Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Fraunhofer IKTS and AVL launched a four-year collaboration to develop a next-generation power-to-liquids (PTL) process for producing synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF). The partners will base the process on solid oxide co-electrolysis technology, which uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) and low-carbon electricity as feedstocks. The programme aims to improve the efficiency and affordability of e-SAF production compared with existing PTL technologies.

Pilot Programme to Combine Key E-SAF Technologies

As part of the collaboration, the partners will conduct an integrated pilot-scale testing programme at Shell’s Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA).

The programme will combine several technologies, including:

High-temperature co-electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC)

Advanced membrane-based gas separation

Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis

Off-gas utilisation

By integrating these technologies into a single process, the partners aim to demonstrate how high-temperature co-electrolysis can support more efficient synthetic fuel production.

24-kW SOEC System to Support Testing

The pilot programme will use a 24-kW SOEC electrolyser configured for co-electrolysis. The system will operate alongside Shell’s existing FT pilot plant, which has also supported the development and commercialisation of Shell’s gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology. The test programme is expected to run until the end of the decade. Subsequently, the partners anticipate that the technology could move towards commercial industrial deployment during the following decade. The Dutch government is supporting the programme through the DEI Energy Innovation scheme (DEI1250051), reflecting its potential to advance next-generation e-SAF production technologies.

Combining Expertise Across the PTL Value Chain

Each partner will contribute specialised expertise to the project. Shell will provide its Shell XTL Process, which builds on decades of experience with gas-to-liquids technology. Meanwhile, the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS will contribute its solid oxide co-electrolysis technology. In addition, AVL will provide electrolysis systems engineering and system integration expertise. Together, the organisations aim to address the technology gap between laboratory-scale innovation and commercially deployable PTL systems. X-to-Liquids (XTL) refers to processes that convert renewable or lower-carbon-intensity feedstocks into liquid fuels.

Supporting the Growth of Synthetic Aviation Fuel

The aviation sector is expected to increasingly use e-SAF to reduce its dependence on fossil resources and lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. However, expanding e-SAF production will require both the deployment of existing PTL technologies and continued innovation. Therefore, the collaboration will focus on improving process efficiency, system integration and cost competitiveness. By advancing solid oxide co-electrolysis-based PTL technology, the partners aim to develop a pathway that could support the future scale-up of synthetic aviation fuel production.

Industry Leaders Highlight Technology Potential

HP Calis, General Manager, GTL/XTL Technology at Shell, said the next-generation PTL technology could help make e-SAF more accessible and affordable. He added that bringing together the complementary expertise of Shell, Fraunhofer IKTS and AVL would enable the partners to rigorously test, optimise and reduce the technical risks associated with the technology. Dr. Ing. Erik Reichelt, Group Manager, Process Systems Engineering at Fraunhofer IKTS, said high-temperature co-electrolysis could improve the efficiency of e-SAF production. He added that the collaboration would integrate the institute’s solid oxide electrolysis technology into a complete PTL process and validate it under realistic operating conditions. Juergen Rechberger, VP Hydrogen & Energy at AVL, said translating high-temperature electrolysis from promising technology into reliable and scalable systems is essential for industrial adoption. As per the press release, AVL will contribute its electrolysis systems engineering and integration expertise to support the transition towards industrial applications of next-generation e-SAF solutions.

Recycling and sustainable packaging company Greenwave Circularity has raised $31.5 million from OeEB, the Development Bank of Austria, to expand its plastic recycling capacity in India. The investment will help the company develop new recycling infrastructure and meet the growing demand for recycled packaging materials from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.

Financing to Expand Plastic Recycling Capacity

The long-term financing is backed by the European Union’s European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). Greenwave will use the funding to establish new greenfield plastic recycling capacity in India. The planned facility will process post-consumer plastic waste, with an initial focus on discarded PET bottles. Greenwave will convert the recovered material into food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin and preforms, which can then be used to manufacture new packaging. In addition, the company plans to expand its recycling capabilities to other widely used plastics, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP).

European Technology to Support Advanced Recycling

The facility is expected to use European recycling technologies to process post-consumer plastic waste and produce high-quality recycled materials for packaging applications. By deploying advanced recycling technology, Greenwave aims to increase the availability of recycled plastics while supporting the growing shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions.

Strengthening India’s Plastic Waste Collection Network

Alongside new recycling infrastructure, Greenwave plans to strengthen connections across India’s fragmented scrap-collection ecosystem. The company will establish structured links with waste collectors and scrap suppliers to improve the movement of recyclable plastic into formal processing networks. Consequently, the initiative could help increase collection efficiency and improve overall plastic recycling rates. The financing will therefore support both recycling capacity and the supply-chain infrastructure required to secure a consistent supply of post-consumer plastic feedstock.

Rising Demand for Recycled Packaging Materials

Greenwave’s expansion comes as FMCG companies increase their use of recycled materials in packaging and seek reliable domestic supplies of rPET. By expanding local recycling capacity and strengthening collection networks, the company aims to improve access to recycled plastic while supporting India’s transition towards a more circular packaging economy. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the investment marks another step towards building a stronger domestic recycling ecosystem that can convert post-consumer plastic waste into valuable raw materials for new packaging applications.

Biotechnology requires a long-term commitment rather than a short-term approach, according to Suchitra Ella, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech and CII President-Designate. Ella described biotechnology as a field that develops over decades and urged students to look beyond conventional short-term career timelines.

Biotechnology Requires a 50-Year Vision

Ella cautioned students against viewing education simply as a four-year programme followed immediately by employment. Instead, she encouraged them to build careers around continuous learning, research and innovation. “Biotechnology is not a five-year plan, it’s probably a 50-year plan,” she said, highlighting Bharat Biotech’s 30-year journey as an example of the time required to build capabilities and create sustained impact in the sector. According to Ella, long-term investment in scientific knowledge, research infrastructure and talent will remain essential for advancing India’s biotechnology ecosystem.

Biotech Conclave 2026 Explores New Frontiers

Ella made the remarks at the Biotech Conclave 2026, organised by VIT Chennai in association with The Hindu in Chennai. Themed “Exploring New Frontiers in Science,” the conclave brings together perspectives on emerging developments across biotechnology and life sciences. The event focuses on key areas including biomedical research, drug discovery, healthcare technologies, biotechnology innovation and the translation of scientific research into practical applications.

Connecting Research with Real-World Applications

The conclave also highlights the importance of converting scientific discoveries into solutions that can benefit healthcare and society. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as biotechnology continues to advance, sustained collaboration among researchers, educational institutions, industry and policymakers will be crucial. Consequently, developing skilled talent and supporting long-term research could help India strengthen its position in the global biotechnology landscape.

The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), which represents companies working with agricultural biological inputs, has called for a 25% reduction in chemical fertiliser and pesticide use through the scientific integration of biological inputs into farming practices. The association believes that combining biological and chemical inputs in a responsible manner can support sustainable agriculture while maintaining farm productivity.

BIPA Calls for National Soil Health Programme

BIPA has urged the Government, industry, research institutions and academia to collaborate on a national programme focused on improving soil organic carbon. According to the association, strengthening soil organic carbon is essential for maintaining the long-term health, fertility and productivity of Indian soils. A coordinated approach could also accelerate the adoption of biological inputs and encourage farmers to use integrated crop-management practices.

Phased Reduction in Chemical Inputs

BIPA President A. John Peter said India needs to gradually move away from an agricultural model that relies predominantly on chemical inputs. “India needs to move from a predominantly chemical-dependent agricultural model towards an integrated system in which biologicals and chemicals work together scientifically and responsibly,” said Peter. He added that a phased 25% reduction in chemical fertiliser and pesticide use could deliver significant economic, environmental and agricultural benefits.

Integrating Biologicals with Conventional Farming

Rather than replacing chemical inputs immediately, BIPA is advocating a scientifically integrated approach in which biological and chemical products complement each other. Such an approach could help improve soil health while supporting efficient input use and sustainable agricultural productivity. In turn, stronger collaboration among policymakers, researchers, industry and farmers could help scale the adoption of biological solutions across Indian agriculture. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, BIPA’s proposal therefore places soil health, responsible input use and biological agriculture at the centre of efforts to build a more sustainable and productive farming system.

Dr. Umapathy, Chief Scientist at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has been elected as a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (FNA), New Delhi. The recognition highlights his pioneering contributions to conservation physiology and wildlife science in India.

Advancing Conservation Physiology in India

Dr. Umapathy has played a pioneering role in developing conservation physiology as an important area of wildlife research in India. His work focuses on understanding how environmental changes and human activities affect the health and well-being of wild animals. Importantly, he developed non-invasive hormone-monitoring techniques that researchers have validated across 30 species. These include a diverse range of animals, from frogs and red pandas to tigers and elephants. By enabling researchers to monitor physiological changes without causing additional stress to animals, these techniques have strengthened efforts to assess wildlife health and improve conservation programmes.

Research Links Human Disturbance to Wildlife Stress

Dr. Umapathy’s landmark research has also demonstrated how anthropogenic disturbances can trigger glucocorticoid-mediated physiological stress in endangered animal populations. Such stress can affect both the survival and reproductive success of wildlife. Therefore, his findings have provided valuable insights into how human activities and environmental pressures influence endangered species.

Strengthening Wildlife Conservation Strategies

His research has contributed to a broader understanding of wildlife endocrinology, which examines the relationship between hormones, physiology and animal health. Consequently, wildlife endocrinology has emerged as an increasingly important component of conservation science in India. Dr. Umapathy’s work has also helped inform wildlife management strategies by providing scientific evidence on the physiological impacts of environmental stress. As reported by thehindu.com, his election as an FNA Fellow recognises these contributions and underscores the growing importance of science-based approaches to wildlife conservation in India.

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the apex national body representing India’s chemical industry, hosted its 61st Annual Awards Presentation Function and 17th Annual Seminar on September 11, 2026, at Taj Lands’ End, Bandra, Mumbai. Themed “Recognizing Excellence of Performance in Various Facets of Chemical Industry,” the flagship event brought together senior industry leaders, policymakers, academicians and professionals. The event recognised outstanding contributions to the chemical sector while providing a platform to discuss best practices, innovation and the future of the industry.

Global and Government Leaders Address the Chemical Industry

Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and CEO of BASF SE and President of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), attended as the Chief Guest representing the global chemical industry. Tejveer Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, also attended as the Chief Guest representing the Government of India. Their participation highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between industry, government and global stakeholders in strengthening India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem.

ICC Honours Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

The ICC recognised distinguished professionals for their outstanding contributions to the chemical sector through its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards:

1. ICC D. M. Trivedi Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Indian Chemical Industry: Management of Industry – Mr. S. R. Deo, Former Managing Director, NOCIL Ltd.
2. ICC D. M. Trivedi Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Indian Chemical Industry: Education & Research –  Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Institute Chair Professor, IIT Kanpur, & INAE Visvesvarya Chair Professor & Coordinator, DST Unit on Nanoscience & Center for Environmental Science and Engineering 
3. The ICC Lifetime Achievement Award – Mukesh Shah, Chairman, Fine Organic Industries Ltd.

These awards recognised their long-standing contributions to industry, management, education and research.

BASF CEO Highlights India’s Global Chemical Industry Potential

In his address, Dr. Markus Kamieth stressed that a world-class chemical industry requires a strong ecosystem connecting industry, government, academia, researchers, suppliers and start-ups. He highlighted India’s growing strategic importance, supported by its skilled workforce, expanding economy, strong domestic demand and significant manufacturing potential.

According to Kamieth, India has a unique opportunity to strengthen industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainability. He emphasised that competitiveness and sustainability must progress together, with energy efficiency, circularity, low-emission technologies, water stewardship and digital manufacturing playing increasingly important roles.

He also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies on chemical manufacturing. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of predictable policies, infrastructure, innovation, investment and stronger industry-academia collaboration. These measures, he noted, can help India build a globally competitive manufacturing, innovation and export ecosystem and emerge as a major global chemical hub.

Government Outlines Priorities for Chemical Sector Growth

Tejveer Singh highlighted the chemical industry’s role as a strategic pillar of the Indian economy. He noted that the sector contributes more than 8% to India’s gross value addition and has significant potential to increase its share of global markets. He called for greater coordination among industry, government, investors, R&D institutions and skilled professionals.

Key priorities include:

Developing a long-term strategy for the chemical sector

Strengthening domestic self-reliance

Increasing investment in research and development

Improving infrastructure

Reducing production costs

Developing skilled manpower

Streamlining regulatory approvals

Addressing global trade challenges

Singh also highlighted recent government initiatives, including the approval of three dedicated chemical parks under the “Bhavya Rasayan” scheme and efforts to bring chemicals and petrochemicals under the RDI scheme. At the same time, he urged chemical manufacturers to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and greener production. He encouraged the industry to use available support for carbon capture and utilisation while developing globally competitive and sustainable value chains.

17th Annual Seminar Focuses on Industry Excellence

Earlier in the day, ICC conducted its 17th Annual Seminar on “Recognizing Excellence of Performance in Various Facets of Chemical Industry.” The seminar featured Shri Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary – Chemicals, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, as Chief Guest. Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat, Director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, attended as Guest of Honour. The seminar provided an additional platform for industry and academia to exchange insights, discuss emerging opportunities and explore ways to strengthen excellence across the chemical sector. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. D. Sothi Selvam, Director General, Indian Chemical Council.

ICC Reinforces Focus on Sustainable Chemical Industry

The 61st ICC Annual Awards and 17th Annual Seminar continued the council’s long-standing tradition of recognising excellence while encouraging knowledge sharing and constructive dialogue among industry, government and academia. As per the press release, through these initiatives, ICC aims to promote innovation, responsible business practices, technological advancement and sustainable growth. Consequently, the council continues to play an important role in strengthening the foundations of a globally competitive Indian chemical industry.

Samir Somaiya took charge as president of the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at a crucial time for India’s chemical industry. The sector is balancing rising domestic demand and export opportunities with increasing expectations around safety, sustainability and manufacturing standards. Somaiya, a veteran of the chemicals, biofuels and education sectors, will lead the industry body as Indian chemical manufacturers seek to expand their global presence and strengthen India’s position as a major manufacturing hub.

Samir Somaiya Succeeds Ramya Bharathram

Somaiya, chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries, previously served as vice president of the Indian Chemical Council. He succeeds Ramya Bharathram, managing director and chief financial officer of Thirumalai Chemicals, who became the first woman to lead the council in 2025. The leadership transition comes as the chemical industry takes on a larger role in India’s manufacturing and economic growth. Chemical products and intermediates support a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, construction and agrochemicals. Consequently, the ICC has an important role in representing the sector while promoting competitiveness, responsible manufacturing and industry-wide collaboration.

India Eyes Larger Role in Global Chemical Manufacturing

Somaiya has highlighted the growing importance of chemicals in everyday life and industrial development. He expects demand for chemical products to increase alongside India’s economic expansion, particularly across pharmaceuticals, construction, coatings and agrochemicals. At the same time, changing global supply chains are creating new opportunities for Indian manufacturers. Companies and governments are increasingly evaluating supply-chain resilience, manufacturing locations and the reliability of suppliers. Against this backdrop, Somaiya believes India can compete on more than production scale. Strong manufacturing capabilities, quality standards and credibility can help the country become a preferred global production base. He has also pointed to the potential for India to support significant domestic consumption while developing its capabilities as a manufacturing base for international markets.

ICC Focuses on Sharing Industry Best Practices

Knowledge sharing will form an important part of Somaiya’s agenda at the Indian Chemical Council. Rather than limiting best practices to leading companies, he has called for greater dissemination of expertise across the industry. This includes sharing knowledge in areas such as process engineering, industrial safety, environmental performance and technology adoption. Wider access to proven practices could help companies improve productivity while strengthening operational and safety standards. The approach could particularly benefit small and mid-sized chemical manufacturers. While larger companies often have access to advanced technologies and specialist teams, smaller businesses can face challenges in adopting global standards. Therefore, spreading best practices across the industry could help raise overall competitiveness and narrow the gap between companies of different sizes.

Stronger Industry-Academia Collaboration

Somaiya has also emphasised the need for closer collaboration between industry and academic institutions. Stronger partnerships could help align research, technical education and industrial requirements. For the chemical industry, this connection is increasingly important. Manufacturers need skilled professionals, process innovation and technical expertise to address evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements. By bringing companies and universities closer together, the council can help create a stronger talent pipeline while encouraging research that addresses real-world industrial challenges.

Sustainability and Safety Gain Greater Focus

Somaiya is expected to focus on policy advocacy, innovation, sustainability and safety during his tenure. These priorities reflect some of the industry’s biggest challenges as Indian chemical manufacturers expand their domestic and international operations. Global customers are increasingly examining how products are manufactured, including their environmental impact, safety performance and supply-chain practices. At the same time, Indian policymakers view manufacturing as an important driver of employment, exports and industrial resilience. As a result, the chemical industry must pursue growth while maintaining high standards for safety, environmental performance and responsible manufacturing.

Building a More Competitive Indian Chemical Industry

As reported by etchemicals.in, Somaiya’s leadership comes at a time when Indian chemical manufacturers are seeking to strengthen their position with global customers and policymakers. If the industry combines manufacturing scale, cleaner technologies, stronger safety practices and closer research partnerships, India could further strengthen its position in global chemical supply chains. His appointment therefore represents more than a routine leadership change. It signals a broader push to make India’s chemical industry more competitive, collaborative, sustainable and globally relevant. The next challenge will be to turn this vision into measurable improvements for chemical manufacturers, suppliers and the wider industrial ecosystem.

deugro is expanding its local capabilities, strategic partnerships and project resources to support the long-term logistics requirements of the Papua LNG project in Papua New Guinea. At the same time, the company is creating opportunities for local participation, workforce development and capability building. For nearly two decades, deugro has supported major energy and infrastructure projects across Papua New Guinea. Since establishing its local presence in 2007, the company has developed extensive regional expertise, built strong relationships with local suppliers and partners, and delivered complex logistics solutions in some of the country’s most remote and challenging environments.

deugro Brings Extensive PNG LNG Experience

A key milestone in deugro’s Papua New Guinea operations was its involvement in ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG project. The company managed complex logistics requirements and coordinated one of the most notable air logistics operations undertaken for a major energy project. Within approximately 105 days, deugro coordinated more than 100 Antonov AN-124 flights to transport critical equipment to the remote project area. The achievement remains an unbeaten world record.

In addition, deugro deployed specialized heavy-haul equipment, including hydraulic axle lines, trucks, trailers and cargo-handling assets. As the only logistics provider to mobilize this specialized heavy-lift equipment and dedicated personnel into Papua New Guinea for the project, deugro enabled the safe transportation of oversized and heavy-lift cargo under demanding conditions. Overall, the company managed and shipped more than 3,000 purchase orders from locations around the world to Papua New Guinea, representing approximately 300,000 FRT of project cargo.

Experience Supports Papua LNG Logistics Strategy

deugro has also gained valuable experience through its work on the Lombrum Infrastructure Project on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. “Our involvement in ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG Project and our award-winning project solution and performance in support of the Lombrum Infrastructure Project have provided us with a clear understanding of the unique logistical, operational and stakeholder requirements associated with delivering major developments in Papua New Guinea,” said Mark van der Molen, Project Director PNG at deugro. He added that experience in supporting remote construction sites, managing diverse project cargo and coordinating large on-site workforces has helped shape deugro’s approach to major projects in the country. The company has also focused on maintaining high standards for quality, health, safety, environment and security.

New Project Entities Strengthen Local Capabilities

Building on this experience, deugro is now expanding its capabilities and resources to support the Papua LNG development. The company has established three dedicated project entities to provide specialized solutions and support the project’s long-term execution requirements. One of the key initiatives is Purari Project Services Limited (PPSL), a strategic joint venture established by deugro and Jerilai Pujari Transport Limited (JPTL), which represents local landowner interests within PRL-15. Through close collaboration with local landowners, PPSL will support safe marine transportation from Port Moresby to construction sites along the Purari River. This approach aims to align the project’s logistics requirements with local participation and community benefits.

Specialized Marine Equipment for Purari River Operations

To meet the anticipated logistics requirements of the Papua LNG project, deugro and its partners will import a substantial fleet of specialized marine equipment. The equipment will be designed to support safe and efficient river transportation across the challenging Purari River system. Meanwhile, deugro is mobilizing and developing a skilled workforce to support activities such as marine transportation, yard management, project management and coordination. This workforce development strategy will also create opportunities for local employees to gain skills and experience while contributing to the project’s long-term logistics operations.

Focus on Local Participation and Long-Term Value

“Papua New Guinea has been an important part of deugro’s story for nearly two decades,” said Klaus Strahmann, Co-CEO of deugro. According to Strahmann, the company’s experience supporting the PNG LNG project, combined with its established local presence and partnerships, provides a strong foundation for supporting the Papua LNG development.

“Through strategic partnerships, investments in specialized equipment and the development of local talent, we are creating a foundation that will help deliver long-term value not only for the project, but also for the communities that will be involved in it,” he added. As per the press release, through its expanded logistics capabilities, specialized equipment and local partnerships, deugro aims to support the Papua LNG project while contributing to workforce development and greater local participation in Papua New Guinea.

Evonik broke ground on a major biotechnology expansion project at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. The project forms part of an approximately EUR 80 million investment aimed at expanding Evonik’s biotechnology capabilities and strengthening its contract manufacturing services for pharmaceutical drug substances. The company expects to complete the expansion in early 2028. Once operational, the facility will increase Evonik’s capacity to develop and manufacture complex pharmaceutical intermediates.

New Fermentation Technology to Increase Production Capacity

As part of the expansion, Evonik will install state-of-the-art downstream fermentation technology at the Fermas site. The new capabilities will support the development and manufacturing of complex molecules used in pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the investment will strengthen Fermas as one of Evonik’s key biotechnology hubs. By combining advanced fermentation expertise with scalable manufacturing capabilities, the site will be better positioned to support pharmaceutical customers from development through industrial production.

Biotechnology Supports More Sustainable Manufacturing

Evonik is also focusing on sustainability as it expands its biotechnology platform. Advanced fermentation processes can provide a more sustainable alternative for producing selected pharmaceutical intermediates compared with conventional chemical synthesis. For example, fermentation-based production can reduce the use of organic solvents and minimize process-related waste. In addition, the Fermas site already operates using 100 percent green electricity and incorporates renewable and certified raw materials into selected production processes.

“Today is an important step in our strategy to expand our biotechnology platform and support our customers with innovative, scalable and sustainable manufacturing solutions,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, member of the Management Board and Chief Operating Officer at Custom Solutions, Evonik. “Biotechnology demonstrates how economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

Evonik Strengthens Fermas as a Biotechnology Hub

The investment also highlights Evonik’s long-term commitment to biotechnology and to Slovakia as a strategic manufacturing location. “This investment demonstrates the company’s confidence in biotechnology and in Slovakia as a location where innovation turns into industrial scale products,” said Miroslav Havlik, General Manager of Evonik Fermas. With more than three decades of fermentation expertise, Fermas has developed into an important biotechnology manufacturing centre for Evonik.

Investment Builds on Local Innovation and Talent

Evonik’s latest expansion builds on the company’s established fermentation expertise and its strong connections with local universities. These partnerships help the company develop a pipeline of qualified engineers while supporting an agile innovation ecosystem. Consequently, the combination of technical expertise, local talent and advanced production infrastructure positions Fermas for continued growth in biotechnology. As per the press release, with the new investment, Evonik is further strengthening its biotechnology manufacturing capabilities and expanding its ability to deliver scalable, sustainable and innovative solutions for pharmaceutical customers.

DECHEMA, EEPC India and Messe Frankfurt India hosted an exclusive networking evening on September 8, 2026, at Hotel Shangri-La Eros in New Delhi. The event brought together more than 200 industry leaders, business stakeholders and professionals from India’s process, chemical, pharmaceutical and engineering sectors. The networking evening created a platform for industry interaction, knowledge exchange and business networking. At the same time, it highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Indian and international stakeholders across the process industries.

Industry Leaders Share Insights and Opportunities

The event opened with a welcome address by Shri Adhip Mitra, Executive Director, EEPC India. This was followed by a presentation from Andreas Konert, Director – Marketing and Sales, DECHEMA Exhibitions, and an address by Alesya Deyanova, Show Manager – ACHEMA Middle East, Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH. Shri Pankaj Chadha, Chairman, EEPC, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of stronger industry engagement and international collaboration.

DECHEMA and EEPC India Sign Letter of Intent

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between DECHEMA and EEPC India. The agreement marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation between the two organisations. It also aims to create new opportunities for industry engagement, international collaboration and business development. Through this partnership, the organisations seek to strengthen connections across India’s engineering and process-industry ecosystem.

ACHEMA 2027 Takes Centre Stage

The networking event also helped build awareness about ACHEMA 2027, the World Forum and Leading Show for Life Science and Process Industries. The event highlighted the opportunities ACHEMA 2027 will provide to Indian companies and professionals seeking to connect with global technology providers, researchers, decision-makers and business leaders. The international event will bring together stakeholders from the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, process engineering and related industries. Consequently, Indian participants can use the platform to explore emerging technologies, showcase capabilities and develop international business partnerships.

Over 200 Industry Professionals Attend

More than 200 guests and industry representatives participated in the New Delhi networking evening. Senior representatives from organisations including Hexa Pack Machinery Pvt. Ltd., Sai Scientific Instruments, Asian Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., and Live Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. attended the event, along with professionals from across India’s process and engineering sectors. The evening concluded with a networking dinner, allowing participants to continue discussions, exchange ideas and develop new professional connections in an informal setting.

Strengthening India–International Industry Collaboration

The successful event reinforced the importance of stronger connections between Indian industry and international process-industry platforms. Through initiatives such as the networking evening, DECHEMA, EEPC India and Messe Frankfurt India aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen business relationships and create new avenues for international collaboration. As per the press release, ACHEMA 2027 will continue this dialogue on a global platform by bringing together the international process industry. The event will provide opportunities to explore emerging technologies, discover innovations and build new business partnerships across the global chemical and process industries.