24 Jun 2013

SABIC introduces the SABIC Innovation Challenge
Smart Polymer Materials

SITTARD, The Netherlands, June 24, 2013 - Strong chemistry is built on innovative value and long-term relationships. SABIC sees partnerships as key for its ambition to develop innovative solutions and materials. For this reason, SABIC launched the SABIC Innovation Challenge at the European Polymer Congress – “EPF 2013” in Pisa, Italy on 18 June 2013. The challenge focuses on high performance polymers that alter their properties when their environment changes. SABIC invites everyone with an innovative idea involving “Smart Polymer Materials” to join via its website www.sabic.com/innovationchallenge.

Chemistry that matters™

SABIC is looking into opportunities to further strengthen research alliances and partnerships with external parties. For this reason, the SABIC Innovation Challenge was created to identify innovative ideas in the field of smart polymer materials. This is an area where knowledge and expertise can be combined from across the globe and in which SABIC would like to collaborate even more with scientists and other stakeholders in joint research areas.

Ernesto Occhiello, Executive Vice President, SABIC Technology & Innovation: “A spirit of ingenuity has been with SABIC ever since its beginnings. We develop solutions and innovate together with our customers and partners worldwide. Therefore, collaborative projects with scientists, researchers and other partners are an essential part of SABIC’s research program. This enables the development of advanced technologies into innovative solutions to meet global market needs and demands in many societal areas.”

Who can take part?

Anyone from outside SABIC with a unique idea for a new smart polymer material can take part in SABIC’s Innovation Challenge - from students to researchers or from up and coming entrepreneurs to small businesses. The challenge was launched to attendees of the European Polymer Congress in Pisa (Italy) on 18 June 2013.

Frank Kuijpers, Vice President SABIC Technology & Innovation: “When we speak about ‘smart polymer materials’, SABIC is referring to high-performance polymers that change depending on the environment they are in. The polymer’s responsiveness will lead to a different functionality than the original polymer material. These polymers can be found in both highly specialized applications and the products we use in our daily lives. This challenge creates interesting opportunities to further develop these smart polymers. We invite all people to join in this challenge and visit the website for more information.”

For further information please see: www.sabic.com/innovationchallenge.

Reader enquiries

Communications Manager

+31 (0)46 722 2439

roos.hunsche@SABIC-europe.com

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About SABIC

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) ranks among the world’s top petrochemical companies. The company is among the world’s market leaders in the production of polyethylene, polypropylene and other advanced thermoplastics, glycols, methanol and fertilizers.

SABIC recorded a net profit of SR 24.72 billion (US$ 6.59 billion) in 2012. Sales revenues for 2012 totaled SR 189 billion (US$ 50.40 billion). Total assets stood at SR 338 billion (US$ 90.13 billion) at the end of 2012.

SABIC’s businesses are grouped into Chemicals, Polymers, Performance Chemicals, Fertilizers, Metals and Innovative Plastics. SABIC has significant research resources with 18 dedicated Technology & Innovation facilities in Saudi Arabia, the USA, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, India and South Korea. The company operates in more than 40 countries across the world with around 40,000 employees worldwide.

SABIC manufactures on a global scale in Saudi Arabia, the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Headquartered in Riyadh, SABIC was founded in 1976 when the Saudi Arabian Government decided to use the hydrocarbon gases associated with its oil production as the principal feedstock for production of chemicals, polymers and fertilizers. The Saudi Arabian Government owns 70 percent of SABIC shares with the remaining 30 percent held by private investors in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Related images

From left to right: Gaetano Lampugnani (SABIC), Rossella Bianco (SABIC), Mary McCarthy (SABIC), Prof. Daniele Caretti (AIM), Frank Kuijpers (SABIC), Prof. Giancarlo Galli (EPF 2013), Barbara Brescia (SABIC), Henk Verhoogt (SABIC) (Photo SABIC, PR076)

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