SABIC (Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation), headquartered in Riyadh, is establishing a new state-of-the art research facility in the Netherlands to support its research capabilities in innovative chemicals and materials.
SABIC Director of Regional Technology Affairs Europe Peter Borman and
Governor of the Limburg Province Theo
Bovens attended the official opening of the facility at the
Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen.
The impressive structure also represents
the company’s goal to develop into the global leader in the chemical sector.
“This research center
is the latest milestone in SABIC’s innovation journey, and combines our
expertise in chemicals, polymers and excellence in innovative application
development,” Bert Groothuis, SABIC’s director of corporate sustainability Europe, said. “SABIC
continues to focus on innovation in chemistry and develop new and
sustainability solutions together with customers and partners, which are being
used in several markets, including transportation, packaging and building
industries.”
As examples, Groothuis cited the development of a product based
in lightweight foamed polyolefins, specifically developed for bumper
applications for the automotive industry, with benefits such as improving fuel
economy and reducing CO2 generation, noise and vibration.
“With SABIC’s new research building, as well as some 300
SABIC scientists now active, the campus community will develop further,” Bert
Kip, CEO of Brightlands Chemelot Campus, said. “We are on our way to turning this
community into a European material hot spot for businesses and research
institutes with new and unprecedented opportunities to grow and innovate.”
