Santander, Spain – June 2026. Innventik is pleased to announce that its Compact Plug-Flow Prepolymerization Reactor has been recognized among the leading innovation projects in the global rubber and elastomer industry by the European Rubber Journal (ERJ). The technology was featured in the latest edition of ERJ’s prestigious Elastomers for Sustainability (E4S) Top 10 Projects Ranking, where Innventik achieved the #2 position worldwide among projects evaluated for their level of innovation, commercial potential, and contribution to sustainability. The recognition follows the recent publication of Innventik’s technical article, “Advancing Flexibility Between Batch and Continuous Elastomer Production,” authored by Dr. Walter Ramirez and Mr. Jorge Campos, which discusses how advanced reactor concepts can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing elastomer manufacturers today.

Addressing a Key Industry Challenge

The rubber and elastomer industry is under increasing pressure to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and energy consumption, increase operational flexibility, and deliver increasingly specialized materials with tighter quality specifications. Many synthetic rubber facilities continue to operate using technologies developed decades ago. While these processes remain robust, manufacturers are increasingly seeking new approaches capable of improving efficiency, flexibility, process control, and environmental performance. Innventik’s Compact Plug-Flow Prepolymerization Reactor was conceived to help address these challenges by providing a practical bridge between traditional batch polymerization and continuous manufacturing. The patented reactor concept is designed to stabilize the earliest and most sensitive stages of polymerization before the main reactor system, improving process robustness while minimizing disruption to existing production assets.

Advanced Reactor Technology

The reactor incorporates several innovative engineering features, including:

• Plug-flow reaction behavior with minimal back-mixing
• Controlled partial conversion and viscosity development
• High-efficiency heat transfer
• Dual agitation systems for mixing and self-cleaning
• Multiple injection points for monomers, initiators, solvents, and functionalization agents

Unlike conventional tubular reactors, the design combines high-performance mixing with self-cleaning capabilities, helping to reduce fouling, hot spots, and gel formation while improving heat and mass transfer. The technology was originally conceived for solution elastomer systems such as SSBR and LCBR but may also have applications in EPDM, specialty elastomers, and functionalized polymer systems.

Improving Flexibility Between Batch and Continuous Manufacturing

One of the key objectives of the reactor concept is to help bridge the operational gap between batch and continuous production. By stabilizing the most sensitive reaction stages and preconditioning the reaction mixture before entering the main reactor system, the technology may enable:

• Improved process consistency
• Enhanced operational flexibility
• Faster transitions between operating modes
• Reduced process variability
• Improved heat-removal performance
• Greater robustness during start-up and grade transitions

Rather than replacing existing reactors, the technology is intended to function as an enabling tool that strengthens process performance while leveraging installed assets.

International Intellectual Property Protection

The technology is protected by a growing international intellectual property portfolio, including:

• Granted Spanish Patent ES 2983867 B2
• International PCT Publication WO2025/221134 A1 (PCT/MX2025/050031)
• China Patent Application 202580003162.7
• US Patent Pending

These milestones reflect Innventik’s commitment to developing and protecting innovative technologies that create value for the global elastomer industry.

Recognition by the European Rubber Journal

The E4S ranking highlights projects that demonstrate excellence in innovation, commercialization potential, and sustainability impact within the rubber and tire sectors. The inclusion of Innventik’s Compact Plug-Flow Prepolymerization Reactor among the world’s leading sustainability-focused innovations represents an important validation of the technology’s potential relevance to future elastomer manufacturing.

Looking Forward

Innventik continues to engage with elastomer producers, technology developers, engineering companies, and research organizations worldwide to explore applications of the reactor technology and other advanced process innovations. As the industry seeks more sustainable, efficient, and flexible manufacturing solutions, Innventik remains committed to supporting the development of next-generation technologies for elastomers, polymers, and advanced materials.

Read the Full Article

“Advancing Flexibility Between Batch and Continuous Elastomer Production”

https://www.european-rubber-journal.com/article/2099200/advancing-flexibility-between-batch-and-continuous-elastomer-production

For more information regarding the technology, licensing opportunities, or technical collaboration:

Dr. Walter Ramirez
Managing Partner
Innventik S.L.
walter@innventik.com

Innovation is the engine that drives industrial progress. Every year, universities, research centers, startups, technology developers, and industrial companies invest significant resources in the development of new materials, chemicals, polymers, biotechnology platforms, recycling technologies, energy solutions, and advanced manufacturing processes. Many of these innovations demonstrate excellent technical performance at laboratory scale and generate considerable excitement among researchers, investors, and potential customers.

Yet, despite their technical promise, only a small fraction of these technologies ever reach commercial deployment. The reality is that technological success in the laboratory does not automatically translate into industrial success. In fact, one of the greatest challenges facing innovators today is not invention, it is industrialization.

The Gap Between Innovation and Commercial Reality

The path from laboratory discovery to commercial production is often referred to as the “Valley of Death” of innovation. It is the stage where many promising technologies fail, not because they lack technical merit, but because they encounter significant obstacles during scale-up and commercialization.

A process that performs exceptionally well in a laboratory reactor may behave very differently at pilot, demonstration, or industrial scale. Heat transfer, mass transfer, mixing efficiency, residence time distribution, process control, product quality consistency, operability, safety considerations, raw material logistics, utility requirements, environmental compliance, and economics all become increasingly critical as scale increases.

What appears simple in a laboratory environment can become highly complex when translated into an industrial facility processing hundreds or thousands of kilograms per hour.

As a result, many organizations find themselves asking fundamental questions:

• What is the optimal process configuration at commercial scale?
• Which process steps represent the highest technical or operational risk?
• How should the technology be scaled to minimize investment risk?
• Is a pilot plant sufficient, or is a demonstration facility required before commercialization?
• What level of engineering is necessary to support investment decisions?
• What capital investment (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) should be expected?
• What performance improvements are required to achieve commercial viability?
• How can investors, partners, or licensees be convinced of the technology’s value?
• What is the most efficient route to market?
• How can the technology be protected, licensed, and deployed globally?

The answers to these questions often determine whether a technology becomes a successful industrial business or remains a promising laboratory concept.

Industrialization Requires More Than Engineering

Successful industrialization is not merely an engineering exercise. It requires the integration of multiple disciplines, including:

• Process engineering
• Scale-up science
• Equipment and plant design
• Process safety
• Techno-economic analysis
• Investment evaluation
• Market assessment
• Commercialization strategy
• Intellectual property management
• Licensing and business development

The most successful projects are those that address these elements early and systematically, reducing uncertainty before major investments are committed. Organizations that develop a clear industrialization roadmap from the beginning are often able to reduce development timelines, lower technical risks, improve investor confidence, and accelerate market adoption.

Why Technology Scale-Up Matters

Technology scale-up is much more than increasing production volume. It is the process of translating laboratory knowledge into a reliable, safe, economically viable, and commercially attractive industrial operation. Ultimately, successful scale-up transforms innovation into industrial value. Proper scale-up enables companies to:

• Validate technical feasibility under industrial conditions
• Understand process limitations and operating windows
• Improve product quality and consistency
• Reduce operational and investment risks
• Generate reliable design data
• Optimize CAPEX and OPEX
• Strengthen investor confidence
• Accelerate commercialization
• Create a stronger foundation for licensing and global deployment

Technology Scale-Up & Industrialization at Innventik

At Innventik Consulting & Engineering, we support organizations throughout the complete journey from concept development to commercial implementation.

Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in:

• Process Engineering
• Chemicals
• Polymers
• Elastomers and Rubber
• Advanced Materials
• Biotechnology
• Recycling Technologies
• Sustainable Industrial Processes
• Technology Commercialization
• Industrial Project Development

Our objective is straightforward: Reduce scale-up risks, accelerate commercialization, and transform promising technologies into successful industrial businesses.

Technology Scale-Up

Development of scale-up strategies, identification of critical process parameters, operating windows, equipment selection criteria, and industrial implementation roadmaps.

Pilot Plant Design

Design and engineering of pilot facilities used to validate process concepts, generate design data, optimize operating conditions, and support technology development.

Demonstration Plant Design

Engineering of demonstration facilities that bridge the gap between pilot operation and commercial deployment, validating operability, economics, product quality, and market readiness.

First Commercial Plant Engineering

Development of engineering packages for first-of-a-kind industrial facilities, reducing technical uncertainty and investment risk while supporting successful implementation.

Techno-Economic Evaluation

Assessment of process economics, profitability, sensitivity analysis, investment attractiveness, and commercialization pathways.

CAPEX & OPEX Assessment

Preparation of reliable investment and operating cost estimates to support strategic decision-making, fundraising activities, and investment evaluations.

Engineering Development

Comprehensive engineering services covering:

• FEL1 (Conceptual Engineering)
• FEL2 (Basic Engineering)
• FEL3 (Extended Basic Engineering)
• Detail Engineering

Licensing & Commercialization Support

Support in technology positioning, licensing strategies, partner identification, market entry planning, business development, and commercialization roadmaps.

Experience Across Multiple Industries

Innventik has supported industrial development projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas in sectors including:

• Chemicals
• Specialty Chemicals
• Polymers
• Elastomers & Rubber
• Biotechnology
• Advanced Materials
• Renewable Fuels
• Recycling Technologies
• Sustainability Technologies

Our experience spans the full spectrum of industrial development—from process optimization and engineering design to technology scale-up, licensing support, and commercialization planning.

Turning Innovation Into Industrial Success

The journey from laboratory innovation to commercial reality is rarely straightforward. Technical challenges, engineering complexity, market uncertainty, and investment requirements must all be addressed before a technology can achieve industrial success. However, with the right strategy, engineering approach, and commercialization roadmap, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities. Because innovation creates value only when it reaches the market.

If your organization is evaluating a new technology, pilot plant, demonstration facility, licensing opportunity, or industrial scale-up project, Innventik would be pleased to discuss how we can support your path from innovation to industrial reality.

Madrid, Spain. May 27, 2026.

Madrid, May 18, 2026. The chemical, polymer, elastomer, and rubber industries are facing increasing operational and competitive pressure. Margins continue to tighten, energy and operating costs remain elevated, global competition from lower-cost regions is intensifying, and many industrial facilities are operating with aging assets and process limitations.

At the same time, producers are expected to:

• Improve productivity and operational efficiency
• Reduce OPEX and energy consumption
• Increase process flexibility
• Maintain product quality and consistency
• Develop differentiated products for higher-value applications
• Modernize operations without major CAPEX investments

These challenges are particularly relevant for medium and small producers seeking practical ways to remain competitive in increasingly demanding markets.

The Need for Practical Industrial Improvements

In many cases, significant opportunities for improvement already exist within current assets and operations. The challenge is not always the need for entirely new plants or disruptive investments, but rather identifying where inefficiencies, bottlenecks, operational limitations, and process instability are affecting performance.

Areas such as:

• Steam and solvent consumption,
• Reactor efficiency,
• Stripping and finishing operations,
• Process stability,
• Catalyst residues,
• Fouling,
• Yield losses,
• Operational consistency

can often be improved through targeted engineering assessments and implementation of advanced industrial process practices.

Innventik’s Approach

At Innventik Consulting and Engineering, we support chemical, polymer, elastomer, and rubber producers through practical engineering and industrial expertise focused on delivering measurable operational improvements and long-term competitiveness.

Our activities include:

• Process assessments, optimization, and debottlenecking
• Steam, solvent, and energy consumption reduction
• Yield and productivity improvement
• Troubleshooting of gels, color issues, consistency problems, fouling, and catalyst residues
• Reactor, stripping, and finishing enhancement
• Product differentiation and advanced grades support
• Batch, swing, hybrid, and batch-to-continuous process flexibility
• Conceptual (FEL1), Basic (FEL2), and Detail Engineering (FEL3)

Specialized Expertise Across Chemicals, Polymers, and Elastomers

Innventik works across a broad range of chemical and polymer technologies, including:

• SSBR
• Functionalized SSBR (SSBR-F)
• LCBR
• SBCs (SBS, SIS, SEBS)
• Styrenic polymers (ABS, HIPS, SAN and related technologies)
• Sustainable and advanced industrial process technologies

Our experience combines process engineering, troubleshooting, technology assessment, advanced materials understanding, and industrial implementation support.

Improving Existing Assets Without Massive CAPEX

Today, many producers are seeking alternatives to large greenfield investments. In this environment, maximizing the performance of existing assets becomes increasingly important.

Our focus is to:

• Reduce OPEX and energy consumption
• Improve the performance of existing assets
• Increase process reliability and operational consistency
• Integrate advanced industrial process practices
• Bring products and processes to the next level of competitiveness

In many cases, relatively focused process improvements can significantly improve productivity, consistency, flexibility, and profitability.

Looking Forward

The competitiveness of chemical and polymer producers will increasingly depend on their ability to modernize operations, improve efficiency, reduce operational risks, and develop differentiated products aligned with evolving market needs.

Industrial competitiveness today is no longer based only on capacity, but also on:

• Process efficiency,
• Operational flexibility,
• Product differentiation,
• Implementation of advanced industrial practices.

At Innventik, we believe many opportunities for improvement already exist inside current plants. The key is identifying them correctly and implementing practical, technically sound solutions effectively.

We would be pleased to exchange perspectives with companies evaluating opportunities to improve process performance, operational efficiency, and competitiveness in the chemical, polymer, elastomer, and rubber industries.

2026 marks a significant milestone for INNVENTIK: 10 years of connecting customers with solutions across the chemical, polymer, and rubber industries.

Madrid, January 2026. Founded with the vision of being a highly specialized engineering and consulting firm, INNVENTIK has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for companies seeking practical, high-impact, and sustainable solutions in processes, products, and applications for Chemicals (Biochemicals, Phosphates, Fine Chimicals), Polymers (ABS, ABS-HH, MABS, MBS, HIPS, GPPS, SMA, SMMA), Elastomers, and Rubber and its applications (Adhesives & Sealants, High Performance Tires, Medical & Healthcare, Alimentary, Polymer Modification, Packaging, Polymer Blends & Alloys).

A Decade of Focused Expertise.

Over the past decade, Innventik has supported customers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, delivering value through:

• Engineering & Process Assessments
  Conceptual (FEL-1), Basic (FEL-2), and Detail (FEL-3) Engineering. Process Improvement, debottlenecking, troubleshooting, and optimization of Batch, Swing, Hybrid and Continuous Processes.
• Advanced Polymer & Elastomer Technologies
  Deep expertise in SSBR, LCBR, ESBR, NBR, and SBCs (SBS, SIS, SEBS), covering the full value chain (monomers & solvents purification, polymerization, solvent recovery, catalyst residue removal, tripping, finishing, and direct devolatilization).
• Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Solutions
  Implementation of best process practices to reduce OPEX, energy consumption, solvent losses, emissions, and operational risks, while improving product quality, consistency, productivity and plant flexibility.
• Technology Services

Supporting innovation-driven projects with technology evaluation, licensing strategies, scale-up support, and investment risk mitigation.

• Business Development & Technology Scouting
  Identifying customers, lead users, licensors, startups, research centers, and technology platforms worldwide to accelerate commercialization and growth.

Why Innventik Is the Right Choice

Innventik acts as a neutral, independent, and highly specialized partner, helping companies:

• Identify the best process technology options
• Improve performance of existing plants and assets
• De-risk investments through sound engineering and practical experience
• Implement solutions without compromising confidentiality or IP integrity

We leverage experience to deliver the next generation of sustainable processes, products, and solutions, helping our partners reduce costs and liabilities, achieve net-zero goals, and create long-term value.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we remain committed to what defines Innventik: engineering excellence, integrity, and impact.

If your organization is facing technical challenges, evaluating new technologies, or looking to improve performance and sustainability, we would be pleased to explore how Innventik can support your goals.

Contact:
Dr. Walter Ramirez
INNVENTIK
Managing Partner, co-Founder

walter@innventik.com
www.innventik.com

As we close 2025, we would like to thank our partners and clients for the trust placed in Innventik. We look forward to 2026 with enthusiasm, ready to continue delivering innovative solutions in polymers, elastomers, and sustainable processes & technologies —together.
All the best!
Madrid, Spain, December 19, 2025.

Presented by Dr. Walter Ramirez at the IISRP AGM 2025

At the IISRP Annual General Meeting 2025 held in Ireland, Innventik’s Managing Partner and co-Founder, Dr. Walter Ramirez, delivered a keynote presentation on the pressing need for sustainable transformation in the rubber and elastomer industry. The session, titled “Driving the Rubber and Elastomer Industry Towards Sustainability: Materials, Processes, and Products”, outlined Innventik’s vision and actionable strategies for building a more responsible and future-ready industry.

The Call for Sustainability in Rubber & TPE

Global climate targets and policy frameworks such as China’s 2030–2060 climate roadmap and the European Union’s Green Deal are reshaping industrial practices. Companies across Asia, Europe, and North America are under pressure to adopt greener materials, improve energy efficiency, and integrate circular practices into their operations. Against this backdrop, Innventik outlined six key sustainability drivers:

• Biobased Renewable Feedstocks

• New Process Technologies

• Sustainable New Products

• Circularity & Recycling

• Digital Transformation

• Call to Action for Strategic Alignment

Enabling Sustainable Innovation

Dr. Ramirez presented breakthrough developments such as Innventik’s Plug-Flow Pre-Polymerization Reactor, ((Patent ES 2983867 B2) and international PCT filing (PCT/MX2025/050031), which enables the conversion of traditional batch processes into highly efficient continuous operations. This innovation improves reaction kinetics, reduces gel formation, minimizes color/yellowness, and shortens cycle times—delivering superior product quality and lower environmental impact.

Digital Intelligence for Sustainable Production

The presentation also introduced HYPPOS, Innventik’s real-time material tracking and analytics platform designed to optimize process performance. With AI-driven predictive modeling, digital twins, and smart traceability, HYPPOS enables manufacturers to reduce emissions, prevent off-spec production, and boost operational efficiency—key elements in meeting ESG goals.

Materials of the Future

Highlighting materials innovation, the presentation showcased sustainable options such as:

• Kraft Lignin by Ligneasy: a renewable, high-performance filler for rubber and TPE compounds

• PHAs by PHAST: medical-grade biopolymers that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and high-value

• Bio-Butadiene Technologies: new methods using lignocellulosic sugars, 2,3-BDO, and bioethanol to replace fossil-based BD with lower CO₂ footprint

Strategic Priorities for Industry Leaders

Dr. Ramirez emphasized that the path forward demands:

• Adoption of advanced process technologies to improve yield and cut emissions

• Sourcing recycled and renewable raw materials

• Implementing AI-based tools to optimize operations and traceability

• Aligning policy, investment, and R&D to scale sustainable technologies

A Call to Collaborate

Innventik’s mission is clear: to empower the polymer and advanced materials industry with sustainable engineering, advanced technology, and expert consulting. Our multi-disciplinary team stands ready to collaborate with forward-thinking partners across the globe.

Santander, Spain. November 25, 2024. Innventik participated in the event “Investment and Business Opportunities in Slovenia” held in Santander. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria and SODERCAN, the event shed light on Slovenia’s robust political, economic, and business environment, emphasizing its role as a highly industrialized country within the European Community. The event offered a comprehensive overview of Slovenia’s trade and investment potential, showcasing the country’s dynamic industrial sectors and its strategic importance as a hub for innovation and growth in Europe. Dr. Walter Ramirez, Managing Director of Innventik S.L. had the privilege of engaging in meaningful discussions with Mr. Robert Krmelj, Ambassador of Slovenia, and his Minister Counselor. These conversations explored opportunities for strategic collaboration in key sectors such as Automotive, Medical, and Healthcare. The exchange highlighted Slovenia’s innovative capabilities and its openness to fostering international business relationships.

A Platform for Collaboration. Events like this are instrumental in building bridges between nations and industries. They enable companies like Innventik to identify synergies and explore new avenues for growth and innovation. We extend our gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria and SODERCAN for organizing this impactful event and for their hospitality. Innventik remains committed to pursuing partnerships that drive progress and deliver value to all stakeholders.
For more information about our initiatives, visit Innventik.com or contact us.