Sulfotools: how sustainable chemicals can disrupt an industry
Moving the chemical industry forward
The chemical industry is truly lacking behind in sustainable innovation. As surprising as it sounds, the science behind many processes still relies on chemistry developed in the 1970s. Needless to say, sustainability was not as trendy back then as it is now. Yet 50 years later, the industry still ranks among the most energy-intensive industries. The disposal of toxic chemical waste has also been associated with high risks of environmental pollution around the world. The scientists behind Sulfotools address these challenges directly, developing more sustainable processes for the pharmaceutical, and the cosmetic world.
How it started.
A sustainable chemical process discovered by chance
Sascha Knauer and Christina Uth founded Sulfotools in 2016 after a lucky experiment result. The two university friends were testing new ways of developing peptides, an essential component for cosmetics, food supplements, and even certain vaccines. One important issue is that peptide production traditionally requires the use of many toxic solvents. The two chemists realized by testing a new chemical process that they could replace organic solvents entirely with water. A few trials later, they came up with the final version of the Clean Peptide Technology or CPT. Since then, Sulfotools and their CPT have generated a lot of noise in the chemical industry, winning multiple awards and getting the support of tech incubators.
In 2018, Sulfotools discussed the future of sustainable chemicals with members of the Bundestag. credit: sulfotools.com
In 2018, Sulfotools discussed the future of sustainable chemicals with members of the Bundestag. credit: sulfotools.com
In 2018, Sulfotools discussed the future of sustainable chemicals with members of the Bundestag. credit: sulfotools.com
“Even in unattractive sectors like the chemical industry, green processes are possible.”
Christina Uth, co-founder of Sulfotools
Sustainable Value Proposition.
Sustainable and cost-efficient chemicals
The main advantage of CPT is the elimination of a very large quantity of toxic waste. The European chemical regulation has warned about the highly dangerous nature of the solvents used for the synthesis of peptides. Sulfotools’ CPT addresses this problem by replacing organic solvents with water. No more solvents also mean a cheaper process, as the use of organic chemicals generates high production and disposal costs. Sulfotools also developed wastewater purification and strict monitoring systems, avoiding waste and making the whole production process more efficient. Overall, Sulfotools had estimated that they could save up to 50% of the costs associated with peptide production. Investing in their innovation is not just a more sustainable strategy, it is also a cost-efficient one.
Sulfootools’ CPT could be implemented in the manufacturing process of supplements, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Sustainable and cost-efficient chemicals
The main advantage of CPT is the elimination of a very large quantity of toxic waste. The European chemical regulation has warned about the highly dangerous nature of the solvents used for the synthesis of peptides. Sulfotools’ CPT addresses this problem by replacing organic solvents with water. No more solvents also mean a cheaper process, as the use of organic chemicals generates high production and disposal costs. Sulfotools also developed wastewater purification and strict monitoring systems, avoiding waste and making the whole production process more efficient. Overall, Sulfotools had estimated that they could save up to 50% of the costs associated with peptide production. Investing in their innovation is not just a more sustainable strategy, it is also a cost-efficient one.
Sulfootools’ CPT could be implemented in the manufacturing process of supplements, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Sulfootools’ CPT could be implemented in the manufacturing process of supplements, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Our Insights.
Promoting sustainable chemicals
Peptides might be used in countless consumer products and medicines, but they remain unknown to the general public. This was a challenge for Sulfotools as they were looking for investors while educating consumers about their sustainable innovation. Circular Stories helped them communicate about their work, as part of the Green Challenge organized by the Dutch Post Code Lottery. In a 2 minutes pitch video, Sulfotools could explain to the jury what peptides were, how their production harmed the environment, and how they were going to fix this problem. The video production, as well as our workshops, provided Sulfotools with a stronger communication strategy that they could utilize beyond the Green Challenge.
Making sustainable chemicals the new norm.
Sulfotools’ CPT is already addressing important circular challenges, but their work goes way beyond reducing chemical waste. They prove that sustainable innovations are as important for climate action as it is to move the industry forward. The goal is not just to make the chemical industry more sustainable, but to show that sustainability can be a driver for innovation. The SDG roadmap estimates that new chemical processes could reduce global CO2 emissions by 2.5Gtons every year, but only if the whole sector decides to follow through. Sulfotools is a clear leader in this fight, leaving the 1970s mindset behind, and calling other chemical innovators to follow in their footsteps.
Meet the Circular Stories Team!
Do you want to position yourself as a frontrunner of circular business? Circular Stories can help you build your communication strategy in record time!
Whether you want to reach out to investors or new customers, our Video Brand Story program will help you stay in the mind of your audience!
Learn more about what video branding can do for your business right here:
Do you want to position yourself as a frontrunner of circular business? Circular Stories can help you build your communication strategy in record time!
Whether you want to reach out to investors or new customers, our Video Brand Story program will help you stay in the mind of your audience!
Learn more about what video branding can do for your business right here:
Do you want to position yourself as a frontrunner of circular business? Circular Stories can help you build your communication strategy in record time!
Whether you want to reach out to investors or new customers, our Video Brand Story program will help you stay in the mind of your audience!
Learn more about what video branding can do for your business right here:
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