In the framework of European Hydrogen Week, Syensqo’s Head of Marketing Green Hydrogen Growth Platform, Sophia Song, spoke to NE Global about the company’s sustainable solutions, providing advanced materials and tailored solutions across the green hydrogen value chain, the role of biotech in shaping the future of sustainable materials, Artificial Intelligence and the Climate Impulse project, planning to bring hydrogen on board the first non-stop, hydrogen-powered flight around the world.
NE Global: How can Syensqo’s innovations and advanced materials propel hydrogen production, distribution and use?
Sophia Song: Syensqo drives innovation in hydrogen production, distribution, and use by providing advanced materials and tailored solutions across the green hydrogen value chain.
For hydrogen production, our materials enable large-scale green hydrogen generation through renewable energy, delivering enhanced efficiency and performance for electrolyzers and redox flow batteries with products like Aquivion® ionomer, Udel® PSU, and Ryton® PPS.
In hydrogen distribution and storage, Syensqo’s lightweight materials with ultra-low hydrogen permeation improve mobility and stationary applications, ensuring safer and more efficient storage and transport.
For end-use applications, our advanced materials maximize the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of fuel cells, making them lighter, cheaper, and longer-lasting. Innovations like Tecnoflon® FKM, Radel® PPSU, and Xencor LFT are transforming applications such as hydrogen gaskets, membranes, and thermal management systems.
Launched in 2021, Syensqo’s Green Hydrogen Platform unifies our expertise in innovative materials and chemical solutions to accelerate the hydrogen economy. Backed by dedicated teams in research, engineering, and customer support across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia, we work closely with our partners to develop solutions tailored to their needs. By advancing the performance, safety, and sustainability of hydrogen systems, Syensqo is enabling the green hydrogen revolution for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
NE Global: How can the Climate Impulse project supported by The Syensqo Fund help advance new technologies and lead to zero emissions?
Sophia Song: The Climate Impulse project, supported by the Syensqo Fund, represents a groundbreaking step toward achieving zero emissions by advancing transformative technologies for green hydrogen-powered aviation. As the first non-stop, emission-free circumnavigation of the globe in a hydrogen-powered plane, this initiative sends a powerful signal to industries about the viability of sustainable mobility.
Syensqo, with its 160-year legacy of innovation, and as the main technological partner provides advanced materials and technological expertise to overcome critical challenges. From lightweight composites for the aircraft structure to high-performance materials for hydrogen storage and Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells, Syensqo’s contributions enable unparalleled efficiency, durability, and safety in the aviation sector.
Beyond the technological feats, Climate Impulse is a human, ecological, and scientific adventure. It showcases Syensqo’s commitment to building a cleaner future by making the impossible possible—creating a platform for global collaboration, inspiring industries to transition toward greener solutions, and tackling the carbon footprint of aviation.
This project not only advances green hydrogen technologies but also exemplifies Syensqo’s vision of a sustainable future, bringing us closer to a world powered by clean energy and resource-efficient practices.
NE Global: How will biotech shape the future of sustainable materials?
Sophia Song: Biotechnology is poised to revolutionize the future of sustainable materials by offering innovative, bio-based alternatives to traditional, resource-intensive products. By harnessing natural processes like fermentation, enzymatic catalysis, and the extraction of renewable resources, biotechnology allows for the creation of materials that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimize environmental impact, and support circular economies.
At Syensqo, we view biotechnology as a cornerstone of a sustainable future. Through our Renewable Materials and Biotechnology growth platform, we are pioneering solutions that address global trends while enabling our customers to achieve their sustainability goals. From natural flavors and fragrances to biodegradable beauty care ingredients, we leverage cutting-edge technologies and our internal R&I expertise to create sustainable solutions for diverse industries.
Our investments in biotech innovation are key to driving this transformation. By collaborating with startups through Syensqo Ventures and forming strategic alliances with partners like Ginkgo Bioworks and Allozymes, we push the boundaries of what’s possible, from developing biopolymers for beauty care to custom enzymes for cleaner manufacturing. Additionally, acquisitions like Jin Young Bio and Azerys strengthen our portfolio, introducing groundbreaking biomimetic ceramides and plant-based antioxidants.
To support our ambitions, we’ve expanded our R&I capabilities globally, including establishing synthetic biology labs in the U.S. and microbiology facilities in France. These advancements enable us to design sustainable chemistries and materials with improved biodegradability and resource efficiency.
By integrating biotechnology with chemistry, Syensqo creates solutions that are not only sustainable but scalable, empowering industries to transition toward greener practices and circular economies. Together, we’re building a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, addressing pressing challenges while paving the way for a net-zero world.
NE Global: How AI drives Syensqo’s breakthroughs?
Sophia Song: Artificial Intelligence is a driving force behind Syensqo’s breakthroughs, revolutionizing the way we innovate and operate in the chemical industry. By integrating AI into our processes, Syensqo is not just keeping pace with technological advancements but setting new standards in materials discovery, manufacturing, and operational efficiency.
AI in Materials Discovery: At Syensqo, machine learning accelerates the development of new, high-performance materials. By analyzing vast datasets and simulating molecular structures, AI helps us identify novel solutions faster and more efficiently than ever before, paving the way for sustainable innovations that address global challenges.
AI in Manufacturing Optimization: Through “golden batch” techniques, AI-powered analytical tools optimize chemical manufacturing, ensuring consistent production quality while reducing waste and energy consumption. This approach enhances both efficiency and sustainability across our operations.
AI in Operational Efficiency: From supply chain management to sales operations, AI copilots enable smarter decision-making, streamline processes, and improve responsiveness. This digital transformation empowers Syensqo to deliver superior value to customers while maintaining agility in a rapidly evolving market.
By investing in cutting-edge AI platforms and fostering collaboration through venture capital initiatives, Syensqo is poised to lead the USD 5 trillion global chemical industry into the future. With a commitment to breakthroughs rather than incremental improvements, Syensqo AI transforms possibilities into impactful realities, advancing humanity and driving sustainable progress.
NE Global: What are Syensqo solutions for sustainability and climate initiatives?
Sophia Song: Syensqo offers comprehensive solutions to support sustainability and climate initiatives, driving progress through innovation, resource efficiency, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Here’s how:
- Advancing Low-Emission Solutions
Syensqo is at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies in lightweighting, electrification, green hydrogen, and renewable materials. Our innovations span multiple sectors, including aerospace, automotive, batteries, and electronics, helping industries transition to lower-carbon alternatives.
- Carbon Neutrality by 2040
Aligned with the Paris Agreement, Syensqo is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. This includes a 40 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and a 23 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 compared to 2021. Milestones include using 100 percent renewable electricity at key sites and transforming our Aroma Performance plant in France into a facility powered almost entirely by renewable energy by 2026.
- Pioneering Green Hydrogen Technologies
Through our Green Hydrogen Platform, Syensqo is accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-based solutions, including advanced ion-conducting membranes and technologies that propel the hydrogen economy. A prime example is our partnership with the Climate Impulse project, which is developing the world’s first long-range hydrogen-powered plane capable of non-stop global flight.
- Circularity and Renewable Carbon
Our Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform focuses on replacing fossil-based resources with renewable carbon alternatives, supporting a circular economy. By decoupling the petrochemical industry from fossil carbon, we aim to create products that minimize environmental impact while maintaining high performance.
- Preserving Natural Resources and Biodiversity
Syensqo is committed to reducing freshwater intake by 20 percent by 2030 at sites facing water scarcity, implementing comprehensive water stewardship plans, and decreasing water use by 12 million cubic meters between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, biodiversity roadmaps and collaborations with organizations like the Wildlife Habitat Council help us protect ecosystems and restore habitats impacted by industrial activities.
- Supporting the Transition to Net-Zero
Through initiatives like the One Planet Roadmap, Syensqo integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations. From tracking emissions and waste management to preserving air and water quality, we ensure our efforts contribute to a nature-positive and net-zero future.
Syensqo’s dedication to sustainability reflects our belief that innovation, collaboration, and responsibility are essential to addressing the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable world.
