Heidelberg University and BASF extend cooperation at jointly operated catalysis laboratory CaRLa for another five years

● Research collaboration with Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa) in Heidelberg, Germany, extended until autumn 2028

● A current focus is on new processes for chemical recycling of plastic waste

BASF and Heidelberg University will continue to jointly operate the Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa) for the next five years. The two partners signed an agreement to continue this successful research collaboration until 2028. Currently, CaRLa employs 10 researchers. Since the establishment of the Catalysis Laboratory in 2006, more than 100 employees from 34 countries have participated in the development of new processes for homogeneous catalysis and organic synthesis.

Helmut, President of BASF Group Research Dr. Winterling said: “Fundamental research in the field of homogeneous catalysis is very important to BASF because it helps us develop chemical processes that require less energy and generate less waste. CaRLa is therefore important for us to achieve BASF’s sustainability goals. cornerstone. At BASF, we have benefited in recent years from CaRLa's extensive expertise and research results. We are therefore very pleased to continue our collaboration with Heidelberg University and to gain access to this chemical and technological knowledge in the future." Since 2015, we have 18 projects were transferred to BASF research centers and further developed for industrial applications. CaRLa thus represents a successful collaboration between academic and industrial research.

Katja, Vice Dean of Innovation and Transformation, Heidelberg University Dr. Patzel-Mattern said: "The concept of the CaRLa Catalysis Laboratory goes beyond the classic partnership between science and industry and is based on a close integration of research fields. This accelerates the translation of technology and knowledge into large-scale applications, given the challenges that society faces challenges of sustainable resource use, this is particularly important. Another important component of this collaboration is the development of new talent. Young researchers benefit from the collaboration within the CaRLa framework, as the knowledge they gain related to sustainable development also can be applied to their subsequent industrial or academic careers.”

In order to utilize raw materials more efficiently and reduce the CO2 footprint of products and production processes, CaRLa has in recent years stepped up its research efforts on new processes for the chemical recycling of plastic waste. One example is the selective breakdown of polyurethane plastics into their basic building blocks, which can be recycled back into polymers. In addition to developing new processes for chemical recycling, scientists are also investigating catalytic systems for the efficient production of bio-based and biodegradable polymers.

To date, CaRLa's work has resulted in 104 academic papers published in reputable journals. In addition, the Catalysis Laboratory has applied for 41 patents since its establishment.

CaRLa to undergo organizational changes as collaboration extends: Dr. Thomas Schaub and Jaroslaw Dr. Mormul will co-lead the BASF laboratory. In addition to Julia, Vice President of Chemical Research at BASF In addition to Dr. Schüller, Dr. Christian Rein, head of BASF’s research group for homogeneous catalysis and acrylic resins, will also join the steering committee. The steering committee consists of organic chemist A. from Heidelberg University. Professor Stephen K. Hashmi, professor, serves as the scientific manager, and another member is inorganic chemist Dr. Peter Comba.

CaRLa is a "Campus Industry" project of Heidelberg University. Through these projects – which form strategic collaborative research partnerships with the Heidelberg Science Center and companies in the region – the university encourages the translation of research results and scientific discoveries into business and industry. To achieve this, the University creates networks between basic research and applied research with industry partners, thus enabling the joint development of technological innovations.

Catalysts play a key role in industrial chemistry

Catalysis is one of the most important technologies in industrial chemistry. More than 80% of chemical products come into contact with a catalyst at least once during the synthesis process. Catalysts reduce the need for energy and raw materials and help reduce waste. They provide new, resource-efficient and lower-cost methods for manufacturing existing products as well as efficient production of new products. Homogeneous catalysis is a special form of catalysis in which the reactants (substances consumed during a chemical reaction) and products exist in the same physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) as the catalyst.