VOLKER HESSEL
Laboratory of Chemical Reactor Engineering/Micro Flow Chemistry and Process Technology,
Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry,
Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Member of Chimica Oggi – Chemistry Today Scientific Advisory Board

Chemical process optimization was done in the last 100 years and continues. Chemical factories become more sustainable by this, but will not principally and methodologically shape. Yet, process intensification in its true sense denotes a step change. New tools like microreactors or small-scale flow reactors emerged about 20 years ago and meanwhile notably assist industrial development. The new tools allow entirely new types of processing (novel process windows), making new products, using new (diversified) feedstocks (e.g. biomass), and open door to new business models. Such approach is more interdisciplinary and more knowledge-based. Thus, it needs more investment (also time-wise) and higher risk, but probably gives unique selling point and higher payback in the medium run. Knowledge-based economy is a mega-trend and systemic/holistic approaches enter scie ... ...