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Chemical Industry Review: Specials Magazine
Pfizer Inc
Three C's To Enable Continuous Development And Manufacturing For Small Molecule Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Nick Thomson joined Pfizer in 1997 as a process chemist in Sandwich, UK. Nick spent his early Pfizer career in the evolving process chemistry departments in Sandwich (UK), Sittingbourne (UK) and Holland, Michigan (USA). From 2005 to 2010, Nick led the Sandwich Research Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) department, with accountability for delivery of API technology from lead development to proof of concept. In 2011, Nick joined the Pfizer Chemical Research and Development department in Groton, Connecticut (USA), with accountability for the Quality by Design development and submission of late stage candidates. In 2014, Nick became head of the Technology API line for Pfizer Chemical Research and Development, and has held accountability for Technology Strategy, High Throughput Screening, Biocatalysis, Pressure Labs, Computational Chemistry, and Flexible API Supply Technologies. Nick has been active in cross pharmaceutical precompetitive collaboration, as Chair of the IQ API Leadership Team and a board member of the Enabling Technologies Consortium. At Pfizer we are excited to demonstrate our new modular framework for small molecule continuous development and manufacturing. We call it Flexible API Supply Technologies (FAST). We just received our first prototype modules at the Groton site, on a cold February day. The modules are designed to be reconfigurable across a range of products and will be standardized across our clinical and commercial manufacturing facilities through what we describe as module design replication. Over the coming months we will be qualifying our equipment and applying it to GMP clinical manufacture with integrated unit operations. One project will demonstrate our ability to open up new chemical space and deliver through the most efficient route. A second project will demonstrate the ability to reduce manufacturing cycle time through integration of unit operations, with grand challenge of achieving a 50 percent reduction through the produc
Catalyst
Fitch Fuel Catalyst
Transforming Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Management
Nora Murphy - Chief Operating Officer
Two influential factors significantly impact businesses across all industrial sectors. First, the persistent high cost of fuel substantially challenges financial profitability, necessitating resource optimization and cost reduction. Second, pollution presents a dual threat, encompassing ecological and financial implications that reverberate through industries. At this juncture of economic burden and environmental consciousness, a transformative force emerges—the Fitch Fuel Catalyst by Advanced Power Systems International, Inc. (APSI). The catalyst is a heterogeneous metallic alloy (HMAC) that, when in use, reformulates the molecular composition of fuel at ambient temperatures and pressures. It is a true catalyst, setting a new standard for enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. “The Fitch Fuel Catalyst possesses a distinct capability to reformulate gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and natural gas. This innovation unlocks latent energy potential within fuels, delivering reduced fuel consumption or heightened production and performance, increased horsepower, and torque, to customers,” says Win Fitzpatrick, President of APSI. A remarkable aspect of the Fitch Fuel Catalyst is its substantial influence on emissions. Promoting more complete combustion reduces harmful emissions, including greenhouse gases, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, particulates, and soot.
Agrochemicals
Nisus Corporation
Innovating Pest Control with Sustainable Solutions
Lee Barrett, President, Julie Payne Kelso, Director of Marketing; Andy Mallicoat, Plant Manager
While many pest control companies and manufacturers strive to provide effective solutions for insect infestations and rodent invasions, success at Nisus Corporation is driven by more than just products. It’s rooted in the deep expertise of the highly credentialed team and a commitment to a collaborative, customer-focused work culture. The company’s specialists bring years of experience in their respective fields, ensuring they not only understand the technical aspects of pest control but also excel at working closely with customers to solve their distinct challenges. By fostering a culture of team-driven innovation and prioritizing public health, Nisus consistently achieves customer satisfaction and meets business objectives. “We believe that people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating a collaborative and healthy culture for our employees. We also prioritize supporting our communities, including the region in which we work and our industry as a whole. We want to be a pillar of support for pest professionals in the field,” says Lee Barrett, president of Nisus Corporation. Nisus is a privately-held chemical manufacturing company that offers sustainable borate and other active ingredient products for the professional pest control, industrial wood protection, and agricultural liquid micronutrient industries. The word ‘nisus’ essentially means a perfecting urge, an irresistible impulse to keep driving toward a goal. The company’s aim is to put that ethos to work, developing products that outperform existing solutions while offering a superior environmental profile. The Key to Success: Skilled Teams and Strong Culture The top priority for Nisus Corporation is placing skilled individuals in roles that match their expertise, sometimes in surprising ways. The company’s success is driven by the quality of individuals within the organization and the strong company culture it has cultivated. Barrett strives to empower his team by maintaining transparency in communication to ensure everyone is aligned and informed while fostering an open dialogue that brings individual expertise to the forefront. Advanced Borate Products for Pest Management The experience and expertise of the Nisus team allow them to work with clients to combat increasing termite pressure by providing flexible and effective solutions like Bora-Care®, Tim-bor®, and Penashield®. These products harness the power of borates to defend untreated lumber and other materials from threats posed by wood-destroying organisms such as termites, carpenter ants, or even decay fungi. Borates work by killing the microorganisms in the digestive tracts of insects like termites, preventing them from breaking down wood cellulose and effectively causing them to starve. This gut-destroying mechanism of borates is effective in controlling ants, cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish, among other listed pests.
Liquid Chemical Transportation Services
Safe and efficient tank container transportation demands expertise and hands-on experience—qualities Zafer Tank Taşıma has honed since 1996. Its motto, ‘We Know How,’ reflects a steadfast commitment to precision, safety and reliability in one of the most demanding logistics sectors. A specialist in transporting liquid chemicals, including dangerous goods, Zafer Tank Taşıma possesses a deep understanding of every stage of the tank container transport process. The company operates on the belief that its success is intertwined with that of its clients. By delivering cost-efficient, high-quality services, Zafer Tank Taşıma empowers clients to secure contracts and outperform competitors. “We think of ourselves as a representative of our customers and take every measure to support them in achieving their desired outcomes,” says Fahri Onur YILMAZ, Owner. “When they thrive, we thrive.” Zafer Tank Taşıma’s all-in-one service package goes beyond transportation, offering storage, heating and customs clearance for liquid chemicals. Its fleet is supported by strategically located facilities near major Istanbul ports, allowing cargo to remain within a single secure chain of custody. Containers can be stored after discharge until their next assignment or returned directly to the port. By overseeing every stage in-house, the company offers customers a single point of contact, reducing complexity and improving communication. Its infrastructure and organizational framework are designed to meet the strictest safety and quality standards set by the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and local regulations. Every truck in the fleet is ADR-certified, every driver holds SRC5 credentials and the general manager is an officially recognized SRC5 trainer. Certifications from SGS International in ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 attest to unmatched operational quality, while successful SQAS audits in 2020 and 2023 confirm alignment with international benchmarks. International clients benefit from local market insights that help them remain cost-effective, while alternative solutions are proposed whenever they can provide an advantage. This long-term, relationship-first approach is reinforced by the team’s ability to swiftly adapt to evolving industry requirements, ensuring that even last-minute adjustments cause no disruption. When challenges arise, Zafer Tank Taşıma delivers. In one instance, unloading a client’s tank container carrying dangerous chemicals required a rare piece of equipment. By sourcing the exact equipment, Zafer Tank Taşıma’s logistics team eliminated the possibility of unsafe handling and allowed operations to proceed without costly delays.
Chemical Manufacturing
In the Tension Between Price Increases and Supply Chain Problems-With 3d Printing for Acute Problem Solving
Ralf Anderhofstadt, Head of Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) Daimler Truck, Daimler Buses GmbH
Chemical Logistics
Evolution of the Chemical Industry
David Bem, CTO, Senior Vice President Science and Technology, PPG
Pest Management Product
Advancing Science for a Better Life
Johnny Ivanyi, Global Head of Logistics CoE, Bayer
Chemical Logistics
Plastics Lighten the Load and Increase Sustainability in the Transportation Industry
Melissa Cohen, Vice President, Supply Chain and Procurement, INEOS Styrolution America
Chemical Tech
Elevating Supply Chain Excellence
Julie McAlindon, Senior Vice President, Regions and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Eastman
IN MY OPINION
Chemical Industry
Navigating the Intersection of Government and Industry
Phillip Fordham, Director of Government Relations, Celanese Corporation
LAST WORD
Chemical Logistics
Innovation and Specialty Chemistry: Which Technologies are on the Horizon
Ottavio Rombola, Director of Research and Development, Sika USA
IN FOCUS
The Role of Catalyst Solutions in Revolutionizing Efficiency in Chemical Industrial Processes
Catalyst solutions are, therefore, a pre-condition for effectiveness and sustainability in the chemical industrial process.
Growth Factors Driving the Chemical Consultants Market
Chemical consultants play a crucial role in the industry by providing services in process optimization, regulatory compliance, research, market analysis, and strategic planning.
EDITORIAL
Low-Carbon Production: Shaping the Future of US Chemicals
A renewed emphasis on sustainability and carbon reduction is propelling the US chemical industry into a new age. Chemical firms are making significant investments in lowcarbon technology and processes to ensure a competitive future as state and federal regulations tighten emissions objectives and consumers want greener products.
Major companies today are moving toward renewable feedstocks, electrifying chemical processes, and increasing carbon capture and storage (CCS). Innovations in bio-based materials, green hydrogen, and circular production methods are gaining popularity quickly and provide opportunities to drastically reduce emissions without compromising efficiency or profitability.
Advanced manufacturing is also playing a crucial role. Digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are optimizing energy use, improving yields, and reducing waste. Smart chemical plants are no longer a vision, they are becoming a reality, helping companies meet both economic and environmental goals.
Still, challenges remain. Scaling new technologies demands significant capital, and regulatory clarity is essential to accelerate investment. Building the necessary renewable energy infrastructure to support low-carbon chemical production is another pressing need. Strong collaboration across industry, government, and research institutions will be critical to overcome these hurdles.
The momentum is clear and growing. New projects are being announced across the United States, from green ammonia plants to circular plastics facilities. The Inflation Reduction Act and other incentive programs are providing additional tailwinds, encouraging faster innovation and deployment.
The US chemical sector is not just adapting to a low-carbon future, it is actively building it. With strategic investments, technological leadership, and a commitment to sustainability, the industry is poised to redefine what responsible manufacturing looks like on a global stage.
