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Edge Innovation is working with Lianhetech on challenges around reduction of VOC emissions from their Seal Sands operations. This is through identifying local partners to collaborate with Lianhetech in developing:

• New and improved ways to utilise Lianhetech Seal Sand’s existing equipment to VOC emissions;
• Opportunities to bring in new technologies and configurations to reduce VOC emissions further.

This is part of the Tees Valley Innovation Challenge, delivered by Edge Innovation Ltd and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, and the Tees Valley Business Board. Support, including grant funding for local partners, is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

 

About the Challenge Holder:

Lianhetech Seal Sands has over 40 years of manufacturing experience and is a leading European contract manufacturer of high quality fine chemicals for use in the crop protection, pharmaceutical and performance chemicals markets.

The Seal Sands site includes four manufacturing buildings with a range of capabilities, from custom synthesis of challenging, high hazard chemicals to toll manufacture and anything in between. It operates a Quality System from ISO 9001 to cGMP which has been audited by UK MHRA in 2022. The site is ISO 14001 and 45001 certified.

The site provides contract manufacture services for global industry players, typically operating multiple processes simultaneously in campaigns which vary from weeks to months. This means that there is significant variation in the materials used and emissions generated. The company is highly focussed on emissions control, striving to reduce these and meet and exceed regulatory commitments.

As an innovative company which aims to lead the way in emissions reduction, the company believes there is a potential to achieve more effective and efficient emissions control.

This is consistent with the company’s values and commitment as a key local employer and contributor to the local economy, whilst also being a responsible neighbour with a sustainable manufacturing capability. 

 

About the challenge:

Manufacturers in relevant industries are required to implement “Best Available Techniques” to reduce emissions. These Best Available Techniques (or BATs) are reviewed by industry and regulatory bodies, with updates shared via Best Available Techniques Reference Documents (BREF).

This challenge specifically relates to Lianhetech Seal Sand’s approach to reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to air.  These can be in the form of either “channelled” emissions through abatement systems or “diffuse” emissions, e.g. through leaking joints in pipework.

It is becoming clear that manufacturers will need to make significant reductions in their VOC emissions over the coming years. This will likely require step changes in technology and capability associated with VOC abatement systems. This will involve significant technical, procedural and financial challenges and opportunities, that will require innovative thinking and investment.

As a toll manufacturer, the site must retain the flexibility to produce varied products for multiple uses, using varied processes and materials. The industry is also cost-sensitive and competitive: therefore, for the site to maintain its commercial advantage whilst meeting the future VOC emissions targets, it will need to review current and up-coming VOC abatement technologies.

The support brings small scale grant funding to help work up ideas in response to Lianhetech’s challenge. Due to the nature of the funding, support is only available to businesses with an operational base in Tees Valley and with less than 250 employees.

Full details of the challenge and how businesses can get involved are at https://ed-ge.uk/project/tees-valley-innovation-challenge/lianhetech/.