Sulzer has launched its new Innovation Technology Hub in Winterthur, Switzerland, to enhance R&D in polymer processing and recycling. The center supports biopolymer development, including PLA technologies, and enables sustainable innovation through pilot testing and scale-up. It complements Sulzer鈥檚 global network committed to advancing circular economy and climate-conscious solutions.
Sulzer has officially inaugurated its fourth location in Switzerland with the opening of the Innovation Technology Hub (InTecH) in Winterthur T枚ss. This advanced facility, spanning 3,150 square meters of laboratory and research space, significantly expands Sulzer鈥檚 capabilities in polymer processing and recycling. The hub represents a major investment in sustainable innovation and is aligned with Sulzer鈥檚 long-term commitment to fostering environmentally responsible technologies.
As global consumption continues to rise, the demand for plastics in packaging, electronics, and construction is increasing. Conventional plastics are primarily derived from fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In contrast, biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are derived from renewable resources and are biodegradable, offering a significantly lower carbon footprint. These sustainable materials help address critical environmental challenges including plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sulzer has established itself as a global leader in PLA production technologies. Its proprietary equipment and processes are deployed in major PLA facilities worldwide, including India鈥檚 first sugarcane-to-bioplastic project, large-scale plants in China, and the world鈥檚 largest PLA plant under development in the United Arab Emirates. With the addition of the new Swiss hub, Sulzer is reinforcing its strategic position in the rapidly growing biopolymer sector.
Suzanne Thoma, Executive Chairwoman of Sulzer, emphasized the significance of the new center, stating: 鈥淔ollowing the launch of our innovation hub in Singapore last year, the Winterthur site marks another milestone in our mission to deliver sustainable solutions. It enhances our ability to support customers and contribute to building a more sustainable society and resilient economy.鈥�
The InTecH facility is outfitted with cutting-edge film, molding, foam, and extrusion lines. This allows Sulzer鈥檚 experts to collaborate closely with customers to refine material properties for various end-use applications, balancing attributes such as flexibility, durability, and biodegradability. The infrastructure supports prototype production from small kilogram batches up to several tons, enabling rapid development and scaling of biopolymer products.
Tim Schulten, President of Sulzer鈥檚 Chemtech division, highlighted the center鈥檚 potential: 鈥淭his hub is about delivering tailored solutions鈥攆rom sustainable foams made with recycled materials to high-performance biobased plastics. Our focus is on innovation in material purification, circular production models, and sustainability.鈥�
Sulzer鈥檚 global network of innovation hubs鈥攊ncluding locations in the U.S., Asia, and Europe鈥攆orm a foundation for next-generation technologies, encompassing fields like battery and plastic recycling, sustainable aviation fuels, biopolymers, and carbon capture. Each hub plays a pivotal role in transforming cutting-edge research into practical, scalable industrial solutions.
