Smart science to improve lives™

Continuous reactor technology

Croda's Continuous Reactor Technology revolutionises the chemical industry with unmatched efficiency and environmental benefits.

Beyond boundaries home

Revolutionising chemical manufacturing

At Croda, our commitment to innovation and sustainability has driven us to implement Continuous Reactor Technology as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional batch processing. This report details our collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions to adapt this technology to our manufacturing processes. By doing so, we have achieved more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly production of surfactants and other chemical products.

Our 'Beyond Boundaries' campaign explores how Continuous Reactor Technology is transforming chemical manufacturing and setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability at Croda. By integrating this innovative technology into our production processes, we continue to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.

Beyond boundaries: Continuous reactor technology

Continuous reactor technology
4.2 MB

Carbon savings

An annual 86tCO2e/year reduction, equivalent to 9,000 electric car charges

Continuous Reactor Technology enables an annual reduction of 86 tCO2e/year by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing resource consumption, minimising waste, and optimising process control. This significant environmental benefit is comparable to the emissions saved by 9,000 electric car charges, demonstrating the technology's potential to contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices and reduce the overall carbon footprint in the chemicals sector.

Space savings

This continuous reactor technology has a footprint 66% smaller than the existing batch reactor

With a 66% smaller footprint compared to traditional batch reactors, Continuous Reactor Technology's compact, modular design allows for efficient use of space and integrated processing capabilities. This reduction in physical space requirements leads to significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and environmental benefits, making it a highly efficient and sustainable alternative for chemical production.

Water savings

The system offers a saving of 360 tonnes of water and 580 tonnes of steam per year relative to the batch process

Continuous Reactor Technology exemplifies significant resource savings, highlighting its efficiency and sustainability. By conserving 360 tonnes of water and 580 tonnes of steam annually—equivalent to approximately 4,500 bathtubs of water—this technology showcases the advantages of optimised process design, improved heat management, reduced downtime, and precise control of reactions.

Beyond boundaries podcast: Continuous reactor technology

Dr James Birbeck, Process Innovation Manager

“Through collaborative development, Croda and its partners have designed and built a continuous reactor system utilising novel technology to increase capacity to cope with growing customer demand, without requiring a large-scale expansion of its physical infrastructure. The new manufacturing process has enabled Croda to reduce the carbon burden, both to build and to operate the plant.”