The Minister for Skills and Science has officially opened Suprex - the only commercial company in the UK to develop process applications for carbon dioxide (CO2).
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
In 2012, the Welsh Government awarded £345,000 funding to Bangor University for an industrial-scale green testing facility which enables CO2 to be used as a replacement for traditional solvents used in the chemical industry.
Based in Caernarfon, Suprex is a spin-out company jointly owned by Bangor University and Phytovation and made possible by the initial funding.
Suprex uses a cutting edge method of processing which is greener and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. Its yield will be used in flavours, fragrances, cosmetics, personal care, neutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. It is the only organisation in the UK to be doing this type of research and work.
The initial premises at Bangor University was the UK’s leading centre of this expertise and is now, as Suprex, the only commercial facility in UK.
The company currently works with a number of universities in the UK, as well as a broad range of blue chip businesses and SMEs and are actively working on new collaborative projects.
Minister Julie James said:
“Suprex is a great example of early government support in an area of economic importance, leading to the creation of a self-sustaining business which in turn creates high-skilled jobs in the community.
“I am proud we have been an active part of this academic and industrial collaboration, showcasing Wales as an innovative nation.
“We will continue to build on foundations as set down in Science for Wales, and our Innovation Strategy and we remain resolute in making Wales the best possible environment for innovation and business growth.
“I wish Suprex the very best of luck in what I hope will be a long and successful future.”
Chief Executive of Suprex, Andy Beggin, said:
“Our company has the most versatile small scale CO2 process plant in the UK together with first class analytical facilities for the development of green and sustainable chemistry into new products and processes. We are working with commercial companies and academic groups to bring these developments to the market.
“However, the development of the skills, expertise, facilities and contacts needed to form Suprex as a successful spinout would not have been possible without the support of the Welsh Government over a number of years.”