The delivery of the project, and the H2020 support received, have driven Econic forward in the target areas below, meeting or exceeding expectations. The progress demonstrated in the first 18 months was fundamental to securing investment from a new industry focused investor. The project covered six key areas:
Cost-efficient catalyst manufacture proven scalable for commercial production
Econic successfully carried out:
• Repeat kilogram-scale batches of catalyst production (scaled up from laboratory milligram scale)
• A 20kg scaled-up production campaign at a major European contract manufacturer. This represents process validation in an industry standard environment
• A catalyst manufacture cost model, leading to a 20% reduction in costs
• Optimisation and improvement with the help of a H2020 coach
• Collaboration with a third-party partner using an industry standard framework of documentation. A qualification programme is also underway
Demonstration of the use of Econic catalyst in industry-relevant setting
Kilogram-scale and multi-kilogram scale polyol production using Econic’s catalyst were carried out in house, at suppliers and by collaborating customers. Immediately prior to launch of this Project, Econic developed a new Tunable catalyst system, significantly increasing the application reach of this technology. This Project has demonstrated the technical feasibility and scalability of the polyol manufacturing process with both catalysts. The Customer Demonstration Unit (CDU) was completed with equipment co-funded by this grant. The CDU is a unique selling tool, which has provided great credibility to the Econic story with both Customers and Investors.
Demonstration of downstream market acceptance
PU samples and data have been produced for rigid foams, hot melt adhesives, elastomers and coatings. Papers on Econic's catalyst system were presented at the CPI Technical Polyurethane Conference in Oct 2017 (on benchmarked properties of CO2-based coatings using Econic’s Tunable system) and UTECH Europe 2018 (on improved performance properties of rigid PU foam using CO2-based polymers). Programs are underway with downstream PU manufacturers to demonstrate use of the polyols in a range of applications. Performance has been benchmarked with industry standards and verified externally.
Securing IP and FTO for new innovations
Econic’s IP ownership in any of our collaborations has been secured: A Framework of Services Agreement used for subcontracting and toll manufacturing assigns any IP developed to Econic. Non-Disclosure and Material Transfer Agreements are used with all parties. A robust contract manufacturing agreement framework and several Joint Development Agreements are in place. Full FTO review was conducted for Econic catalyst systems. Independent of the H2020 project, Econic continued to grow its own IP portfolio from its research activities.
Assuring regulatory compliance
The Econic catalyst and its intermediates are new chemicals to be produced within the EU and to be imported into the USA and other regions. The requirements of the legislation have been reviewed in relation to PPORD notification and Reach registration. A plan with detailed timeline, costs and trigger points of legislation has been put in place to ensure compliance in Europe and USA whilst China and South Korea are also being considered.
Dissemination, communication, exploitation
Our focus is growing and maintaining development partnerships with early adopters whilst engaging identified customers. A value model, pricing strategy and model catalyst sales agreement have been developed. Polyol samples for parallel application development are being supplied to several target customers. Econic have rebranded and the website has been updated. Specific papers and presentations were delivered at targeted industry events. A sales plan for broader market exploitation has been developed and is being executed.
