Smart Chemistry

Information will be provided on CDTI funding that supports the development of R&D&I projects to help achieve the objectives of the Green Deal, as well as opportunities in international programmes

The chemical sector is undergoing a profound transformation towards a circular and decarbonised model, with all that this entails in terms of resources—both financial and in recruitment and talent retention—as well as infrastructure and the need to create new markets. We have the opportunity to transform the Tarragona chemical cluster into a multi-energy and circular hub that becomes a global benchmark. To achieve this, highly qualified personnel are needed to make this transformation possible.

At Moeve, we are undergoing a profound transformation with the aim of establishing ourselves as a European benchmark in the energy transition. This change, evident both internally and externally, reflects our comprehensive commitment to sustainability. At the heart of this evolution is the decarbonisation of industry, a strategic pillar guiding our actions towards a cleaner and more responsible future.

In an international context marked by geopolitical tensions, trade distortions and increasing market fragmentation, this round table addresses trade defence and access to new markets as complementary elements of a single strategy. The session combines the European strategic perspective, practical application at national level and business experience to provide companies with a comprehensive and operational understanding of the current trade environment. From defence instruments against unfair practices to the identification of real internationalisation opportunities, the discussion focuses on how to compete and grow in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Industrial excellence today is measured by what is not wasted. Our advanced solutions for VOC recovery offer an unparalleled double win: maximum environmental protection and the economic recovery of assets.

DirectCoating is a new way of creating high-quality surfaces by integrating two processes that have traditionally been separate: plastic moulding and coating. This innovative technology achieves premium finishes directly during manufacturing, eliminating additional steps and opening up a world of new design possibilities.

Autonomous vehicles are transforming passenger cabin design, prioritising comfort, entertainment and personalisation. However, with a high turnover of users, autonomous vehicle interiors must also be hygienic, durable and resistant to vandalism, creating new challenges for material and automotive manufacturers.

EDAG set out to design a futuristic interior for its autonomous CityBot, combining ambient lighting, adaptive displays and elegant finishing components that meet functional requirements while delivering comfort and style.

To bring its vision to life, EDAG partnered with H.B. Fuller and Covestro to apply advanced material and finishing solutions, specifically designed for autonomous vehicles that will be used by many passengers multiple times a day. Crucially, the solution needed to withstand daily wear while providing long-lasting aesthetic appeal.

The materials and features meet both performance and aesthetic demands and fit within the overall interior design concept. The surface enables excellent cleanability, provides a pleasant haptic experience and allows for translucent designs for ambient lighting.

Repsol is driving innovation through a growing portfolio of sustainable chemical solutions aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal. This European framework sets out a roadmap for industrial transition towards 2050, focused on climate neutrality, the elimination of hazardous substances and the development of safe and sustainable chemicals by design.

In an increasingly demanding regulatory and market context, Repsol is strengthening its contribution to decarbonisation, circularity and resource efficiency through three strategic pillars: the integration of renewable feedstocks, the optimisation of low-emission industrial processes and the development of innovative materials with a reduced environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. These initiatives are directly aligned with the priorities of the Green Deal, which promote the circular economy, the reduction of hazardous substances and the consolidation of safer, more transparent and sustainable chemical value chains.

In this session, we will explore how industrial plants can reduce acid gas emissions while optimising the energy efficiency of their processes through the use of sodium bicarbonate. Acid gases, such as sulphur oxides (SO₂ and SO₃), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF), are inherently generated in numerous industrial processes, contributing to significant environmental issues. The treatment of these gases using SOLVAir® sodium bicarbonate is presented as a robust, efficient, sustainable and easy-to-implement technology, adaptable to a wide range of processes and proven in more than 20 industries.

The chemical sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The past, present and future of the sector will be addressed from a dual perspective, as well as the key levers that will strengthen the industry in the coming years.

Oxy-combustion is consolidating itself as an immediate lever to maximise energy efficiency in energy-intensive sectors such as glass, frits and cement. By replacing air with oxygen, combustion is optimised and fuel consumption and emissions are drastically reduced.

The implementation of oxy-combustion shows that real levers exist to act immediately. In line with diversification trends in the EU, technological neutrality emerges as the best ally to accelerate results. By backing realistic and scalable solutions, Spain can reconcile the protection of its industrial competitiveness with the firm fulfilment of global climate commitments.

A focus on how reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes creates the conditions for the development of products with lower environmental impact.

Repsol’s project in Puertollano marks a milestone in the European polymer industry, aiming to produce high-performance UHMWPE that strengthens competitiveness and industrial autonomy in Europe. The new plant combines advanced technology, efficiency and optimised processes, designed for sectors and high-performance applications where wear resistance, durability and reliability are essential.

The talk will show how this project integrates sustainability principles by minimising resource consumption and emissions, while fostering collaborative innovation across the entire value chain in strategic sectors. High value-added applications will be highlighted in sectors such as industrial and food (wear components and machinery), defence (high-performance materials and functional protection) and energy storage (durable energy solutions for batteries and energy systems). It will also address the competitive advantages of having local capacity, strengthening the resilience and autonomy of European industry.

This presentation offers a strategic and comprehensive view of the project, showing how Repsol drives the development of advanced and innovative materials in Europe in a sustainable and responsible way.

This presentation focuses on FORESA’s innovative natural solution and success story, based on tannin science, exploring its practical applications and its real impact as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based resins.

"At Repsol, we are accelerating the circular economy of plastics through concrete actions. One of the most significant is the launch of a new production line for polyolefins with mechanically recycled content at our Puertollano Industrial Complex. With an investment of €26 million, we have significantly increased our production capacity to 25,000 tonnes per year, almost double the current level. This new facility enables us to produce high- and low-density polyethylene with recycled plastic content ranging from 10% to 80%, intended for real applications such as rigid and flexible packaging for non-food use. During the talk, it will be explained why this investment is key not only from an industrial perspective but also a strategic one: it strengthens our Repsol Reciclex® range, aligns us with European packaging regulations and positions Puertollano as a benchmark for plastic recycling in the Iberian Peninsula.

The transformation of our industrial complexes is a cornerstone of Repsol’s roadmap towards net zero emissions by 2050, driving high value-added products with a lower carbon footprint."

The current challenges faced by the industry in relation to the recovery of oily waste will be addressed, as well as the capability of Oxford Oil Additives to develop tailor-made products, particularly focused on the recovery, valorisation and demetallisation of these wastes.

The role of CDTI in open innovation is strategic: replacing isolated models with collaborative approaches, acting as a facilitator of collaboration to connect companies, technology centres, universities, public administration and international partners, while combining funding, advisory support and the creation of cooperative ecosystems.

Programmes such as Misiones, Ecosistemas, Innterconecta, Innoglobal, Cervera and PID, among others, are examples of how to accelerate shared innovation, reduce technological risks and build lasting capabilities in the Spanish R&D&I system.