What the Project Is
Innovative Separation Technology with Low Carbon Footprint! Separative develops multicapillary monoliths operating at low pressure for high-performance liquid chromatography. Designated as a “breakthrough innovation gem” by the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program (EIC), this technology is revolutionizing sample purification with a fresh approach that cuts through the clutter. Founded in 2014 and born from many years of focused research, this innovation now serves as a stepping stone toward the chemistry of tomorrow. Housed at the AxelOne Innovative Processes collaborative platform in Solaize within the Chemical Valley, the solution radically reduces the pressures demanded by traditional chromatography… making sample preparation not only faster but significantly greener.
Main Benefits
The technology delivers a variety of impressive benefits that are rooted in solid figures and breakthrough performance:
- Reduce Environmental Impact: An innovative purification process reduces solvent use and decreases operating pressure by 90%, cutting the carbon footprint by 36%.*
- Reduce Solvent Consumption: With multicapillary monolith columns, solvent usage is reduced by 50%, leading to processes that are less polluting and less risky, with the added possibility of using green solvents.
- Reduce Energy Consumption: Operating at low pressure results in about an 86% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional chromatographic processes.*
- Increase Productivity: The process speeds up the separation of molecules, significantly boosting productivity.
- Reduce Production Investments: The low-pressure process cuts CapEx costs by approximately 90%.
*Source: Carbone 4
Technological Innovation and Efficiency
A start-up revolutionizing sample purification with a new generation of HPLC preparative columns, Separative has introduced a novel element separation technique that is both precise and rapid. This advanced process reduces the required pressure by a factor of 30 when compared to state-of-the-art chromatography, meaning that purification processes are now up to 10 times faster and much more cost-effective than traditional methods. The innovative approach not only pushes the envelope in terms of efficiency but also enhances overall process performance. The breakthrough represents a significant leap in HPLC technology, paving the way for more streamlined and economical operations.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
Thanks to its innovative purification process, Separative masters the art of reducing environmental impact while boosting operational efficiency. The multicapillary monolith columns lower solvent consumption drastically – by about 50% – and enable the use of eco-friendly solvents where applicable. By working at low pressure, energy consumption is dramatically reduced, which translates into a far lower carbon footprint. Not only does this approach lift environmental performance to new heights, but it also minimizes the risks and costs associated with traditional high-pressure methods. In short, the technology serves dual purposes: nurturing the planet while enhancing productivity in industrial settings.
Competitive Edge and Market Recognition
Awarded by the prestigious “EMERGENCE” competition, Separative has consistently proven its worth as a deeptech start-up entrenched in breakthrough innovation. Its journey is marked by several accolades, including victories in renowned French contests such as I-Nov and I-Lab. Perhaps most notably, the start-up earned significant recognition by winning the EIC Accelerator Pilot in December 2020—a highly respected European contest aimed at discerning promising and innovative start-ups. Spearheaded by François Parmentier and supported by years of intensive research, the technology now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets rigorous scientific inquiry. It is a true game-changer in the realm of high-performance liquid chromatography.
Process Excellence and Industry Relevance
The impact of this state-of-the-art technology extends much further than its immediate operational advantages. At its core, the method redefines how molecules are separated, making purification processes not only faster but also safer and more sustainable. The reduction in process times and energy usage has broad implications across industries that rely on chromatographic separation. By dramatically cutting down on operating pressures and enabling rapid molecule separation, the process sets a new industry benchmark in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This shift towards quieter, low-impact operations resonates well with modern industrial demands for sustainable yet high-performance production environments… truly a revolution in chemical process technology.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Lower energy consumption contributes to increased energy efficiency and cleaner operations.
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The groundbreaking approach enhances performance and fosters innovation within the chemical industry.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Reduced solvent use and green operational conditions promote responsible production practices.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: The marked decrease in carbon footprint supports global efforts to combat climate change.
The Future of HPLC and Purification Technology
Separative’s cutting-edge technology stands at the forefront of a new era in chromatographic separation and purification. The revolutionary low-pressure process dramatically reduces energy consumption and production costs while increasing throughput and productivity. Future prospects point toward even greater innovations in high-performance liquid chromatography, where environmental considerations and economic efficiency walk hand in hand. This pioneering approach is not only setting new standards but also redefining the balance between industrial performance and environmental stewardship. The pathway to the chemistry of tomorrow is now open – a pathway that promises a future where sample purification is as green as it is groundbreaking.
