Manufacturing Using Sustainable Chemistry Network (MUSC Network)
In today’s global society the manufacture of chemicals has spread out from the traditionally strong manufacturing areas of Western Europe, the US and Japan to the Far and Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe. Many of these areas have significant advantages for the manufacturer such as low labour costs, less expensive feedstock, a rapidly growing market and less regulatory control.
The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are still vital to the UK economy, being the manufacturing sectors largest contributor to GDP. If we are to preserve and grow our manufacturing capability in the UK we need to create competitive advantages to overcome some of the advantages overseas have. Historically we have an excellent science and engineering base generated from top class universities as well as a skilled workforce second to none.
The MUSC network has been established by the Chemical Industries Association and the Green Chemistry Network at York to help ensure companies have the skills, access to technology, and sharing of best practice to make their manufacturing processes more sustainable and competitive.
The agenda for the network will be set by members and the CIA and GCN will endeavour to provide the required opportunities members need to develop more sustainable processes. Typically we see the Network working and sharing information on areas such as:
- Information on tools and techniques to improve energy and resource efficiency
- Providing awareness of training to assist in development of cleaner more competitive processes
- Sharing of good practice on systems and operations
- Access to experts who can help with development of new chemistry and technology
- Opportunity to join collaborative projects
