced" Engineering Solutions. IM GROUP's "advanced stage" saw the immediate announcement of the group's latest innovation by its dedicated filling division, Tecnopails, who on 9 December 2021 unveiled the "LAVELLI A21,"; the world's first automated system for coupling lids with latches and a world-first for liquid paints. The Best of the Best The entrance of IEC+ into IM GROUP presents a unique opportunity for the group's evolution. IEC+, with its renowned technical know-how gained from over 20 years of its team's experience, offers the group ‘advanced engineering'. This means that their design, projection, and management services are extended to all the production processes, site management, and software interface. As Gianluca Incerti, Global Commercial Director of IM GROUP, explains, "This starts from preliminary engineering studies through to complete project implementation and delivery—as such this will use the specializations from all our brands." The driving strategy behind IM GROUP's acquisitions is aligned directly to the group's vision. To evolve its technology to expand in its fields and adapt the advantages of its products to new markets and to create a reliable, complete supply chain—serving predominantly, but not
only the ink, paint, and coatings industry—that will sustain its core businesses. This meant structuring each of IM GROUP's brands into various specialties yet enabling the group to work as one strong force. “In this way, each brand continues to work individually with its existing clients, competing in its markets, yet when required, share their expertise—offering Total Solutions—for example, on large turnkey plant engineering projects,” explains Christophe Rizzo, CEO of EMEA/Americas, IM GROUP, “This guarantees an efficient optimization of resources and high flexibility to manage projects of all sizes and was one of the key reasons for forming the holding brand, IM GROUP.” With the restructure of IM GROUP's brands Inkmaker will focus on ink dispensing and software design. Ÿ Rexson will be predominantly for paint dispensing as well as liquid ink. Ÿ Vale-Tech will focus on narrow-web and paste-ink dispensing—so UV flexo ink and offset inks. Ÿ Swesa will be mainly for; food, pharmaceutical, corrugated packaging, cosmetics, and more. Ÿ Teko will remain in POS (Point of Sale) Tinting and R&D Training. Ÿ Tecnopails will continue to focus on Filling Solutions. Ÿ IEC+ will spearhead all the brands offering dispersing grinding, and mixing equipment through to engineering studies and turnkey solutions. Ÿ
The Thriving Pursuit As Roberto Guerra, CEO Asia Pacific, IM GROUP, points out, "One of the top USPs that defines IM GROUP as a leader amongst its competitors is our software, because of this, it plays a significant role in the operational execution of IM GROUP's global strategy.”
We create global awareness of our new group and its competitive products and service.
IM GROUP's software is the brain behind its technology's reliability and consistency, and the group has introduced an advanced software, "IMAESTRO," to the market. Designed exclusively by the group's cutting-edge R&D department based in Turin, Italy, and available in 28 languages, this user-friendly software is equally effective for paint, coatings, specialty chemicals, ink applications, and more. It operates from small compact units to complex industrial systems and is easily expandable and customizable; the software offers unlimited application fields and integrates all leading management applications. IM GROUP currently has four software: IMAESTRO, IMPRIMO, IMAGO, and IMTECNO. Key features and benefits of IM GROUP's software include: Ÿ Management of users, factories, formulae, and work orders instantly, easily, and by remote Ÿ Viewable stock information at a glance Ÿ Generating reports on production; statistics on demand Ÿ Dispensing of parameters with automatic adjustment Ÿ Viewing of graphic components stock display Ÿ Traceability management Ÿ Management of raw material and formulations Ÿ Password protected multi-user accessibility Ÿ Stock auditing and batch cost evaluation Ÿ Over 100 reports for KPI assessment Ÿ Optimized recycle-management Ÿ Spectrophotometer connections Ÿ ISO compliance traceability Ÿ Production planning Ÿ Inventory control Ÿ VOC reporting Another major salient point is the strength of IM GROUP's partnerships. The latest of these, currently being announced, is Inkmaker Shanghai—IM GROUP's manufacturer of integrated dispensing systems in China—which has partnered with Fast & Fluid Management Asia (FFM Asia), becoming its new certified channel partner for China. "This will further strengthen the existing long-term relationship between IM GROUP and FFM and will inevitably benefit both parties' customers tremendously," says Lau Kar Seng General Manager of Inkmaker Shanghai and Member of the Board. Leveraging Technology To optimize IM GROUP resources to the max and to manage projects of all sizes, the group consolidated its brands into specific "Areas of Excellence."
IM GROUP's technical team studied the various machines of the group's brands, their capabilities and performances, and their related market positionings. To meet this—market-segment distribution—several machines were removed, others were re-designed, and technology was shared amongst the brands to meet higher standards of mass customization, reliability, and performance and to give wider and broader solutions to its customers’ needs. This reorganization broadened the group's product range, ensuring the sustainability of its growth for the next 10 to 15 years. As Enrico Mattiazzi, Global Director of Engineering, Production and Supply Chain, IM GROUP, explains, "The most important feature of this re-engineered and integrated range of machines is the synergy of our technology, in particular of our IMAESTRO software that will greatly benefit our clients." "A significant investment has been made in the Software & Automation division purposely to ensure not just a smooth transition with the new brands within our family, but also to increase the level of our technological capabilities. Inkmaker's software is the essence of our systems by incorporating them into our newly acquired brands' machines. We elevate the productivity and performance, of those brands, to a much higher and more energy-efficient level," outlines Francesco Nesti, Global Director of Software & Automation, IM GROUP. IM GROUP has since expanded the range of its equipment options available and today offers virtually any type, size, and capacity of dosing system to customers. Among the main models of dosing equipment available for liquid products are: Ÿ IDS Ÿ Chroma Ÿ Piccolo Ÿ ColorPoint Ÿ Gt36 Ÿ P32 / P48 / P72 / P96 And for paste products: Ÿ POD Ÿ Hp35 Ÿ O32 On a customer service level, earlier in 2021, the Software & Automation team launched a new training program for customers called ASIST—Advanced Software Intelligence Systems Training. It combines IIoT automation and artificial intelligence with the skills of IM GROUP's experts
to boost the training level of its systems. The program consists of four certifications, known as C, M, Y and K. It covers many new features from the group's basic machine structures to in-depth workings of its software and offers techniques to improve efficiency, reduce costs and shorten response time to market demands. Finally, IM GROUP is maximizing its logistics globally; to serve its clients more efficiently from a network of new offices and factories, which has increased due to its acquisitions. The Work Culture Significance IM GROUP holds its roots close to its values. As Valentina Cigna, Global Director of HR and President, IM GROUP, explains, "The name “IM," has a historical meaning for us. The 'I' and the 'M' are acronyms deriving
We represent a dynamic, competitive, and reliable organization, offering; total process-engineering solutions …with a "Human touch. from the name "Inkmaker"—the founder of the group, and it meant a lot to us to remember those who, in 1987, founded Inkmaker; Carlo Musso, Luciano Longobardi and—especially for me—my father, Giuliano Cigna." Fundamentally IM GROUP is based on the following brand values, as Silvio Cimenti, Global Director of Branding, Marketing and Communications, IM Group explains. Below the logo, in steel grey, is the Group's credo and positioning line; "The Colour of Trust," a result of its core values of being Truthful, Responsible, Understanding, Safe, and Tailormade to ultimately position the group as the leader you can T R U S T." These values sit at the core of its brand DNA— "Reliability" and is what IM GROUP stands for.
The logo is made up of a symbol and a logotype. The symbol is a face created from a series of triangles (inspired by the Inkmaker logo) in blue to convey trust, confidence, and high technology. Like the many brands and skills of the Group, the triangles converge to form a strong whole—a distinct 'human identity'—depicting a technological engineering leader with a 'human touch.' The face is embellished with a crown, representing the Group's determination to maintain its leading position in the industries it serves. The symbol is flanked by the words "IM GROUP" in a custom-designed font to communicate the Group's various fields of business such as paint, coatings, ink, specialty chemicals, adhesives, and many more.
Paramount in IM GROUP's core values are responsibility, how its products impact the environment, and the carbon footprint it leaves. For this reason, the group chose to launch the rebranding of IM GROUP on "World Earth day"; to make a global statement of its commitment to further its social responsibility and sustainable practices. To action this, IM GROUP is partnering with international consultants to create a roadmap to reduce its eco impact. So it too can do its part in reducing environmental pollution to align its ethical principles for a safe work environment with those of the United Nations' Global Compact. The Anticipated Moves Projects that were initially suspended or postponed in the last two years are being reassessed in 2022. IM GROUP expects to see some new projects being implemented. The current supply chain challenges and logistics situation will make the market adapt to this new reality, which includes the industrial equipment market (both producers and users of equipment). Therefore, the trend will be towards how to resume these projects, but with adjustments to systems and specifications. The company foresees the trend towards deep-learning Artificial Intelligence and automation—to improve augmented decision making, increase production, accuracy, and safety, and inevitably reduce costs and increase profit margins. It will continue to accelerate towards developing a smarter IoT and IIoT, beyond what it is already accustomed to; data retrieval, image and speech recognition, language processing, localization, etc. In search of even smarter factories and smarter logistical and transportation solutions that will competently counter the current challenges being faced by industries today. IM GROUP will continue investing heavily in R&D, software, automation, and human capital initiatives such as advanced IIoT training to further its existing teams' industry 4.0 experience and skills. Helping Hand to the Community IM GROUP is forming, an IM GROUP FOUNDATION which will be followed by IM GROUP's goodwill ambassador, Alice Chang Guerra, as foundation chair. It will have two scopes: 1. To bring social activities to members of the local communities, where IM GROUP operates and 2. To offer career development, and growth opportunities, to the youth in those communities. On a private level, IM GROUP has always been active in this field, especially in Southeast Asia, working closely with
children with special needs through workshops and activities to bring this activity to the next level and into IM GROUP. IM GROUP Foundation is embarking on a series of CSR projects to commence in 2022 that will be repeated year on year involving different nations where IM GROUP has premises. As Alice Chang Guerra explains, "The first of these projects for 2022 is targeted at artists with autism and will be called IM MORE. To highlight that people with autism not only can contribute to our society but, due to their condition, have something "more" to add to our society as they have an uncommon ability to see things differently." The first event to kick start project IM MORE will be "The Tigers of Malaysia,"; an event that will bring ten winners from the recently IM GROUP organized 'Anak Syurga' international autistic arts competition from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to exhibit their art at a gallery in Turin, Italy. Plans are being worked on to develop the project into an exchange program where, in the following year, ten artists will come from Turin to exhibit their works in Kuala Lumpur. Over the Horizon IM GROUP's aspirations are outlined clearly in its vision: to evolve its technology to expand in its fields and adapt the advantages of its products to new markets and to create a reliable, complete supply chain—serving predominantly, but not only the ink, paint, and coatings industry—that will sustain its core businesses. Externally, the group sees itself acquiring more businesses with a specialty or good market share in a segment /country, where it plans to expand, that can deepen the group's knowledge and broaden its product range. Internally, the Group invests in technology that can evolve its manufacturing capabilities. Such as industry 4.0 and IIoT; further its design solutions; invest in human capital and structured processing systems (e.g., ERP); incorporate its software into its new acquisitions' products, elevating its brands' offerings. Share R&D such as skills and knowledge to deliver more competitive services and products; and to continue to employ a shared leadership strategy across two CEOs to guarantee the group's standards. IM GROUP will be present at Eurocoat 22 in Paris, Porte de Versailles from 29 to 31 March 2022.
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Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
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Stepping Up
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Technological Advancements in Healthcare W
e live in a digital era, where technologies are emerging faster than we can even experience. Humanity has come a long way to make living better in every manner possible. As much as technological advancements have changed the industrial and economic sectors, the game-changing improvements in healthcare are immense. The ever-improving technology in the health sector has saved countless lives. The right invention of X-ray machines to advanced surgical practices and the utilization of Artificial Intelligence further develops existing technologies that can be groundbreaking to make treatments more accessible and increase life expectancies.
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Innovations in Healthcare Technologies The pandemic has disrupted lives around the globe, creating chaos and fear of demise. Though vaccines are being developed at a rapid pace and delivered worldwide, it is of utmost importance to stay safe and take necessary precautions. Over the past year, it was possible to identify and treat the symptoms of the most primary cases to the most severe due to advanced technology. In the last decade, many disrupting technologies have emerged with nothing but the patient in mind. Information Technology: IT has availed health practitioners to store and retrieve data related to patient's health records, enhancing patient information through a legible format that is easy to use. These data help in consulting the patient and diagnosing the disease, reducing the chance of medication errors. Additionally, alerts on medication can help in adhering to specific treatments and schedules. The recorded data collected can lead to uniformity of practice across all health practitioners and improve common conditions based on past dossiers. 3D Printing: 3D printing has a vast number of applications, but it is used to create implants or joints for surgery in the medical field. It is frequently used in developing prosthetics as it can make perfect matching limbs. Robotics: Robotic Surgery has been around for a while. Robotics provides precision, flexibility, and control to a surgeon's hand to operate as non-intrusive as possible. Virtual Reality: The usage of VR devices has increased at an accelerated pace. Particularly, Virtual Reality has helped medical students have a virtual experience of real-life procedures and a better visual understanding of human anatomy. Wearables: What began as a fitness tracker to track heart rate has spread widely in becoming a potential device to prevent or alert severe conditions beforehand. Patients focus on prevention and maintenance, demanding information about their health more frequently in today's digital age. Healthcare companies invest in wearable devices that can provide updated monitoring of patients determining the plausibility of health mishaps.
A tweak in wearable tech has allowed even to detect cardiovascular anomalies earlier. Wearables can also track calorie levels, hydration, and even body temperature. A sweat meters detector is used for people with diabetes to monitor blood sugar levels. Oximeters monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, often used by patients with respiratory illnesses. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents the epitome of medical innovation. Healthcare can best implement AI in areas like precision medicine, drugs discovery, and genomics. AI can power a sophisticated pattern recognition, which can be availed to have personalized therapies tailored around the genetics and lifestyle of patients. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are already using machine learning algorithms to shorten the drug development cycle. Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology is on the verge of a transformational change that can operate as a precise drug delivery system using nanoparticles and nanodevices. The so-called nanomedicine age could be capable of becoming cancer treatment tools or minuscule surgeons. Though smart pills are already used for colonoscopy, it won't take long to see more practical nanotechnology applications. Feeding your Thoughts The mere thought of virtually visiting a doctor from hundreds or thousands of miles away would have been difficult to believe a few decades ago. From remote monitoring tools and wearable medical technology to nanotechnology's precise drug delivery system, healthcare has evolved rapidly. Healthcare is a sector that requires highly skilled individuals with years of study; it also demands infrastructure and tools. The robust innovation in healthcare is changing the landscape of the industry every year. The advent of innovative technologies has made digital health plausible, which have been proven revolutionary in healthcare. The probability of innovation in healthcare is vast, and we can expect technologies that can gradually increase immunity to minimize minor illnesses, infections. The future of healthcare moves hand in hand with technology; we have to prepare for the changing world, which is the only way forward.
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Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
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Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
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Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
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B
reaking the decades-old conventional methods to offer the most straightforward solutions to complex problems, Lantha Sensors was founded by a team of world-class businesspeople, scientists, and technologists. Since its initiation, the company has been making massive strides of transformative shifts, changing the adapted perception of the chemical tech industry. Bringing over twenty years of startup commercialization experience, Rob Toker leads Lantha Sensors as the CEO. He also dawns the hat of Chairman of the Board. Over the years, Rob has garnered various expertise ranging from venture capital, private equity, devices, industrial and chemical markets. The Sensor Synopsis Combined with a true passion for simplifying the complex, Lantha Sensors strives to be the leading portable chemical analysis company that merges unparalleled simplicity, speed, and accuracy to provide the best possible solutions for chemical detection and measurement processes.
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What makes Lantha Sensors a preferred choice over the competition is that it carries out roughly 10,000 isotopic purity tests per year, saving upwards of $4M every year just in testing costs alone. However, that doesn't even begin to touch the opportunity costs associated with longer testing times with legacy technologies, inaccurate testing problems, or the inability to test in the field.
Rob Toker, CEO - Lantha Sensors Everything Lantha Sensors does, every decision it makes is based on its passion. It believes that simply because something has been done one way for more than 80 years doesn't mean it's the best. It just means no one has taken the time to rethink the process. Lantha Sensors' mission is to revolutionize the entire chemical analysis industry via disruptive innovation and product development and become the world's leading trace chemical detection and measurement company. Offering Unmatched Services Rob states that the LanthaLux platform is the flagship product. It uses a proprietary application of metal-organic frameworks, with the ability to generate a sizeable analytical response from a small amount of sample, to provide on-the-fly moisture and isotopic purity analysis quickly, easily, and accurately. LanthaLux platform displaces the need for expensive Karl Fischer Titrators and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in specific cases. It secures the same results as these techniques, but costs a fraction of those per test, producing zero toxic waste, allowing these analyses to be done in the lab or field setting, and generating results in less than five minutes. LanthaLux is a lab in your pocket. Why Lantha Sensors? In its pursuit of being the best, Lantha Sensors came up with a solution that hits the perfect triumvirate of the techperfect storm – better, faster, cheaper. Rob asserts that as the digital camera replaced the photo lab, the company's platform will replace much of the legacy and outdated equipment needed today for chemical analysis. He says, "If you really think about anyone who's been stuck using Karl Fischer titrators, or in some specific applications with NMR, GC or FT-IR for their testing, our solution can save them thousands of man-hours and millions of dollars per company.”
Rob expresses that when you have truly disruptive new technology, it means it's better than the legacy technology in not just one or two ways. However, in every single aspect, you change an entire industry and help make people's lives using it better. Laying Foundation to Assist Community Apart from its core operations, being a startup company, Lantha Sensors intends to focus on building its business to build up a strong community. Rob expresses that, "Startups that succeed create wealth for the communities around them. Good paying jobs, internships, indirect support of service sector jobs, etc. Over time, on the other side of commercial success, we expect to have a proper community affairs program.” Looking Forward Industrial innovation and chemical tech specifically are accelerating from sensors to integration, IoT, AI, and predictive analytics – technology is taking hold in an industry that deploys vast amounts of technology. Rob notes that Hardtech, Deeptech by definition, requires technical depth to bring to market; the chemical industry has a long history of doing hard things, not just moving bits and electrons but also molecules. Over the Horizon Speaking about the future, Rob mentions that Lantha has excellent long-term potential. Being a platform company – it can extend and deepen its technology into a range of markets and use cases. Rob says, "A good example of what success looks like is Thermo Fisher or even National Instruments – using human creativity to increase efficiencies and in some instances to make the previously impossible – possible.”
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Michael Ruby
President Microban® International
From consumer and commercial industries to healthcare and building ® materials, the Microban brand endorses more than 1,000 products with high-performing antimicrobial and odor control properties. FEBRUARY | 52 | www.insightssuccess.com
Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
®
Microban International Innovation and Partnerships Driving Consumer Confidence
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o prevent the damage of products from microbial growth, it is essential to control the growth of microbes. Microbial growth also affects the aesthetics and functionality of certain products. However, antimicrobial protection has revolutionized surface cleanliness to enhance the durability of products. The use of antimicrobial technologies has proven to be an essential factor in helping to reduce damage-causing microbial growth. Similarly, odor control technologies are also critical to effectively preventing odors in products and extend their lifespan and durability. Founded in 1984, Microban® International has grown to become the global leader in antimicrobial additives and odor control solutions. Its mission is to redefine clean with protection that lives on, without impacting product aesthetics or functionality. Its surface cleaning solutions for homes and hospitals are the world's first and only technologies to provide lasting antibacterial performance for up to 24 hours, even after multiple touches.
Creating Tangible Benefits for End-Users Microban develops partnerships centered on collaborative transformation, product differentiation, and the creation of tangible benefits to end-users. Its technologies can be adapted to any substrate or product, and are essentially organized into three categories: 1. Built-in antimicrobial product protection – incorporated during manufacturing and remains active for the product's life, keeping it cleaner by providing lasting product protection against the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae. 2. Odor control for textiles, apparel, and footwear – addresses ‘permastink' in wearable goods. 3. Continuously active disinfection and sanitization solutions – delivering 24-hour performance in the home, professional, and healthcare sectors: - Microban 24 is a multipurpose cleaner and sanitizing aerosol spray for home and professional surfaces. - Sani-24 is available in ready-to-use spray or wipe formats for healthcare disinfection applications to decrease occurrences of hospital-acquired infections.
At the helm of Microban® International is its President, Michael Ruby. He has diverse experience in leading global sales, marketing, technology, and innovation teams in antimicrobial additives, branded ingredients, formulated disinfectants, specialty chemicals, engineered materials, composites, water treatment, and capital equipment sectors.
These technologies can be applied to clothes, bedding, or appliances in consumers’ homes and offices, advancing cleanliness to new levels.
Microban International is home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control, and sanitization/disinfection markets: Microban® and Ultra-Fresh®. Consumers and business decision-makers worldwide associate its brands with proper cleanliness, enhanced product performance, and added peace of mind. Microban® International is the world's leading innovator in antimicrobial, odor control, and surface modification technologies. Added at the stage of manufacture or applied topically, its proactive systems protect products against degrading microbial growth.
Ensuring Cleanliness and Protection of Products Microban is more than just the company name; it's a global trust mark and a leading ingredient brand carrying over 65 % awareness among consumers. Consumers worldwide associate Microban with true cleanliness and rely on the products developed from its partnerships to deliver enduring protection. Microban assists its partners in the development of innovative products, from concept to launch and beyond. Microban begins the conversation with a prospective partner by going through a deep discovery process to
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understand the nature and performance of their product. Microban guarantees that when it adds antimicrobial efficacy, it doesn't alter the functionalities or aesthetics of the product. To this end, Microban has a variety of technologies that are compatible with different manufacturing processes and materials, ensuring they are invisible yet always active and effective. Once Microban has determined the right tailored solution for each product – looking at everything from the appropriate technology to match manufacturing and materials to regulatory and legal considerations. Its commercial and marketing teams work closely to develop impactful messaging and provide sales and claims training. Including the Microban brand on products and packaging is a point of difference for hundreds of companies worldwide, who experience wider coverage, better support, and greater market impact. Being Confident with Efficacy of Antibacterial Products The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the world, and consumers are more anxious than ever about the cleanliness of the surfaces they touch. A recent study conducted by Microban found that over 70 % of adults are concerned about their exposure to microbes. This is driving increased awareness, and, currently, 90 % of adults are using antibacterial products and are confident with their efficacy. Driven by Core Values Microban is proudly an employee-owned company with five core values: 1. Customer-driven – delivering best in class solutions and results. 2. Personal accountability – employees act like owners because they are. 3. Continuous improvement – being a change agent 4. Collaboration – employees develop better solutions by working together. 5. Integrity – an unwavering moral compass ensures employees do the right thing.
Focusing on Sustainability and Expanding Portfolio Antiviral technologies, and solutions that offer a wide range of antimicrobial properties, will be increasingly popular in the future. Furthermore, everyone is looking for greener solutions and more sustainable options, as opposed to chemical-based technologies. That's why Microban's R&D in recent years has focused on sustainability and replacing the chemical products on the market. In 2022, Microban will launch a novel antimicrobial technology based on a naturally occurring substance and a range of antiviral treatments. Microban will also expand its portfolio to include two non-toxic odor control technologies in textiles processing, targeting apparel fabrics and home and hospitality materials. Finally, Microban 24 residual sanitizing products will extend its global presence – including in Mexico and China – and new scents and sizes will cater to different markets. Advancing Material Protection and Cleaning Technologies Microban is proud to heavily contribute each year to the great work and lifesaving mission of the St. Jude Hospital. Microban will continue building meaningful relationships and focusing on new investments in breakthrough technologies, positioning the two to develop powerful and trusted brands. Microban is committed to extending its market-leading position and will always stay focused on advancing material protection and cleaning technologies to provide added peace of mind to product users. Helping Partners Attain Desired Outcomes Microban is honored to have hundreds of partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers worldwide, protecting thousands of products in the consumer, building, textiles, commercial, and healthcare sectors. Microban works with GE Appliances, Mannington Mills, Spectrum, Nike, Under Armour, Poly, Manchester Mills, PVH, and Newell Rubbermaid, as well as with Procter & Gamble to develop Microban 24 and Microban 24 Professional. Microban's partners have been with the company for a decade on average, highlighting how partners attain their desired outcomes using Microban's technologies. Microban's website – www.microban.com – contains more information on its antimicrobial solutions and partnerships.
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Top 10 Chemical Tech Companies Building a Better Tomorrow
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