Safe sanitiser switch
As the UK begins to return to work among the ‘new normal’ in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses are facing increasing responsibility for the health and safety of returning employees – including the implementation of extra equipment such as PPE or hand sanitisers. Read the comment from Robert Bussey, process safety manager at UK-based process engineering services company BPE in C&I Magazine.
Agile supply
The fundamental shift in consumer demand and availability of products brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of supply chain resilience. Global markets are apt to change at a moment’s notice, which can have a dramatic effect on manufacturers in every sector. Commentary by Andy Barrett, Senior Product Manager at Domino Printing Sciences.
Science beyond the lab
In 2019, in a survey by Nature of more than 6000 PhD students, 56% of respondents said that academia is their first choice for a career. Academia is seen as the gold standard in STEM careers, from a PhD all the way to professorship. This path will not suit every science graduate though, and there are many alternatives.
Unlocking innovation
In recognition of the fact the world is relying on the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries for innovation, it’s imperative that companies create safe spaces for their people to continue to challenge conventional thinking, have meaningful conversations and offer breakthrough ideas. Read the comment by Rebekah Martin, HR SVP Reward & Inclusion, AstraZeneca in C&I Magazine.
Not a simple target
The goal of creating a circular economy is one of many initiatives with the aim of reducing our environmental impact. Within the refining and chemical industries, there is an increasing focus on how technology and research can be applied to support the re-engineering of many product value chains, thereby reducing the environmental impact of specific products throughout their entire lifecycle.
Strong leaders needed
As a lynchpin in the supply chains of multiple other industries, the chemical industry is at the forefront of solving today’s most pressing issues: climate change, water and food scarcity, global health, and poverty.
Fuelling the future
In January 2021 fuel suppliers are required to increase the amount of renewable fuel they use to comply with latest updates to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).
Incentivising vaccines
As C&I went to press in early December, current affairs discussions focused on the welcome news that the UK government has authorised the first Covid-19 vaccine following approval by the independent medicines agency MHRA for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, expected to be made available before Christmas.
Getting ready
Harry Swan, CEO of UK chemical manufacturer Thomas Swan, is urging businesses to act now to be ready for new trading rules between the UK and EU. He says his firm has already taken action to prepare for the end of the Transition period on 31 December 2020, and he’s calling on others to do the same. Read the comment in C&I magazine.
Cultured meat
As the regulatory framework for cultured meat evolves, we can expect stringent biosafety standards to emerge and, if inventors are able to obtain patents ... they could be in a strong position to license their portfolio for significant royalties. Read the comment in C&I Magazine.