Page 171 - CW E-Magazine (14-5-2024)

News from Abroad

upgrade the $300-mn facility and con-
vert existing lithium-ion battery manu-
facturing lines to sodium-ion battery
production. The US Dept. of Energy’s
Advanced Research Projects Agency
provided the first funding to Natron in
2012, followed by additional funding
in 2020, and the company has received
investments from strategic customers,
including Chevron and Nabors Industries.

At full capacity, the Holland faci-
lity is projected to produce 600-MW
of sodium-ion batteries annually and
will serve as a blueprint for future
giga-scale facilities. Natron will begin
battery shipments in June with an initial According to Natron, its patented Natron’s supply chain requires zero
focus on data centre customers and 24/7 Prussian blue electrodes store and trans- lithium, cobalt, nickel, or other diffi-
power required to support the explo- fer sodium-ions faster, more often, and cult-to-obtain minerals. “Made from
sive growth of Artificial Intelligence. with lower internal resistance than any commodity materials including alumi-
Beyond data centres, Natron aims other commercial battery on the mar- nium, iron, manganese, and sodium
to transform the way businesses use ket today. The company said its battery electrolyte, Natron’s cells, modules, and
industrial power across a wide range chemistry presents “zero strain dur- battery represent an environmentally
of end markets, including industrial ing charging and discharge, 10x faster and socially responsible alternative to
mobility, EV fast charging, and tele- cycling than traditional lithium-ion lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries,” the
com, among others. batteries, and an over 50,000 cycle-life.” company informed.
BIOTECH IN BEAUTY
Syensqo acquires South Korean ceramides firm,

JinYoung Bio

Syensqo, the Belgian speciality “Our aim is to provide our custo-
chemicals firm carved out of Solvay, mers with advanced skin care solutions
has acquired JinYoung Bio, a speciality that harness the natural power of speci-
cosmetic ingredients supplier based in ality ingredients like ceramides,” added
South Korea. This investment marks a Mr. Michael Radossich, President of
significant step in expanding Syensqo’s the Consumer and Resources division
beauty care portfolio toward more natu- at Syensqo. “This investment puts
ral and high-value speciality skin care Syensqo at the forefront of leveraging
solutions with both functional and the dynamic nature of ceramides, a hero
active ingredients. ingredient in cosmetic products includ-
duct portfolio into biomimetic ceramides ing the fast-growing dermocosmetics,”
“This acquisition reflects our deep for skin care and hair care applica- he added.
commitment to innovation and our tions, as well as a range of bio-based
focus on sustainable solutions leveraging functional ingredients used in skin care Syensqo’s beauty care business
the power of biotechnology,” said and colour cosmetic applications. Cera- aims to grow JinYoung Bio’s commer-
Dr. Ilham Kadri, CEO, Syensqo. mides, the flagship product line within cial and technical capabilities through
JinYoung Bio’s portfolio, are produced its customer access, formulation and
The addition of JinYoung Bio’s through biotechnology via a fermenta- application expertise and marketing
technology will extend Syensqo’s pro- tion process. capabilities.

Chemical Weekly May 14, 2024 171

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