EXECUTIVE FOCUS
“ We ’ re changing the face of cosmetic applications with Geogard ® Boost PGC , for example , which contains mild , responsibly sourced ingredients but delivers maximum microbial protection . Nugen ® EHP 32D , meanwhile , is helping meet the demand for industrial strength disinfection with gentler handling attributes .
“ And the latest products in our successful Tanasote ® wood protection line are not only safeguarding industrial timbers for the long-term , but are providing that industry with a product that has a superior environmental and human health profile , far exceeding the incumbent technology , creosote .”
The Arxada CEO goes so far as to say we are entering a “ golden age ” of innovation in microbial control . The emergence of true sustainable preservation in the market today and the launch of leading-edge products is just the beginning , he suggests .
“ The promise of employing and combining the latest scientific advancements in molecular biology , synthetic biology , surface chemistry , toxicological models , highthroughput techniques , digitalisation and artificial intelligence , just to name a few , will continue to lead a revolution in microbial control innovation ,” he explains .
“ Collaboration across disciplines and across the industry will accelerate these solutions , especially with open innovation approaches where customers , suppliers , regulators and industry experts work seamlessly on the toughest microbial control challenges .”
CDMO opportunities
The changes extend to the CDMO market too , he adds – there is greater consolidation of a highly fragmented market , continued outsourcing by companies for whom chemistry and engineering are non-core , and additional reshoring . These trends are being driven primarily by the agro and pharma end markets and potentially expanding to other industries , such as consumer and electric vehicles .
“ Our CDMO strategy has been to move into additional end markets where we see further opportunities to grow – nutritional ingredients , food and flavours and industrial biotech , for example ,” Rastogi explains .
“ Arxada has CDMO capabilities both in traditional chemistry at our heritage site in Visp , Switzerland and within the industrial biotechnology space at our Kouřim site in the Czech Republic , which puts us in a unique position within the market . This broad , multi-purpose set-up allows us to effectively address a diverse range of chemistry needs , while our backward integration opportunities ensure streamlined processes that promote a de-risked supply approach and lower carbon footprint , and enhance both timeand cost-efficiency .”
The use of low-carbon emission energies and other initiatives are helping meet demand for sustainability too , particularly a smaller CO 2 footprint and fewer emissions . The Visp site has a comprehensive decarbonisation plan that is already yielding exceptional results just three years in . The focus on greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions is a key priority for the young company and has delivered an overall reduction of 60 % company-wide .
“ At Arxada , we are a community of 3,400 people connected by a common goal – to protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and improve the longevity and efficacy of vital infrastructure , all the while supporting the health of the planet ,” Rastogi concludes .
“ We have four behaviours that drive everything we do – Going Beyond , Deciding and Driving , Collaborating and Fostering Grit . We already have many examples of what these look like in action . Our goal now is to do more , to help us achieve our goal of solving the world ’ s toughest microbial control and decarbonisation challenges .” ●
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