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Accelerating Sustainability: How Materials Informatics is Shaping the Future of Chemicals & Materials Industry

Integration of Materials Informatics into the chemical industry is not just a strategic advantage but a necessary evolution towards sustainability and innovation. By adopting MI, companies can accelerate their R&D processes, reduce costs, and meet the increasing demand for sustainable products. As the industry progresses towards a climate-neutral future, those who leverage the power of Materials Informatics will be at the forefront of this transformation, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Published on: 17 June 2024
by: Venkat Erigila

In the face of macro trends reshaping the chemicals and materials industry, a transformative opportunity is on the horizon. As climate change drives the push for sustainability and innovation, the chemical industry stands at the cusp of a revolution. This article delves into how Materials Informatics (MI) can propel the industry towards a sustainable future, addressing both current challenges and future aspirations.

The Urgency for Sustainable Innovation

Climate change is an undeniable force, compelling industries worldwide to rethink their strategies and processes. The chemical industry, integral to almost all manufactured goods and pivotal to Europe’s economy, is no exception. With an ambitious target to become climate neutral by 2050, the European chemical sector is uniquely positioned to spearhead efforts towards a climate-neutral society. This commitment is not just regulatory but a societal expectation, as public awareness around sustainability and decarbonization grows.

The Role of Materials Informatics in Driving Change

The pathway to achieving these goals lies in embracing transformative technologies like Materials Informatics. By merging materials science with data science and artificial intelligence, MI enables rapid advancements in the discovery and development of new materials. This innovation is crucial for:

- Reducing emissions and resource intensity

- Improving energy efficiency and circularity

- Expanding the market share of sustainable products

- Enhancing responsible raw material sourcing

Accelerating Research and Development

Materials Informatics significantly accelerates the development cycles and agility of research, facilitating transformative discoveries. The integration of high-performance computing and machine learning allows for unprecedented modeling and simulation of materials, optimizing compositions and predicting functional properties with remarkable accuracy. This not only upgrades traditional processes but also reduces experimental cycles and costs, fostering a competitive edge in the market.

Key Drivers Defining Growth and Usage of MI in R&D

Several factors are driving the growth and adoption of MI in the R&D space within the Chemicals and Materials industry:

- R&D Paradigm Shift: Paradigm shift from conventional R&D methodologies to data-driven methodologies.

- Digitization: Increasing rollout of digitization and access to AI, ML, hybrid cloud, and other tools fostering growth.

- Sustainable Products: Growing need for more sustainable products to reduce the impact on climate.

- Cost Pressures: Companies facing pressure to reduce costs amid rising material and manpower expenses.

- Competition: Proactive initiatives taken by the players to remain competitive in the market.

- Push for New Products: Push from the market to introduce new and advanced products, necessitating the acceleration of the R&D process, innovation, and new product development.

Investment in a Sustainable Future

Investment in MI is crucial for the future of the chemical industry. According to a recent commercial study conducted by JEVVRS, European chemicals industry investments in MI is projected to soar from a little over €100 million in 2020 to a staggering over €1,100 million by 2030, boasting a strong CAGR of around 24%.

Moreover, the proportion of MI spend within the overall EU chemicals R&D budget is expected to surge from little over 1% in 2020 to around 10% in 2030, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future of materials innovation. This surge in investment will empower chemical companies to develop innovative and sustainable materials.

Global Trends and Competitive Edge

While USA, Japan, and China lead in MI adoption, European players are rapidly catching up. Larger chemical companies, with their substantial resources, are at the forefront of integrating MI into their R&D, driving digitalization and innovation. However, the potential of MI is vast and can benefit companies of all sizes, making it essential for smaller and medium players to consider MI integration strategies to stay competitive.

In conclusion, the integration of Materials Informatics into the chemical industry is not just a strategic advantage but a necessary evolution towards sustainability and innovation. By adopting MI, companies can accelerate their R&D processes, reduce costs, and meet the increasing demand for sustainable products. As the industry progresses towards a climate-neutral future, those who leverage the power of Materials Informatics will be at the forefront of this transformation, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

JEVVRS has delivered several commercial projects in the area of Materials Informatics, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the chemicals industry. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey towards a sustainable and innovative future. 

About JEVVRS:

JEVVRS is a Germany-based consulting company primarily focused on serving the diverse business growth needs of clients in Chemicals & Materials Industry. We specialize in Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions and Global Expansion, serving the business owners and senior executives of SMEs, large corporates, investors, venture capital and private equity firms globally. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.jevvrs.com.

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