Sulzer officially opened its fourth Swiss location—the Innovation Technology Hub (InTecH)—in Winterthur Töss, further strengthening its global research and development (R&D) capabilities in advanced polymer processing and recycling. The state-of-the-art 3,150 m² facility is a strategic investment that reflects Sulzer’s commitment to sustainable innovation and circular economy solutions.
Addressing the Plastic Challenge with Biopolymers
With increasing global consumption driving higher demand for packaging, electronics, and construction materials, plastic use continues to rise—most of it still derived from fossil fuels. Sulzer is tackling this issue by focusing on biopolymers such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PCL (Polycaprolactone). These materials are sourced from renewables, designed for biodegradability, and feature a significantly lower carbon footprint. These bioplastics directly address two critical environmental challenges: carbon emissions and plastic waste.
Biopolymer Technology
Sulzer is already a known player in PLA production technology. Its equipment and systems are deployed in major projects worldwide—from India’s first sugarcane-to-bioplastic plant to large-scale PLA facilities in China and the upcoming world’s largest PLA plant in the UAE. The new Winterthur center reinforces Sulzer’s leadership and sustained investment in the fast-growing biopolymer sector.
Executive Leadership Perspective
Suzanne Thoma, Executive Chairwoman of Sulzer, commented, “Following our innovation hub launch in Singapore last year, this new Swiss site will accelerate the development and deployment of new biopolymers. It’s a clear expression of our commitment to solving our customers’ challenges while contributing to a sustainable and prosperous society.”
Cutting-Edge Facilities for Prototyping and Testing
At InTecH, Sulzer’s customers will co-develop and fine-tune products to meet evolving market needs. The facility includes advanced film, moulding, foam, and extrusion lines, enabling precise shaping of biopolymers to achieve properties such as durability, flexibility, and biodegradability. With scalable production from kilograms to several tons, the site supports everything from pilot testing to commercial readiness.
Customized Solutions for a Circular Economy
Tim Schulten, President of Sulzer’s Chemtech division, highlighted, “This hub is all about creating tailored solutions—whether it’s purifying materials, developing foams from recycled content, or designing biobased plastic alternatives. We’re here to help our customers lead in smart materials and circular business models.”
A Strategic Global Footprint in Innovation
Sulzer’s innovation hubs span the US, Asia, and Europe, each designed around specialized capabilities. These centers support breakthrough technologies across battery and plastic recycling, sustainable aviation fuel, biopolymers, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). As per company press release, with InTecH, Sulzer continues turning next-generation sustainability technologies from concept to reality.
