Clash of the titans

THE day of reckoning is looming for INEOS Britannia. By late October, the Challenger of Record for the 37th America’s Cup will know whether it has won the most coveted sailing trophy in the world for the first time in its 173-year history.

Not to get ahead of ourselves, though, there is a lot to do to even get to the challenge.

“Winning the America’s Cup is one of the toughest things you can do in sport and that’s the motivation for us as a team,” said Sir Ben Ainslie, who is hoping to lead his team to victory this summer. “We know it is going to be an incredibly tough challenge, but it is one that we are up for.”

Last time the battleground was the inner Hauraki Gulf off Auckland in New Zealand. This time it is the Mediterranean, off the coast of Barcelona.

“We have a very different boat to last time,” said Sir Ben.

Sir Ben, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, was speaking after INEOS Britannia’s bold, new 75ft race boat was officially christened and set sail for the very first time. “After years of design and development, it felt amazing to be out on the water and put all of our learnings into practice,” he said.

Britannia is the result of INEOS’ collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, who helped to design and develop the 6.2-tonne race yacht in an aircraft hangar at Turweston Airfield in Brackley, Northamptonshire.

“It’s hard to explain just how complex these boats are,” said Sir Ben. “We have got over 100,000 components that are all individually modelled and manufactured. It’s like Formula One on steroids when you look at the technical challenge.”

The boat was initially built at Carrington Boats in Hythe, Hampshire, before undergoing structural and load testing at Turweston.

Martin Fischer is chief designer at INEOS Britannia. “I’m a strong believer that looking at a problem from different perspectives can lead to new and potentially better solutions,” he said.

“Working in Brackley together with the Mercedes F1 Team sparked extremely fruitful discussions between race yacht and race car designers and has led to a yacht that has surprised observers with her look and will hopefully also positively surprise on the racecourse.”

INEOS Britannia has also sought advice from other elite teams within INEOS Sport, including the INEOS Grenadiers Cycling Team, who have been training the eight cycling sailors – cyclors – for much of the past two years in preparation for the Cup.

Four of those ‘cyclors’ are former Olympic rowers and three of them had never been on a foiling race boat before until its official launch.

Matt Gotrel and Freddie Carr are among the cyclors. Matt won gold with the GB men’s rowing eight at Rio in 2016; Freddie has been involved in the America’s Cup for the past 20 years when boats typically hit speeds of 10mph.

“Today they are flying above the water at more than 60mph,” he said.

With the competition due to start on August 22, all focus is now on testing Britannia’s capabilities before the Barcelona Preliminary Regatta, which will see all six AC75s racing for the first time. The five challenger teams will then battle it out for The Louis Vuitton Cup and the right to take on defenders Emirates Team New Zealand.

“The challenge ahead is immense and one that I know the team will face with grit and determination,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The America’s Cup dates back to 1851 when Britain challenged America to a 51-mile race around the Isle of Wight. Britain lost that race and, despite numerous attempts, has never won
it since.

For the British team, which now numbers more than 200, it is that chance to make history that keeps their spirits alive.

“This is the best British sailing boat that has ever been built,” said Freddie. “It makes the rockets that land on the Moon look basic. It is a work of art.”

Rise of the cyclor

INEOS Britannia’s sailing crew have been preparing for this summer’s battle on the water – on land. They have been training with the INEOS Grenadiers, one of the most successful cycling teams in the world. For it is legs, not arms, that will power the flying machines in this year’s race to be crowned winners of the 37th America’s Cup.

“Providing the hydraulic power to sail a boat travelling at high speed is quite a task,” said skipper Sir Ben Ainslie.

In all, eight cycling sailors – known as cyclors – have been chosen to help power the boat. But only four will be on board for each race. Among the British team are four former world-class rowers – Matt Gotrel (Olympic champion Rio 2016), Matt Rossiter, Ryan Todhunter and Harry Leask (Olympic silver medallist Tokyo 2020).

The cyclors’ job will be to provide the hydraulic power to trim the sails by pedalling static bikes fixed inside the 75ft carbon-fibre hull.

Their goal? To churn out watts faster than the other teams. And that means – for Britannia to hit top speeds – they must maintain up to 500 watts on the bikes for spells of 20 minutes and nail sprints at up to 1,800 watts.

In the 36th America’s Cup, onboard ‘grinders’ played that pivotal role. The more power they generated – using their arms to turn hand cranks – the more accurately the mainsail and headsail could be trimmed.

“We’d got to a pretty high standard with our arms and trained pretty hard for that for the best part of six, seven years for the last two Cups,” said Matt. “So it came as a bit of a shock to the system having to teach our bodies to pump oxygen to the legs instead.”

But six-hour bike rides in the open countryside with the INEOS Grenadiers’ top cyclists have done wonders for their fitness. They are ready. “This time you won’t see a lot of heads bobbing around in the boat,” said Matt. “But you will see backs tucked away out of the wind.”

Prologo has been tasked with ensuring the cyclors are able to stay in the saddle regardless of how choppy it gets on the water. Each saddle has been designed to reduce muscle fatigue, increase grip and absorb vibration. The handle bars have been fitted with Prologo’s Onetouch 3D tape, which will also help riders absorb vibrations.

“After having raced and won on the road with seven World Tour teams, and off-road with over 10 supported Mountain Bike teams, it was exciting to take on a new ambitious challenging terrain: the sea,” said Salvatore Truglio, Brand Manager of Prologo.

During each race, the cyclors will have to contend with the lumps and bumps of the sea off the Spanish coast.

“It can get pretty bumpy,” said Matt. “It’s not like riding a bike on a road. It’s like riding a road bike on a mountain bike trail with lots of rocks. It’s like cycling and being in a rugby match at the same time.”

Among those keen to test the onboard equipment was INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is backing Britain’s bid to make history. He boarded Britannia, shortly after the AC75 was christened, to join three other cyclors, impressing Sir Ben with his grit, rigour and humour.

“That INEOS mantra underpins all of our work at INEOS Britannia, and Sir Jim definitely showcased those three things by jumping on board and helping us power Britannia,” he said. 

 

Wind of change for Britannia’s unwanted carbon fibre sails

LIGHTER winds blew Britain’s hopes of challenging defenders New Zealand for the 36th America’s Cup completely out of the water. In the head-to-head showdown with Italy, Britannia was simply no match for the Luna Rossa which went on to win the Prada Cup 7-1 – and a place in the America’s Cup final. And it was all down to the Italians’ superior manoeuvrability in the lighter winds.

“They had the better overall package across the range of wind conditions and deserved to take the final,” Sir Ben Ainslie said at the time.

But just as the British team have found a new lease of life – and are now ready for this summer’s challenge – Britannia’s carbon fibre sails have also been put to good use and are now being sold as laptop cases, holdalls, pouches and wash bags thanks to Ocean Republic.

“It hasn’t been an easy fabric to work with because it is extremely tough stuff and doesn’t particularly like being anything other than the most efficient sail known to man,” said Ocean Republic founder Rory McKellar.

But that didn’t deter Rory and his team from agreeing to partner INEOS Britannia to turn the sails into a range of limited edition, robust, cool products.

“Working with the team has been a real honour,” said Rory. “Their professionalism and friendliness made this a truly wonderful experience.”

He and his team at Ocean Republic had salvaged the British team’s unwanted sails after New Zealand won the oldest international sporting trophy in the world last year – for the fourth time. “They only had one set of sails and we got them,” he said.

Each product is handmade by sailmakers on the south coast of England and 10% of the profits go to Sir Ben Ainslie’s youth education charity, the 1851 Trust.

Helping them has been Pablo, who has been making sails for 15 years. “He has come up with some great designs even though it is a notoriously difficult material,” said Rory. “The sail may have come to the end of its life but we have been able to give it another one by turning it into something else.”

Women’s America’s Cup Barcelona

BARCELONA will also host the first-ever women’s America’s Cup. And the British sailors seeking to make history include Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark who won gold in the 470 class at the Rio Olympics in 2016. “There’s really nothing like competing for your country on a global stage, and to help support the youth to deliver their potential is an incredibly cool challenge,” said Hannah. “We’re 100% in it to win it.”

Hannah is team principal across the Athena Pathway women’s and youth entries for GB and will skipper the British women’s America’s Cup squad.

The Athena Pathway programme was founded in August 2022 by Hannah and INEOS Britannia’s skipper Sir Ben Ainslie
to fast-track promising sailors and increase diversity in the sport. “We couldn’t be prouder of what Athena Pathway stands for,” said Ben. “We have selected a high-calibre squad and to have someone like Hannah leading them on and off the water is incredibly inspiring. We will certainly be setting our expectations high.”

More than 300 sailors had applied to be part of the squad which will race the AC40 – a new, 40ft one-design foiling monohull concept based on the AC75 designed by Emirates Team New Zealand.

All six nations competing in the 37th America’s Cup will be fielding both youth and women’s teams and face further competition from Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Australia.

Each AC-40 will have a crew of four – two helms and two trimmers – with all power coming from batteries.

“The inclusion of a women’s event for the first time in the competition’s 173-year history signifies huge progress towards gender equity in high-performance sailing,” said Ben.

While the British women – Hannah, Saskia, Freya Black and Ellie Aldridge – will be seeking to make history, Britain’s youth team will be aiming to defend their title, having won the Youth America’s Cup during the 35th America’s Cup series in Bermuda in 2017.

Sustainability

It is ingrained in all the business thinking, it is at the forefront of decisions, and it is what powers innovation, even in times of uncertainty.
Marc de Jong is a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, which helps organisations to innovate more sustainably.

“During periods of uncertainty, organisations that invest in innovation—contrary, perhaps, to the impulse to batten down the hatches—are more likely to emerge ahead of competitors,” he said.

Recent global events have created a challenging economic environment for energy-intensive manufacturers like INEOS.

The energy crisis, the war in Ukraine and pressures on industry have disrupted supply chains, suppressed demand and led to spiralling raw material, labour and energy costs.

But against this backdrop, INEOS has not wavered in its desire to be at the forefront of the transition to a greener economy because it knows that true sustainability considers society, the environment and the economy as one.

It knows what needs to be done and is in it for the longhaul.

The company recently published its 2023 global sustainability report which highlighted a 22% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 2019, mostly due to a 10% reduction in energy consumption.

The report also highlighted INEOS’ leading role in Project Greensand, which involves CO2 being safely captured and permanently stored under the seabed – a move seen as critically important to help decarbonise the world’s energy and tackle climate change.

INEOS’ advances in helping to create a circular and bio-based economy are also detailed in the 158-page,

2023 report which was prepared in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

“The chemical industry is essential for modern existence yet faces unprecedented challenges,” said Francesco Lasagna, sustainability officer at INEOS Inovyn.

Despite that, he said he was excited about helping to shape the sustainability strategy for a company that had an opportunity to play an important role in making the chemical industry greener.

Improving the sustainability of its business and operations is central to the way INEOS works because it matters to staff, customers, the communities in which INEOS operates, and its investors.

“At INEOS, we don’t just collect numbers,” said Erwin Alcasid, sustainability and environmental data specialist at INEOS Styrolution. “We make them speak to drive performance.”

Innovation leads the way

INEOS teams up to test world-first

NEOS Nitriles has agreed to host the next stage of a company’s development of its ground-breaking acrylonitrile technology. If it works, INEOS’ plant in Texas, US, will be able to start producing sustainable acrylonitrile using plant-based raw materials from next year – and significantly cut CO2 emissions in the process. For INEOS, it is a chance to be involved in another world first.

For Trillium Renewable Chemicals, a company which was founded in a garage about 10 years ago, it is a chance to show off its patented, proven technology to a global market that is desperately seeking greener, bio-based raw materials.

“Demonstrating Trillium’s technology at a larger scale will allow our customers to verify product quality at scale,” said Trillium chairman Erik Scher. “That will be a key milestone in our path to becoming a leading producer of renewable chemicals.”

The demonstration plant, for the production of acrylonitrile from plant-based glycerol, will be built at INEOS Nitriles’ Green Lake facility, which is already home to one of the largest and most advanced acrylonitrile producing units in the world.

“Our support of this project, which is part of our wider sustainability strategy, emphasises our commitment, as the world’s largest producer of acrylonitrile, to reducing the carbon footprint of the industry,” said Hans Casier, CEO of INEOS Nitriles.

Acrylonitrile and its co-products are valuable raw materials that are used in a range of interesting products from structural parts in planes and cars to acrylic fibre sweaters and toys.

Trillium knows its technology works, and valuable lessons have been learned from its pilot plant, which will continue running to provide customers with sample products.

The first onshore carbon capture and storage

JUST months after proving to the world that it was possible to capture, transport cross border, inject and safely store CO2 1.8kms under the seabed, INEOS has now been given the green light to look at safely storing it deep underground on land.

INEOS, which leads the ground-breaking Project Greensand, will now work closely with its two partners to determine whether the Gassum formation in Jutland, Denmark, is also a suitable location for CO2 storage.

“The potential for safe storage in Gassum is high,” said Mads Weng Gade, Head of INEOS Energy Denmark, “but we now need to conduct the necessary studies utilizing the important learnings from Greensand to demonstrate safe and efficient storage in Gassum as well.”

Denmark wants to lead the way in establishing a new, commercially-viable carbon capture and storage industry in Europe.
Its decision to award its very first onshore carbon capture and storage licence to INEOS Energy Denmark, Wintershall Dea and Nordsøfonden is seen a step towards that.

“Establishing offshore and onshore sites for permanent storage of CO2 will be crucial for the EU to meet its climate goals and to support a robust market for carbon capture and storage,” said David Bucknall, CEO INEOS Energy.

The Danish geology has significant potential for CO2 storage. According to analysis by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), there is capacity to store between 12 and 22 billion tonnes of CO2 in the Danish sub-surface, which is equivalent to 700 times Denmark’s annual CO2 emissions.

If all goes well, the three partners hope to start pumping CO2 into two separate geological formations in Jutland in 2029. 

INEOS opens doors to innovation

INEOS has become the first plastic producer in the world to invest in technology that could prevent one million tonnes of waste ending up in landfill sites each year. Manufacturers, who are keen

to develop recyclable plastic packaging, are now being invited by INEOS O&P to test the technology at its R&D centre in Brussels.
“Flexible packaging films play a valuable role in society, but we recognise and share people’s concerns about plastic waste,” said CEO Rob Ingram. “That’s why fully recyclable films are a big development.”

INEOS’ customers will be able to test the new multi-layer, blown film line on INEOS’ premises without affecting production at their own manufacturing sites.

And they are lining up to do so.

Plastic packaging keeps food fresher, for longer. Without it, many of the products on supermarket shelves would not survive the journey to the store. And keeping food fresh reduces food waste, which is another major contributor to climate change.

But there’s also a problem with plastic packaging, when it comes to recycling, because it is made from so many different polymers, and different plastics melt at different temperatures.

“Making simpler films with the same performance means the new packaging can be more easily recycled,” said Rob.

The state-of-the-art technology, supplied by Hosokawa Alpine, heats and stretches polymer films to improve their quality.

INEOS will be using the new pilot line and its own polymer expertise to develop new, packaging film products from polyethylene and polypropylene. 

INEOS answers call for greener ammonia

AS the world’s population grows, so too does the demand for ammonia, which is widely used as a fertiliser to help grow healthy crops, and provides an important raw material for acrylic and carbon fibre. And it’s a greener ammonia the world wants now more than anything. To meet that growing demand, INEOS Nitriles and Hanwha Corporation are considering building an ammonia plant in America with low CO2 emissions. The plant would be capable of producing more than one million tonnes of ammonia a year and help both companies to cement their position in the global ammonia market.

The hydrogen used to make the ammonia would be produced from natural gas, with the unwanted CO2 emissions captured and permanently stored.

As the largest producer of acrylonitrile globally, INEOS will use this low-carbon ammonia to make acrylonitrile, to help cut emissions in markets that rely on acrylonitrile for everything from water purification to green energy and from pharmaceuticals to toys and construction.

Although a final investment decision about the plant won’t be made until 2026, both companies are excited at the potential environmental benefits.

“This project is a potentially important contributor to INEOS Nitriles’ carbon emission reduction targets in 2030 and its net zero ambitions by 2050,” said Hans Casier, CEO of INEOS Nitriles.

Kiwon Yang, CEO of South Korea’s Hanwha Corporation, believes it could prove to be a pivotal turning point in his company’s vision for a sustainable future.

About 80% of the ammonia produced by industry is used in agriculture as a fertiliser with China deemed to be the world’s leading producer. The location of the proposed US plant has yet to be decided.

Hydrogen hits the road

TRUCKS, fuelled entirely by liquid hydrogen, will soon begin transporting goods in Germany as part of a year-long trial. Vervaeke, which will be transporting up to 25 tonnes of PVC for INEOS Inovyn, is among the five companies that have agreed to test the prototype Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck – a truck that covered 1,047km on a single tank of liquid hydrogen in 2023.

If the latest trials are successful, it could encourage the haulage industry to start switching from diesel vehicles to zero emission hydrogen-powered HGVs.

“The market is still showing hesitancy so we want to show that it can be done, because hydrogen is a game-changing source of energy which will help us to meet Europe’s net zero targets and reduce CO2” said Wouter Bleukx, INEOS Hydrogen Business Director.

Last year INEOS Inovyn became the first company in Europe to use a hydrogen truck to transport PVC from its production plant in Tavaux to Benvic’s PVC compound plant in Dijon.

Geir Tuft, CEO INEOS Inovyn, described that as a historic moment for INEOS.

“Using hydrogen trucks for product deliveries is a key part of our sustainability roadmap which aims to drastically reduce our CO2 footprint over the next few years,” he said.

INEOS Inovyn is one of the largest operators of industrial electrolysis, the technology necessary to produce renewable hydrogen, and produces 60,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually across multiple sites.

As both a user and producer of hydrogen, it is in a unique position to lead the transition to a hydrogen-powered economy. INEOS Inovyn has worked with Vervaeke for many years.

“Our two companies share the same vision,” said Frédéric Derumeaux, CEO of Vervaeke. “So we are delighted to have their confidence to collaborate on a ground-breaking project that promotes sustainability.”

During the 12-month trial with Daimler Truck AG, the HGVs will be refuelled at designated public liquid hydrogen filling stations in Wörth am Rhein and in the Duisburg area.

But it is widely believed that hydrogen will only become the fuel of choice for buses and HGVs if more countries invest in the infrastructure.

Currently Japan leads the way with about 170 hydrogen refuelling stations compared to 96 in Germany, 21 in France and nine in the UK.

Grenadier - Visions of the future

INEOS Automotive has hit the road with an eclectic collection of potential future Grenadiers, including its first-ever rally car with full racing specification, including modified suspension, brakes, bucket seats and a full roll cage. The five prototypes were unveiled at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed – motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party in the UK – and were proof, if proof were needed, of the Grenadier’s adaptability.

“The Grenadier’s body-on-frame chassis has already proven itself to be incredibly versatile, so we want to keep innovating,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive.

“Our new brand advertising campaign states that the Grenadier is Built For More, so over the next few years we will be showing just what that means.”

In addition to the rally car, which has been designed to compete in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship, there was also a Grenadier Quartermaster and a Station Wagon with raised chassis and larger, all-terrain tyres, a shorter version of its Quartermaster pick-up, plus an eight-seater converted Quartermaster pick-up perfect for safari adventures.

Spectators at the five-day Goodwood Festival of Speed near Chichester in West Sussex got a taste of all five.

But that wasn’t all.

INEOS also chose the festival, which bills itself as the greatest motorshow on earth, to highlight its partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and also officially launch a limited edition Grenadier, which will be known as the Detour.

Just 200 Detours will be built.

Enthusiasts will be able to spot the Detour by its unique 18-inch forged alloy wheels and its specially-designed front grille with headlight surrounds.

The 4x4 will also come in four exclusive colours.

“This will be a level of individuality not found in the 4x4 market,” said George Ratcliffe, commericial director at INEOS Automotive.

The Detour is the first limited edition vehicle produced by INEOS Automotive’s new Arcane Works division, which will create hand-finished, personalised Grenadiers.

Meanwhile, as part of its five-year partnership with the RNLI, INEOS has agreed to deploy 20 Grenadier Station Wagons at various locations around the UK and Ireland.

The Grenadiers’ main role will be to help crews launch their D-class inflatable lifeboat, which has been the charity’s workhorse for the past 60 years.

“This is a powerful endorsement of the Grenadier that it’s able to meet the rigorous standards required for such vital frontline work,” said Lynn.

Since it was founded in 1824, the RNLI has saved more than 140,000 lives.

“Support such as this from INEOS Automotive enables us to continue to save lives at sea, and provides our operational volunteers with the best equipment available,” said Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI director for engineering and supply.

“It’s only by working in true partnership with industry that can we sustain our lifesaving service in our 200th year.”

Foundation of modern medicine is under threat

“It is a global threat to all of us and requires a global response from all of us,” said Mr David Sweetnam, Chair of the IOI Advisory Board.

“Routine surgeries, childbirth, common infections and sexually-transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea, could one day become deadly.” Due to a lack of investment in research, the world has not discovered a new class of antibiotics for almost 40 years. INEOS’ £100 million gift to Oxford University has allowed researchers to undertake the science to find new antibiotics, while also understanding how resistance to these lifesaving medicines is spreading around the world.

The institute’s biggest priority is to protect last-resort antibiotics, such as meropenem, that are used in hospitals to treat severe infections such as sepsis.

“A world without effective antibiotics is a scary one and it will affect all of us,” said Dr Alistair Farley, a scientific lead at the institute. “We need to develop new drugs to tackle AMR, but we also need more effective stewardship of new and existing drugs.”

IOI’s work is guided by its global surveillance programmes in countries most affected by the threat of AMR. The institute is now working in more than 28 sites across 13 countries to support and strengthen surveillance systems and laboratories, especially in poorer countries.

“The quicker we can understand the global picture, the quicker we can act,” said Dr Kirsty Sands, a scientific lead at the institute.
“There is no way to solve a problem if you don’t have actionable data,” said Professor Tim Walsh, IOI Director of Biology. “It is crucial to understand how antibiotics are being used around the world to understand the full scale.”

Nationally, that very detailed genomic data will help influence health policies and responses to health emergencies. Globally, it can provide early warnings of emerging threats and help identify long-term trends.

This global data informs the work of scientists at the institute to design new antibiotics and trial new combinations of antibiotics to try to outsmart those superbugs.

“Research in the 20th century discovered easy-to-use antibiotics of enormous value, but that doesn’t mean that there are not more to be found,” said Professor Chris Schofield, IOI Director of Chemistry.

Scientists have found meropenem’s effectiveness can be restored by combining it with another antibiotic and an inhibitor to stop the bacteria breaking down the antibiotic before it has time to work.

Professor Schofield has also been leading a team undertaking ground-breaking synthetic organic chemistry, creating novel compounds they hope to progress through to early-stage clinical trials. Early in vivo work is very encouraging.

“This sort of early pre-clinical work is vital if we are to discover a successor to the dwindling stable of effective antibiotics,” said Mr Sweetnam.

Finding new antibiotics is a long, arduous and expensive journey. It can cost up to $1 billion and take up to 10 years to complete all the safety trials before coming to the market.

With no guaranteed revenue stream at the end of the process, it is perhaps no surprise that almost all the big pharmaceutical companies have ditched this vital area of research in favour of other more lucrative areas, such as lifestyle drugs to tackle, for example, obesity.

And therein lies the problem. There is simply no financial incentive to work on antibiotics.

“You may have a very effective antibiotic, but you don’t actually want it to be used extensively because then the resistance will inevitably arise,” said Dr Farley.

He said AMR, which killed 1.27 million people in 2019, which is more than HIV or malaria, was a complex issue, akin to the challenge of climate change.

“It’s only by working with industry and government and policy makers that we can tackle this together,” he said.

INEOS is working alongside the IOI team to bring its business acumen and experience to this huge challenge.

“Receiving such an unprecedentedly large gift was wonderful, but, in my opinion, the help and guidance from INEOS in this advisory role is what makes this all the more special,” said Mr Sweetnam.

In September, leaders from government, industry, financial institutions and scientific organisations will meet in New York to discuss the looming threat AMR poses to global health and food security.

“This presents a timely opportunity for global leaders to unite to overcome one of the biggest health challenges facing our society today,” said Mr Sweetnam.

Six Rivers

New runway is built to help scouts patrol and protect one of the most important wetlands on Earth.

FROM the air, it may get lost in the vast landscape. But from the ground, building a runway in one of the remotest parts of Africa is not only a significant achievement, but also hugely important. For it will mean light aircraft can regularly patrol the Usangu wetlands – the source of the Great Ruaha River and a haven for many species of wildlife.

“This will be an absolute game-changer for the protection of the wetland,” said Brandon Kemp, CEO of Six Rivers Africa. “Usangu is a sensitive area and needs as much help as it can get.”

The Ihefu swamp lies at the heart of the wetlands in Usangu, a vast, unspoilt wilderness in southern Tanzania. It is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, wild dogs and tiger fish – and the only way into the park used to be on foot.

In 2019, a road was carved through the dense miombo woodland; now there’s the airstrip at Ikoga.

At the opening of the new 1.4km runway, Glenn Turner, Chairman of Six Rivers Africa, thanked the Tanzanian government and the people of Tanzania for trusting the INEOS-backed, not-for-profit organisation to invest in projects that will help to protect some of Africa’s great wild places.

“Together we can make them better,” he said.

It took six months to build the new runway and adjoining protection base where locals will be trained to carry out research and anti-poaching patrols. The 16 ‘scouts’ will also live there.

Although it is currently being used by the Tanzanian National Park Authority and the Six Rivers team, it is hoped that one day the runway will help to make it easier for tourists wanting to reach this remote corner of Africa.

The runway was built with funds provided by INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who founded Six Rivers Africa amid concerns about the decimation of the African savanna.

He has spent a lot of time in Africa and believes developing sustainable tourism in southern Tanzania will not only increase awareness of the region’s beauty and importance, but also create lasting jobs for local people.

“When a local community benefits from high-quality employment from tourism, poaching flips to protection to preserve those jobs,” he said.

For the past nine years Six Rivers Africa has been working closely with Asilia Africa, one of the country’s leading safari companies.

The latest camp to open was in Usangu, where tourists have helped to carry out research and track the wildlife.

The camp’s other purpose was to help discourage poaching. And it seems to be working.

“Since it opened, instances of illegal poaching have fallen dramatically,” said Glenn. “There are now herds of hundreds of buffalo and sable, as well as scores of elephant with calves, returning to these iconic wetlands.”
But that’s not all.

Prides of lions have also moved into the wetlands, as have leopards and hyenas.

Chris Fallows, a professional wildlife photographer, spent some time at the Usangu Expedition Camp late last year and was amazed at what had been achieved by the team.

“Everyone involved in the project has been astounded that change has taken place so quickly, and the overriding feeling is that the recovery potential is immense,” he said. 

In their element

A FORMER science teacher is on a mission to get every schoolkid in America running The Daily Mile. Bill Russell, who is programme manager of the INEOS-backed Daily Mile USA, believes it is the best way to improve fitness and creates healthier and happier children. “If teachers and kids feel better physically, they are going to perform better mentally,” he said. “We are going to have better teachers and better learners.”

But he says there is an even more important reason why everyone should take a 15-minute break from the classroom.

“At its core, it is about people,” he said. “It’s about creating magical moments that allow people to get to know each other better and build trust.”

The Daily Mile USA was launched in 2019.

Since then the team has been building bridges – and trust – with schools through attending conferences or online teacher forums.

And more than 4,000 schools in the USA have adopted the simple initiative through that approach.

But for the very first time, an INEOS business in the USA has done its own legwork and established The Daily Mile at schools on its own doorstep.

“They have done such a wonderful job in not only improving the relationship between the kids and teachers, but also between INEOS and the local community,” said Kathryn Shuler, Director of the INEOS ICAN Foundation.

She said chemical companies were generally viewed with suspicion in America, but INEOS Nitriles had not only managed to change the public’s perception about how it operates, but it had also shown its own employees that it genuinely cared about the community.

“It has really helped to get our name in the community in a positive way, which also helps with recruitment and retention when people know who we are and what we’re doing,” said HR manager Sara Bassett.

Every school in the Shawnee district in Lima, Ohio, now takes part in The Daily Mile – and every year the four schools use it as a way to bring the community together, with an end-of-year Connection Celebration for teachers, students, members of the school board, parents, INEOS volunteers, the local police, fire department, and National Guard.

This year INEOS Nitriles donated funds to help build a new Daily Mile track, which will be open to all outside school hours.

Elmwood Primary was the first of the four schools in the Shawnee district to introduce The Daily Mile.

Teacher Heather Davis-Kohli’s dad, who recently retired from INEOS Nitriles, told her about it after he learned of her early morning running club for her ‘hyperactive’ students.

“Some of my students just couldn’t sit very long, which was a sign they weren’t getting enough physical activity, so I thought I would try something new,” she said. “And those early morning runs worked. When they came back in after a run, they were different kids.”

But she was limited in the number of children she could accept, and she thought the teachers would benefit from movement, too.
Having heard about The Daily Mile, she spoke to both Bill and Sara, who helped to get her headteacher on board.

“Once we had that connection with Heather, it snowballed from her little running club into the entire school doing The Daily Mile in just a few months,” said Sara.

Other INEOS sites in the US are now keen to replicate what INEOS Nitriles has achieved.

Sara’s advice? Find someone in school with a passion for health, well-being, fitness or running.

“If you do that, their passion will drive the programme,” she said.

The Daily Mile is helping teachers too

HARD-WORKED teachers in America are also rediscovering their love of life in the classroom thanks to The Daily Mile. Many have reported feeling energised and better equipped to teach since signing up to the simple initiative that was founded in the UK in 2012 to help children get fitter. “The Daily Mile has helped me both mentally and physically,” said Rhonda Conrad-Jaufre, a teacher at St Michael Special School in New Orleans. “I feel great. It has given me a lot more energy and I have been sleeping a lot better.”

A recent survey of teachers in America found many were considering quitting the profession due to difficulties coping with
job-related stress.

The Rand State of the American Teacher survey blamed student behaviour, low salaries and administrative work that needs to be done outside school.

But The Daily Mile has given some an outlet for that stress – and the much-needed break in the school day that they need.

“Teachers feel a lot of pressure today,” said Leigh Daily, Principal at Elmwood Primary School in Lima, Ohio. “But they know that this is the time of their day when they don’t need to talk about data or their lesson plans and they can just go out and get to know and enjoy their kids.”

Bill Russell worked as a teacher, coach and school administrator for many years. He saw many of his colleagues succumb to stress.

“The great teachers are leaving and that worries me because the lines to replace those great teachers are not very long,” he said.

“Sometimes there is no line at all.

“But when we don’t have great teachers in front of students, those students suffer.”

Although, he still considers himself to be a teacher, he is now programme manager for The Daily Mile USA – and wants every school in America to adopt it for everyone’s benefit.

“People in education need this right now,” he said. “That’s a little bit of a refresh, a little bit of a boost, and a little bit of energy.”

China deals

OVER the past 40 years China has changed faster than any other country in the world. This once poor and isolated nation, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people, is now the second largest economy in the world. In 1980 it produced just 2% of the world’s economic goods; today the figure stands at almost 30%. And although China’s economy is slowing down, it is still growing.

“It is all relative,” said Tom Crotty, Director of INEOS’ communications. “It might be down to 3 or 4% growth, but we, in the West, would kill for that.”

Many in the West, though, continue to view China with suspicion and see it as a threat due to its ambitions to become a technological and economic global superpower.

It is a view that frustrates David Thompson, who moved to China after he was appointed CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Asia.

“Life here is so different to what is reported in the media in the West,” he said. “Even though it is a communist regime and things are controlled, they are controlled with the people’s support because they see the benefits that come with it.”

And there are opportunities for all.

“If you are a young engineer looking to get the best experience quickly, then there is nowhere better than INEOS in China,” said David. “Anyone joining us has the opportunity to build some of the most technologically advanced engineering plants in the world.”

About 40% of the global chemical industry is now based in China.

INEOS is there, so too are Dow and BASF.

“If you want to be big players in the global market you have to invest in China or you won’t have a future,” said Tom. “Some companies do hold back and I’m sure that some will see us as naïve, but we take a different approach.”

And that approach boils down to trust.

“It takes time to build trust,” said Tom. “But, as in any relationship, you have to have trust or you may as well just walk away.”

In 2014 that trust was tested when INEOS sued state-owned Chinese oil and petrochemical company SINOPEC and some of its associated businesses for allegedly violating patents.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said in a statement at the time: “We want to take our best technology to China but we need to know that it will be protected.”

INEOS, which had enjoyed otherwise excellent relationships with SINOPEC and with China, won the case – and, says Tom, SINOPEC’s respect.

Since then, the two companies have further strengthened their ties.

In 2021, INEOS bought into joint ventures with China’s largest petrochemical company after it acquired BP’s global acetyls and aromatics business for $5 billion.

The following year, INEOS signed three back-to-back deals, worth a combined $7 billion, with SINOPEC.

INEOS now owns 50% of two huge petrochemical complexes – one in Shanghai; the other Tianjin – and has a vested interest in two R&D institutes.

The latest joint ventures with SINOPEC will lead to increased production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to meet the needs of China’s rapidly growing domestic market.

“We have not just entered the market,” said David. “We have entered the market in a big way. And it is a big investment for both of us.”

In all, the two companies will jointly operate three ABS units, which will produce more than one million kilotonnes of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene every year.

One of the ABS plants has already been built by INEOS Styrolution in Ningbo, and this now forms another of the joint ventures with SINOPEC.

A second is now being built in Tianjin, using the latest technology, and it will be one of the most efficient plants in the world.

The location for the third ABS plant, which will also rely on INEOS’ world-leading technology, has not yet been agreed.
INEOS and SINOPEC will also be building a new plant in Tianjin to manufacture high-density polyethylene, with a further two in the pipeline.

“China is a country that is really growing and growing,” said Andrea Vittone, Vice President HDPE, at INEOS SINOPEC Tianjin Petrochemicals Ltd.

“They are building new cities and new infrastructure and they are replacing old pipes with new, made from HDPE.”
INEOS has been operating in China – in some capacity – for years.

In 2011 it began to forge closer ties when it agreed to sell 50% of its refining business in Grangemouth, Scotland, and Lavéra in France to PetroChina.

“The interest in China for INEOS has really been there since the beginning,” said David.

In 2005 when INEOS bought BP’s chemical assets for $9 billion – a deal which transformed INEOS’ business overnight – it had hoped BP would also sell its 50% stake in SECCO.

But although INEOS acquired a sales office in Shanghai as part of that deal, BP kept hold of its 50% share.
“We were disappointed not to get that, but BP would not sell it to us,” said Tom.

Twelve years later BP did sell it – to SINOPEC – for $1.7 billion.

INEOS says it will continue to seek opportunities in China.

“The business as a whole is constantly looking at opportunities,” said David.

The lure of the East

SHANGHAI is China's biggest city. It is home to more than 26 million people, the tallest building in China, the world's fastest train, the longest metro system and the largest indoor ski resort. And it's also increasingly becoming home to INEOS employees who are relocating to China following INEOS' investment and joint venture agreements with state-owned SINOPEC. David Thompson is among them. He is now CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Asia.

He moved to Shanghai in the summer of 2023 with his wife and hopes others will follow.

Mel Smythe, John Archer, Dirk Heilman and Ghislain Decadt are also among those to have taken up new jobs in China.

“Living here very quickly feels very normal,” said John, supply chain general manager for Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Company Ltd. “It’s not a difficult place to live; it’s just different.”

Mel, who has worked for INEOS for more than 20 years, recently moved to Tianjin after being appointed business director HDPE at INEOS SINOPEC Tianjin Petrochemicals Ltd.

She has been tasked with setting up the business. “It’s very rare in this industry to find an opportunity to be involved in the set-up of an entire organisation and business from the ground upwards, so it is very exciting,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity.”

As a keen traveller, who is fascinated by different cultures, she said she couldn’t resist the opportunity to experience life in China.

“I did have some preconceptions about what it would be like, but I have been pleasantly surprised,” she said. “Things are different, but that’s not always a negative. You just need to come with an open mind.”

Ghislain, 67, came out of retirement to move to China after he was asked to share his considerable experience as an Operations Director with INEOS to help improve the safety, performance and reliability of the operations at SECCO.

But David hopes young graduates or other young managers will also seize the opportunity to come to China and help develop the business.

“If you want to come here, we are very keen to hear from you because we have a lot of opportunities,” he said.

“Shanghai is a wonderful place to be. It is prosperous, it's vibrant and it's a very safe city because there isn’t any crime. People work hard, but they also play hard.”

John, who had regularly travelled to China when he was working for INEOS Trading & Shipping, finally moved to Shanghai with his wife Alexandra and their dog Wilma after accepting a new role within the company.

“The support from INEOS has been really good because it is a big change,” he said.

He said the language could sometimes be a barrier, but interpreters were on site.

“It is different,” he said. “How people communicate and how they manage are different and that’s something we have to adapt to, but you cannot question the work ethic of my Chinese colleagues. They are very, very dedicated.”

He too would encourage others to seize opportunities in China.

“Come and talk to people who have worked here,” he said. “I did and nobody described it as a negative experience. All of them said it was some of the most fun they had had being in a different place.”

Europe sleepwalking into a nightmare

URGENT action is needed to stop Europe sleepwalking into off-shoring its chemical industry, jobs and investment. INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned that unless the European Commission tackled soaring energy costs, burdensome carbon taxes and encouraged investment in new chemical plants, there would be little left of an industry that was strategically important to Europe’s security.

“European petrochemicals has long been left behind by the USA, China and the Middle East because it struggles to compete,” he told industry leaders gathered at a European industry summit in Antwerp.

The European chemical industry was once the biggest in the world.

Although, over the years, it has lost ground to China, the US and the Middle East, it is still one of Europe’s most important sectors with revenues of one trillion Euros and supporting 20 million jobs.

But Sir Jim fears that could change so easily if the European Commission fails to understand what’s at stake.

“The chemical industry produces a lot of extremely important raw materials for all manufacturing businesses across Europe,” he said. “It provides a security of supply that has a strategic importance for Europe well beyond purely the size of the chemicals sector.”

At the recent summit, he highlighted the problems facing the industry and spoke from first-hand experience of the difficulties of getting the green light to invest €4 billion in a superior chemical plant using the very best technology.

Project One, as it is known, is the largest investment in the European chemical sector for a generation.

But one year after work started, with 10,000 workers employed worldwide on the project, the permit was withdrawn due to the plant’s nitrogen levels. “The levels were the equivalent of one family barbecue in a nature reserve once a year,” he said.

Sir Jim said high energy costs and carbon taxes were also killing the industry – and driving investment away from Europe.

Neither make sense, he said.

“The carbon taxes don’t apply to 95% of imports,” he said. “So we're not doing the world any favours if we're substituting relatively high quality production here in Europe, in terms of emissions, with poorer quality, less regulated production from other parts of the world.”

INEOS currently pays about €150 million in carbon taxes. The bill, though, is expected to rise to €2 billion by 2030.

“It is just not sustainable,” he said.

The cost of energy, though – due to Europe’s rejection of on-shore oil and gas and nuclear power – is undoubtedly the biggest headache facing the chemical industry.

“The cost of gas in Europe is five times more expensive than it is in America,” said Sir Jim. “America has cheap energy; we have expensive energy. The US are self-reliant today in energy. We are not.”

It is not the first time Sir Jim has expressed concern about the future of the European chemical industry.

In May 2014, he wrote an open letter to José Manuel Barroso, the then President of the European Union.

“Sadly, many of my fears have subsequently been proved correct as the industry now finds itself in the current situation,” he said.

The summit, which was held at the chemicals plant that INEOS shares with BASF in Antwerp, ended with a cry for help from industries seeking lower energy costs and less red tape to help revitalise Europe’s industrial landscape.

All went on to sign the EU Industrial Deal which they want Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who was at the summit, to include in Europe’s Strategic Agenda 2024 - 2029. 

INEOS European investments

INEOS has bought TotalEnergies' 50% stake in France's Lavéra petrochemical complex despite the downturn in demand for chemicals in Europe. It means INEOS has now acquired the French energy company's 50% share of Naphtachimie (720 ktpa steam cracker), Appryl (300 ktpa polypropylene business), Gexaro (270 ktpa aromatics business) and 3TC (naphtha storage).

“All these businesses had been joint ventures between the two companies ever since INEOS acquired the Lavéra site in 2005,” said Xavi Cros, CEO of INEOS O&P South.

The deal also included a number of other infrastructure assets, including part of TotalEnergies’ ethylene pipeline network in France which runs from Lavéra to INEOS’ Sarralbe site on the banks of the River Sarre near Germany.

INEOS O&P South now has sole responsibility for running the naphtha steam cracker at Lavéra – and an opportunity to improve its competitiveness and safeguard its future by ensuring it is environmentally fit for the 21st century.

“We believe this is in the best interests of our customers, our employees and INEOS because it allows us to make the improvements that are needed,” said Xavi.

“This investment, despite the current difficulties across the European chemical sector, will also mean we are in a stronger position when we emerge from this latest crisis.”

He described the acquisition of TotalEnergie’s polypropylene and aromatics businesses as valuable strategic assets.

“These businesses will further enhance our portfolio,” said Xavi. “An extra one million tonnes of capacity means an extra one million tonnes of customer demand.”

Xavi said INEOS’ decision to buy out its JV partner represented a major step forward for INEOS’ businesses in France and southern Europe.

“It makes sense,” he said. “INEOS now can fully optimise the potential of these units and has a lot more assets in the south, whereas TotalEnergies’ interest lies heavily in the north of France.”

The cracker is one of the largest in Europe and is capable of producing 720,000 tonnes of ethylene every year. In addition it produces propylene, butadiene, and other olefins products.

“The acquisition will allow us to fully integrate these assets,” he said. “But we also plan to continue to invest in them, including CO2 reduction to meet INEOS’ net zero 2050 commitment.” 

INEOS Inovyn sustainability initiatives

AN INEOS business, which made history when it started selling PVC made from wood pulp instead of purely fossil fuels, has made further strides. Inovyn has now introduced two more – equally sustainable – PVC products following the success of BIOVYN^TM.

“The products of the future really are available today,” said Audrey Debande, Sustainability Business Development Manager, who is based in Belgium.

BIOVYN^TM along with NEOVYN^TM and RECOVYN^TM are now being successfully marketed to customers who either want to cut greenhouse gas emissions or reduce plastic waste.

“We know our customers want and expect this,” said Audrey.

When Inovyn launched BIOVYN^TM in 2019, it wasn’t sure how the market would react to a product that, although cuts CO2 emissions by more than 90%, was significantly more expensive than conventionally-produced PVC.

But the demand was there, and it meant Inovyn could continue to do what it does best: innovate.

“It really did set the scene for the development of our future sustainable products,” said Audrey.

Since its launch, BIOVYN^TM has been used across a wide range of applications including cars, clothing, rugs and flooring, buildings and construction and in prosthetic limbs – and, long-term, it will be Inovyn’s net zero option.

To meet evolving customer needs, Inovyn has introduced NEOVYN^TM, an innovative, less expensive product for customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint in the short term and offer themselves low carbon footprint products on their market.

NEOVYN^TM brings a step change in carbon footprint with a reduction of 37% below the European industry average for suspension PVC.

“NEOVYN^TM was more challenging because we needed to find the most economical way to reduce our carbon footprint without damaging our credibility standards,” said Audrey.

That meant investing in the use of renewable hydrogen and other forms of green energy during the production process – both key to helping Inovyn decarbonise.

Their third product is RECOVYN^TM which is made purely from plastic waste that currently cannot be recycled anywhere else.

“It is designed for customers who want to increase their recycled content and meet high technical, quality and regulatory requirements,” said Arnaud Valenduc, Business Director of INEOS Inovyn.

And provided Inovyn can continue to access recycled plastic waste, which is effectively its new raw material, the company is confident it can continue to provide society with what it needs.

All three products have also been certified by the most stringent global requirements in the field, including RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) and ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) PLUS.

Geir Tuft, CEO of INEOS Inovyn, said sustainability was one of the most important and pressing challenges for modern society and Inovyn, as an influential, industry leader and world-class producer of PVC, had a vital role to play in helping develop new solutions and support the green transition.

“Our world is continuously evolving, and so are we,” he said. “And the target is clear. The UN has set our generation’s greatest challenge, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”

INEOS Fusilier

INEOS has chalked up yet another milestone in its drive to produce the best 4x4s on the road. Proof of that, it hoped, was parked outside The Grenadier pub in London, as journalists squeezed inside the tiny, former officers’ mess to question INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and group head of design Toby Ecuyer about the company’s battery electric vehicle, the INEOS Fusilier.

To mark the occasion, which was streamed live, The Grenadier pub had been temporarily renamed The Fusilier.

As Sir Jim and Toby fielded questions from former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, it emerged that INEOS had, once again, chosen the road less travelled by opting for a range extender alongside a fully-electric 4x4.

When asked why, when so many others in the UK and Europe had shunned the technology, Sir Jim said: “One of the things we do in our business world is question things, rather than just follow the sheep.”

He described the car industry as being in flux – aware of the need to reduce CO2 emissions, but unsure how best to achieve that.

“If you’re a car producer in Europe, you have to have a green offering because you can’t survive without that because of the regulations,” he said. “We have to have this offering whether we like it or not. We do like it, because it’s a good thing for the world. But we got a long way down that road developing it until a few months ago and then paused for a bit.”

During that pause, INEOS decided to build two versions of its new electric 4x4. One with a range extender for those who want to get from A to B without worrying where the nearest electric charging station is – and one without.

A small petrol engine will be fitted inside The Fusilier, which boasts the range extender. And that engine will charge the electric battery when needed.

“The engine runs as a generator,” said Sir Jim.

The INEOS Fusilier was developed with the help of Magna Steyr, a company which has plenty of experience with off-roaders and manufactures the Mercedes G-Class and Toyota GR Supra at its plant in Graz, Austria – where the Fusilier will also be built.

It is smaller than INEOS’ first, no-nonsense 4x4, the INEOS Grenadier, which was recently chosen by Nith Inshore Rescue as its new search and rescue vehicle.

Peter Bryden, secretary of the Scottish-based rescue team, said the Grenadier ‘ticked all the boxes’ in a vehicle needed to deal with life-and-death situations, very harsh weather and challenging terrain.

“We expect it to serve our team for the next 40 years,” he said.

And most recently, it has also been taken on as operational command vehicles by Grenoble Fire Department.

INEOS had announced its intention to build a fully-electric 4x4 in May 2022.

That same year, it began developing a hydrogen-powered Grenadier, which it unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023 to prove that hydrogen was also a key fuel of the future.

Lynn Calder, CEO INEOS Automotive, described it as an extraordinary vehicle.

“It’s capable of doing everything a conventionally-powered Grenadier can do, but with zero emissions,” she said.

INEOS Automotive firmly believes that there needs to be a mix of powertrains – electric, hydrogen, hybrids, and range extenders – with different technologies suited to different uses.

Electric batteries are ideal for city centres and short journeys, but unsuitable for haulage and public transport because of their weight, charging times and range.

Filling a car or truck with hydrogen, on the other hand, is quick and easy.
The problem? There just aren’t enough hydrogen refuelling stations, especially in the UK.

“Our demonstrator proves that the technology for a hydrogen-powered 4x4 is capable,” said Lynn. “But the refuelling infrastructure needs to be in place before it is commercially viable.”

She said the launch of the INEOS Fusilier, which will undergo rigorous tests on Austria's Schöckl mountain before it goes on sale in 2027, was a sign of INEOS’ long-term commitment to car manufacturing.

“It shows that we are here for the long-haul,” she said.

Theatre of dreams

SIR Jim Ratcliffe now co-owns Manchester United, the most popular football team in the world. For Sir Jim, it's a boyhood dream, having grown up in the shadow of Old Trafford and been a passionate supporter of the club all his life. "To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility," he said.

"This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football. I want to see Manchester United be successful again and at the top of their game."

Following completion of the £1.25 billion deal with the American Glazer family, INEOS’ Chairman and Founder spoke to Manchester United TV’s Helen Evans about his plans on and off the pitch.

He said INEOS had always been keen to add a Premier League club to its successful sports portfolio, which includes some of the best teams in cycling, F1, sailing, rugby and running.

On the pitch, his only goal now, he said, was to see the Red Devils return to their glory days.

“That is what Manchester United is all about,” he said. “It should always be competing for the league title and the champions league title. Always.”

Off the pitch, the focus will be on the values that should unite this once great football club.

“We need to create the right organisational structure, populate it with the right people at the top of their game and then create the right atmosphere,” he said.

Sir Jim, who is now responsible for football operations, said there were two pressing key issues – performance
on the pitch and the state of the stadium, which hosted its inaugural game in 1910.

“It is not quite of the standard you would expect of Manchester United, so we need to look at the redevelopment of the stadium,” he said. “One option could be to refurbish the existing stadium or build a new one.”

INEOS’ director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, who masterminded seven Tour de France wins, is currently immersed at the club to understand the performance challenge.

One person, who Sir Jim has been speaking to is Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot retired in 2013 after 27 years as manager. During Sir Alex’s reign, United won 13 English league titles and 25 other domestic and international trophies.

“He is the world’s iconic coach and is an essential part of Manchester United’s history,” said Sir Jim.

The two men have met a few times since the INEOS deal was announced on Christmas Eve.

Sir Jim also plans to have lunch with Eric Cantona, who found fame on the turf where George Best – another of Sir Jim’s favourite players – had strutted his stuff so brilliantly 20 years before.

“There are certain players, who you get excited about when they get the ball because you are not sure what they are going to do with it,” he said.

Working alongside Sir Dave will be Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc, who has been appointed to the board and will help to oversee the development of the club.

“United is the greatest club in the world so it should be playing the greatest football in the world,” said Sir Jim.

“But the fans must realise that it will take time. It’s not a light switch. They cannot be playing at the level of Real Madrid because they haven’t been for the past 11 years.”

Sir Jim said INEOS’ core values of grit, rigour and humour, which had made INEOS one of the biggest chemical companies in the world, applied equally to football.

“Manners and loyalty are also important,” he said. 

How Norway embraced shift in thinking

INDUSTRY in Norway is benefiting from a society that has long believed in the importance of women working in traditionally male-dominated environments. While other nations may have steered women away from technical jobs, Norway’s schools were actively encouraging them to study engineering and science at university because it wanted that diversity of thought in the workplace.

INEOS’ plant in Rafnes, where 36% of the shift operators are now women, is testament to the benefits of men working alongside women in the same role.

“It’s hard to explain how it benefits the business, but it does,” said Eirik Gusfre, Operations Manager at Rafnes in Norway.
“You cannot differentiate between men and women on the technical side, but you feel the difference in the working environment. You see how well our teams work together.”

Heidi Faukald, who has worked at INEOS’ Bamble AS site in Rafnes for the past 33 years, and her colleague Kirsti Falck feel it too.

Both believe women have changed the working environment in INEOS for the better.

“It is difficult to say that women don't have as sharp elbows as men,” said Heidi, Logistics Manager. “I'm almost afraid to say that. But maybe some women are a bit easier to approach. Maybe there’s a bit more softness and a kind of human touch.”

Whatever it is, it has not only led to a more diverse working environment, but a more dynamic one too.

“Women come at things from a different perspective,” said Kirsti, Plant Manager. “We have different thoughts and a different way of looking at a problem. And that can lead to the best solution.”

What has also helped women in Norway is its government’s parental leave for both sexes.

“Parents are entitled to 49 weeks of parental leave, of which 15 weeks are reserved for each parent,” said Wenche Jansen, who started as an operator at Rafnes 30 years ago and is now an HR consultant. “The remainder can be divided according to their wishes.”

The result is that companies are less likely to discriminate against women, because there is little difference between hiring a man or a woman if either chooses to have a family.

“When we recruit new operators, we don’t look at gender,” said Eirik.“We just want the best operators and women are just as good as men.”

Norway’s approach is not only paving the way for INEOS’ own sites, but the entire petrochemical industry.

“There has been a strong will in Norway to make things equal, so that we get the same opportunities,” said Kirsti.

And women in INEOS are seizing those opportunities.

Maren Jakobsen, a 31-year-old mother of two, works at the Rafnes site as a process operator.

When she became pregnant she was not allowed to work at night or outside on the plant, due to possible dangers such as noise and vibration, but she simply ran the plant from the control room.

“It is possible to have a family and a successful career,” said Kirsti. “And Heidi and I are examples of that.”

The two women, who studied engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, are on the management team.

“It is a challenge when you are working a shift with a new baby,” said Kirsti. “But we try to make it easier for the woman to come back to work by, for example, altering her shift pattern.”

It can, though, also be a challenge for the team to manage the shift when a man takes his mandatory 15-weeks’ paternity leave.

“It can be difficult but it makes things much more equal,” said Heidi. “And it is the price we have to pay if we want people to have children because the country needs children.”

OUR FIRST 100 YEARS

BELSTAFF - one of the greatest British heritage brands - turns 100 this year. To mark its centenary, it has produced a book exploring, for the very first time, its history and appeal - pieced together from documents, advertisements, and personal testimony. "There have been lots of twists and turns in Belstaff's 100-year history, but to make it to 100 is pretty impressive," said Doug Gunn, who jointly owns The Vintage Showroom near London's Portobello Road. "It's a real landmark."

INEOS, which bought the unwanted and struggling business in 2017, had always viewed Belstaff as a cool, iconic consumer brand because it was synonymous with challenge and adventure. Made for those who wanted to push the limits of what was humanely possible.

It bought the brand from Italian JAB Luxury GmbH, at a time when it was losing £25 million a year.

As time passed, it became increasingly clear that if INEOS was to turn the business around, as it has with so many others, it needed someone who, too, was cool – in a crisis.

That someone was Fran Millar. Not a woman with a background in fashion, but a founding member of one of the most successful professional cycling teams in history.

“Other than I buy clothes, I didn’t know anything about the fashion industry,” she said. “But I believed – and still believe – in Belstaff as a brand. It’s an incredible brand with an incredible history and the product is amazing.”

Since being appointed CEO of INEOS Belstaff in 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic, she has turned around the business, giving a bright future to a British company which prides itself on its prestigious past.

“We have completely changed the infrastructure, the operating model, the people, the cost base, the strategic direction and the brand position,” she said.

Today, it is almost breaking even thanks to her new strategy and company culture. One that stands for independence, being brave and standing out from the crowd.

“We now know who our competitors are, our customers are, and we are just going after it as though we are trying to win a bike race,” said Fran.

She, too, has changed the way she dresses.

“I used to be happy in leggings, a sweatshirt and trainers,” she said. “But today, I try to represent the quintessential Belstaff woman: classic, chic but with an edge.”

Belstaff was founded in 1924 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, by Jewish immigrants Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg.

For the first four years, they sold waterproof capes, rucksacks, and Army shirts. Their aim was simply to keep their customers dry.

Britain had to wait for The Trialmaster – Belstaff’s most iconic product – a military-looking, four-pocket, waxed cotton jacket that has retained its appeal.

“It wasn’t a jacket,” said Peter Howarth from Boat International. “It was a classic piece of engineering.”

One who can vouch for that is Sammy Miller, the legendary motorcycle trials rider who played a pivotal role in its evolution during the 1950s.

He wore a Belstaff jacket at his inaugural Scottish Six Days Trial in 1954.

“I rode better because I was dry,” he said. “The rest of the competitors were like drowned rats. I used to pray for rain because it softened them up and made it easier to beat them.”

Sir Chris Bonington was wearing protective Belstaff gear when he and Doug Scott became the first climbers

to reach the 23,901ft summit of The Ogre in Pakistan in July 1977.

Although over the years Belstaff’s motorcycling heritage remains the most well-known part of its story, its clothes have been worn by some of the most daring souls the world has ever seen.

But it is perhaps the late Hollywood actor Steve McQueen who really should be credited with broadening Belstaff’s appeal in 1963, when he wore a Belstaff jacket in The Great Escape’s most famous scene where he attempts to jump a barbed wire fence on a motorbike.

McQueen was a fan of Belstaff both on and off screen, and rumour has it that he cancelled a date with his then girlfriend Ali MacGraw so he could stay at home and wax his Belstaff jacket.

Over the years, Belstaff may have repeatedly changed owners, but its customers have remained loyal.

“I don’t want to see it change,” said Fran. “I don’t want Belstaff to not have a classic and beautiful quality full wax cotton jacket because that is who we are.

“But fundamentally, when I took on the job, I did not believe that what got Belstaff to where it was, would get it into the future.”

Since she took control – with a very clear brief from INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe – the business has not only survived, but thrived.

“It is quite a rebellious brand with a rebellious spirit,” she said. “When people choose Belstaff over Barbour, it says something about them.”

Today, the business has been completely overhauled. The stores have been refreshed and the brand has been repositioned without alienating its very passionate, loyal and existing customers.

“We have reinvented it by stripping back all the noise and getting to the heart of what the brand is and what it stands for,” said Fran.

Gore-Tex has been brought back into the range and Belstaff’s clothing now comes in a whole host of colours, not just navy, brown or black.

The company has also released a range to celebrate Belstaff’s 100th birthday.

“They are all brand stalwarts, reimagined,” said Fran, who manages a team of 180.

Looking to the future, she believes more is to come.

“We can create an experience and a story and a narrative that maybe other brands cannot,” she said. “I am convinced Belstaff can be a global superbrand with triple digit revenue and double digit EBITDA in a couple of years.”

Chase Zero

ON the water, INEOS Britannia, the team representing Great Britain, hope to make history this year by winning the America's Cup for the first time. Off the water, an educational charity, founded by team skipper Sir Ben Ainslie, hopes to show secondary schoolchildren in the UK what goes on behind the scenes to try to win this race.

The 1851 Trust charity plans to use a £25,000 grant from the INEOS Community Fund to create more STEM materials that teachers can use in the classroom to inspire a love of science and technology – and help to educate pupils about the importance of hydrogen in achieving net zero.

“One of the biggest risks of meeting our global climate goals is having enough STEM-educated future innovators,” said Jo Grindley, Acting CEO of the 1851 Trust.

STEM Crew is one of the trust’s flagship education programmes and uses sport to bring STEM subjects to life in an effort to create a generation capable of solving the very real challenges facing the planet.

“The UK Government has identified a structural shift in the economy, with a predicted 440,000 green jobs in 2030,” said Jo. “The 1851 Trust believes that by bringing sport, education, and business together, we can work to solve the STEM learning gap and inspire the innovators of the future.”

The latest resources, available to all schools from April, focus on the work that is being done by the INEOS Britannia team to design and build their hydrogen-powered, foiling chase boat.

All teams competing in this year’s race have been told they must build two hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats as part of their campaign to win the America’s Cup.

“With so much investment in hydrogen across the world, shifting to foiling chase boats, powered by hydrogen, could well prove to be a sustainable and practical solution for the future of the maritime industry,” said Sir Ben.

Each boat must be at least 10 metres long, reach a maximum speed of 50 knots so they can keep up with the AC75s, and have a range of 180 miles.

The defending champions, Emirates Team New Zealand, launched their boat in March 2022 to prove it was possible. A week later, their 10-metre prototype, Chase Zero, could be seen foiling around the Waitematā harbour in Auckland.

INEOS Britannia intends to launch its chase boat, which is currently being built in China, this spring.

The school materials, now being developed by the team thanks to INEOS’ Community Fund, will tie in nicely with UK schools’ physics curriculum.

INEOS believes hydrogen could play a major role in decarbonising the maritime industry, which is responsible for about 3% of global CO2 emissions.

To highlight the importance of hydrogen, which emits zero carbon emissions, INEOS also plans to host a Fuels of the Future event when the boat is launched in Barcelona.

The Spanish city, which is home to about 1.6 million, is expected to welcome thousands more when it stages the 37th America’s Cup later this year.
The first race will be on August 29.

Five teams will be competing for yachting’s most coveted trophy, including The Defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand, and The Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia.

5 million miles every day

TEACHERS are running out of ways to describe how The Daily Mile has helped to improve their children's happiness, fitness, behaviour and ability to concentrate in class. Many say the 15-minute break from lessons is now a crucial part of the school day.

“I believe in establishing habits for life,” said Marianne Wheeler, a Mental Health Lead at Crabtree Junior School in Hertfordshire. “The Daily Mile is a simple routine for our children at school, but it might be the foundation for a lifetime of staying active.”

As INCH went to press, it emerged that almost five million children from 96 countries now regularly run, wheel, or walk The Daily Mile.

England is top of the league with 8,357 schools signed up, representing 47% of primary schools. Scotland, where it all started, has 1,348 schools on board, representing 53% of primary schools.

Gordon Banks, Global Director of The Daily Mile Foundation, recently visited two UK schools during Children’s Mental Health Week.

“We know that children, who are physically active on a regular basis, have better mental health,” he said.

“But with one in five children and young people having a probable mental health condition, which many will take into their adult lives, it is essential that we act now to ensure that every child can enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity.”

25 years in the making

In 25 years INEOS has become one of the world’s leading companies and it has been achieved through grit, rigour and humour.

It has been quite a journey, but INEOS’ owners have no intention of pausing for breath any time soon. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, John Reece and Andy Currie still have much to achieve to even contemplate retirement.

“Twenty five years have gone by in the blink of an eye,” said Jim, who founded the business in 1998. “But we have a thirst for challenges that will not go away and I think we are going to grow by another 50 to 100% in the next five years.”

INEOS’ remarkable journey started in 1998 in Belgium when Jim bought the freehold to a former BP-owned site in Antwerp.

Since then the company – under Jim, John and Andy’s leadership – has grown from that one site in Antwerp to become one of the world’s largest companies with annual sales of $68 billion and employing more than 26,000 people in 31 countries.

All three shared a vision – and a similar mindset - and saw opportunities where others didn’t.
And that’s the way they have run the business ever since.

I don’t think we have ever had a five-year strategic plan,” said John.

Instead, they have created a place where ideas flow freely, creativity is given space to flourish, challenges are faced, not feared, and the word ‘can’t’ simply doesn’t exist.

Steph McGovern, who now has her own UK chat show, is a former BBC business reporter.

“Nothing much surprises me in the business world anymore, but INEOS does,” she said. “It continues
to push boundaries of what a global business with petrochemicals at its core can do.”

She is one of the seven authors chosen to comment on the success of INEOS in a new book, entitled Grit, Rigour & Humour: The INEOS story, published in July to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary.

Those three core values – grit, rigour and humour – are firmly embedded in all of INEOS’ 36 businesses and have helped to secure 177 deals over the past 25 years.

“Grit is an essential quality in a business that can be challenging,” said Jim. “And rigour is the opposite of winging it.”

Humour speaks for itself.

In the beginning, Jim, John and Andy focused on growing the business by acquiring unpopular and unwanted assets from the likes of BP and ICI.

“They were not particularly expensive because there weren’t that many people chasing them,” said Jim.
The biggest acquisition came in 2005 when INEOS raised $9 billion in 30 days to buy Innovene from BP.
“It was massively transformational for the company,” said Andy.

Overnight INEOS became the fourth largest chemical company in the world.

Although petrochemicals remain INEOS’ core business – and its products continue to make the modern world possible – it has ventured into the world of sport, fashion, consumer goods, conservation and cars.
It has also devoted more and more time – and money – to help tackle obesity in children, child poverty and address anti microbial resistance, which is rendering antibiotics ineffective.

Not only that, but in 2008 it survived the biggest financial crisis since The Great Depression and five years later, a bitter industrial dispute that threatened to close down Scotland’s biggest manufacturing employer.
“It is hard to think of a British company that has achieved so much in a quarter of a century,” said Mark Killick, a former BBC producer who has worked closely with INEOS for many years.

Although INEOS has every reason to be proud of all that it has achieved over the past 25 years, it doesn’t dwell on the past.

Today, it is well aware that it operates in a very different world to 1998.

It’s a world that is now demanding change from energy-intensive companies to help avert the worst effects of climate change.

INEOS has a plan. A plan to drastically cut CO2 emissions. A plan to prevent significant tonnes of plastic ending up in landfill. And a plan through its energy business, to keep the lights on today whilst making the transition to low carbon energy for tomorrow.

And much of it is already being implemented.

“INEOS forces you to think differently, to be flexible, and straightforward and work beyond conventions,” said Dr Anne-Gret Iturriaga-Abarzua, head of corporate communications at INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe North in Köln, Germany.

The future is no place for the faint-hearted or those lacking vision. Thankfully, those people simply don’t exist in INEOS.

The alchemy of INEOS

Who would have thought that three schoolboys from some of the poorest towns and cities in the UK would one day be running an industrial giant with 182 sites, spanning 31 countries.

But Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who grew up in a council house in Failsworth, John Reece and Andy Currie were no ordinary schoolboys. Even as children, they were encouraged by their parents and teachers to seize every opportunity and make the most of their God-given talents.

And over the past 25 years, they have, by thinking differently, trusting their instincts and doing their homework. But while the three may be at the helm, beneath them is an ocean of employees bursting with talent, passion and a sense of purpose.

In fact, extraordinary people are commonplace at INEOS. “The company is packed to the rafters with truly brilliant minds,” said Sean Keach, a leading technology journalist. “There is so much knowledge and expertise within INEOS that it seems almost any task is surmountable.”

That’s how INEOS sees it too: Remarkable people coupled with big questions result in extraordinary outcomes.

The big deals

Over the past 25 years, frontiers have been reached and breached by INEOS. It has shown the world that it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. INEOS staff love a challenge.

Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Andy Currie and John Reece knew life would never be the same after they bought BP’s chemical assets in 2005.

For that monumental deal, which saw them raise $9 billion in 30 days, has perhaps been the catalyst for every challenge that INEOS has taken on. For INEOS doesn’t ask ‘why?’ It asks ‘why not?’ And time and time again, it proves that nothing is impossible.

The Innovene Deal

Overnight INEOS became the fourth largest chemical company in the world

The Innovene deal propelled INEOS into the super league of global petrochemical companies. It was an extraordinary move and took a lot of people by surprise.

As deals go, they don’t come much bigger – or better – than INEOS’ decision to buy BP’s global chemicals business in 2005. The big conglomerates, like BP, were fed up with petrochemicals and wanted out so they could focus on oil and gas where the money was. BP had planned to float Innovene on the New York Stock Market, but INEOS’ co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Andy Currie and John Reece convinced BP to sell it to them instead. In just 30 days, three banks agreed to loan $9 billion despite the fact that INEOS had not visited any of the sites.

“I do remember that we had to speak to the Bank of England before we sent the $9 billion across to BP because $9 billion is a big number,” said John. Brian Gilvary, now Chairman of INEOS Energy, worked for BP at the time of the deal.

“It was an extraordinary move,” he said. “It took a lot of people by surprise.” John McNally was also working for BP and has not looked back since INEOS acquired his old business.

“It really got lost in BP as to who actually made the decisions,” he said.

“With INEOS, there is no flapping about. You talk to the owners and get a decision back. I love that. I have always loved that.”
Looking back, Jim said it was a deal INEOS should never have ben able to secure, given the fact that Innovene was three times the size of INEOS.

“It would never happen in a million years any more because you just wouldn’t get three banks to stump up $3 billion a piece on their own balance sheet,” he said.

The deal, though, was transformational, propelling INEOS into the super league of global, petrochemical companies. “It was Jonah swallowing the whale,” said Tom Crotty, INEOS’ Communications Director. “It really was just unheard of in the industry.”

Oil & gas

It was the most significant investment in manufacturing in a decade.

INEOS found a new platform for doing business in 2015 – out in the North Sea. As the oil and gas companies began selling up amid rising costs and plummeting profits, INEOS sought to acquire the unwanted assets.

“Years ago, we picked up some really nice assets because petrochemicals were becoming unpopular and unfashionable,” said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS founder.

“The same is true today of oil and gas because it has got a CO2 footprint.

“But the planet cannot live without oil and gas, certainly for another 30 or 40 years. The world currently needs 100 million barrels of oil a day.”
Initially INEOS bought all of the UK North Sea gas fields owned by the DEA Group. A few days later Fairfield Holdings Ltd sold its 25% interest in the Clipper South platform to INEOS.

In 2017, INEOS bought all the North Sea oil and gas assets from DONG Energy the Danish Oil and Natural Gas company. In a separate deal with BP it also acquired the 235 mile Forties Pipeline System (FPS), which delivers 40% of the UKs oil and gas to the mainland.

They were landmark acquisitions and steered the company into new, exciting territory.

The deal with DONG Energy, which said it wanted to focus on renewables, also cemented INEOS’ position as one of the top 10 biggest oil and gas producers in the region at the time – and led to the creation of INEOS Energy.

“INEOS Energy incorporates all of the existing INEOS Oil & Gas assets and will also enable us to become a powerful force in the coming energy transition,” said Brian Gilvary, a retired BP executive who became chairman of INEOS Energy.

The dragon ships

Some felt it wasn’t viable to transport liquefied ethane across the Atlantic.

The arrival of ships carrying US ethane gas signalled the start of a renaissance for INEOS’ struggling gas crackers in Europe. Other companies had felt it simply wasn’t viable to transport huge quantities of liquefied ethane across the Atlantic. But INEOS saw an opportunity and dared to think the unthinkable.

Others are now doing it, but INEOS was first. “We were pioneers,” said David Thompson, the man tasked with overseeing the project.
“We were involved in the pipelines, the fractionation, the terminals, the infrastructure and the ships.

We had to do it all.” The UK’s Chemical Industries Association described the project as the most significant investment in manufacturing in a decade.
It took five years to come to fruition, spanned three continents, involved thousands of people, cost $2 billion and saved 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Scotland.

“It was a truly global collaboration and one of the biggest engineering projects in the world,” said David.

Today, INEOS’ growing fleet of multi-gas ships – the likes of which the world had never seen before – regularly transport America’s competitively-priced ethane to Europe.

“I believe that INEOS is one of very few companies in the world that could have successfully pulled this off,” said INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

The Grenadier

Industry insiders said it couldn't be done. Chemical companies don't build cars.

SOME of INEOS’ best ideas have surfaced in the pub. And so it was with INEOS’ 4x4 off-roader – conceived over a gin and tonic at The Grenadier pub close to the company’s London HQ. Industry insiders said it couldn’t be done. Chemical companies just don’t build cars from scratch. But INEOS does not worry about what others think and the proof – The Grenadier – is now on sale.

“My respect for what has been done at INEOS is just boundless,” said Quentin Wilson, an award-winning motor journalist who presented Top Gear for a decade.

“And I think everybody in the industry, if they’re being honest, would say it’s impressive.”

The story of the INEOS Grenadier may be unprecedented.

But it was an opportunity to raise the bar that INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe simply couldn’t resist.

Why shouldn’t INEOS build a spiritual successor to the Land Rover Defender, one of the most iconic 4x4s on the planet?

As he walked out of the pub that night, the wheels were already in motion.

INEOS Sport

2023 - INEOS to acquire 25% of Manchester United Football Club. The company already owns 100% OGC Nice, French Ligue One club, 100% FC Lausanne-Sport, the Swiss Super League club and has a partnership with Racing Club Abidjan of Ivory Coast Ligue One.

IT’S not just in business where INEOS excels. It has also been leading from the front – and challenging assumptions – in the world of sport. And not just one sport. Today, INEOS competes on the road, the pitch, the track and the water, helping its team of world-class athletes – be they in running, cycling, rugby, football, Formula One or sailing – achieve extraordinary things.

For INEOS, which announced a deal with Manchester United as INCH went to press, it all makes perfect sense. “It really does help if you’re talking to senior people in China or the Middle East because they have got a view of INEOS in some form,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“Others may spend it on TV advertising, but we have taken a slightly different approach.”

Initially, INEOS started small by investing in community grassroots sports.

“It was one of the fun jobs I had after INEOS moved its headquarters to Switzerland,” said David Thompson, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Asia, who was Director of Lausanne Hockey Club 2016 - 2021 and President of Lausanne Sport 2017 - 2019.

“I was asked to build relationships with the local community.”

Since that investment in Lausanne Hockey Club in 2010, INEOS has been forging partnerships with some of the very best teams in the world.
But, as with everything INEOS does, it has done – and will continue to do – things differently.

All its teams – under the guidance of Sir Dave Brailsford – work on common performance issues by sharing knowledge and best practice.

That’s why the F1 team uses technology, which keeps the car on the ground, to make INEOS Team UK’s boat fly, and the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team advises the sailing team on nutrition.

Clark Laidlaw, the All Blacks Sevens’ head coach, recently described the performance partnership with INEOS as unique.

“It gives us the ability to learn from some of the world’s highest performing teams across a range of sports,” he said.

The big issues

Challenges are inevitable and INEOS has faced many during the past 25 years. But two major events rocked INEOS to the core - the 2008 financial crisis and a bitter industrial dispute in Scotland in 2013.

The financial crisis was the worst since The Great Depression and, for INEOS, remains the darkest moment in the company’s history as it appealed for calm among its investors. And the Grangemouth dispute almost ended with the closure of the loss-making gas cracker.

INEOS not only survived both, but it emerged stronger as a result. INEOS decided to meet regularly with its investors and investment in the Grangemouth site triggered a renaissance, bringing shale gas to Scotland.

In 2008 the world was facing the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression. And INEOS was caught up in the storm as it spread like wildfire across the Atlantic. Three years earlier John Reece, Andy Currie and Sir Jim Ratcliffe had pulled off the deal of the century after borrowing $9 billion to buy BP’s massive chemicals business. But now the banks were on the verge of freezing INEOS out. “It was definitely the darkest moment in our history,” said John.

INEOS met with its lenders and successfully agreed a temporary waiver of the covenant with banks in return for offering to pay higher interest rates on its loans.

But it was an uncomfortable and difficult meeting. What it did do, though, was open INEOS’ eyes on the need to change.
For years Jim, John and Andy had been solely focused on growing the business and had not invested any time in investor relations.
“We realised that when we did have a problem, we didn’t have any friends,” said Jim.

They left that meeting, determined to host an investor day once a year.

And they have done ever since. “In those days, the investors never really understood us, but now we do our best to explain the different businesses,” said John.

“It means when we do go and ask for finance, they are up to speed with what INEOS is about and it’s just about the transaction.” 

Workers' dispute at Grangemouth

A BITTER industrial dispute engulfed the Grangemouth site in Scotland in 2013. INEOS said it was prepared to invest £300 million as part of a survival plan to bring in much-needed shale gas from the US – if it could bring down costs at the loss-making site.

Grangemouth had not performed well since the 2008 crisis and was being propped up by other businesses in the INEOS group.

“We couldn’t keep funding these losses forever,” said John Reece.

When staff rejected the company’s offer, INEOS announced it intended to close down the gas cracker, which had been processing oil and gas from the North Sea for more than 50 years.

“We knew it was a political hot potato, but we were all set to do it,” said John. “It wasn’t a bluff.”

The move stunned the union, which went on to accept all the changes needed to secure the £300 million investment.

“I was quite surprised at the speed of the u-turn,” said Declan Sealy, Business Director INEOS Acetyls. “It was extraordinary.”

Today, the site, once on the verge of extinction, has undergone a renaissance.

And the huge gas tank, which was built to store US shale gas, now stands as a symbol of hope.

The big question

A vocal minority would say yes; we say no, because our quality of life depends on it. Without oil and gas, everything that society has come to rely upon would simply disappear. iPads, iPhones, clothes, cars, medicines, shampoo, paints, fertilisers and toys to name but a few. Life, as we all know it, simply would not exist.

Many are aware that oil and gas allow us to heat our homes and offices, cook food and get from A to B. But how many are aware that oil and gas are also essential raw materials to the chemical industry? And that the chemical industry uses the molecules found in gas to make the wide range of products that underpin modern society?

We can not live without gas and oil. It is an essential part of our daily lives and is likely to remain so for decades to come, even as we transition to net zero by 2050.

Can we live without oil and gas?

FOSSIL fuels are feeling the heat like never before. Protests across the world are getting noisier with the likes of Just Stop Oil warning that new gas and oil will ‘hasten the collapse of human civilisation’. They paint a frightening scenario. But INEOS – one of the many companies targeted due to its reliance on gas and oil – believes education is the key to changing mindsets.

INEOS Energy’s executive chairman, Brian Gilvary, said there needed to be an open and honest debate with the public about energy, particularly around gas and oil.

“Today, oil and gas serves a need,” he said. “And the world can't live without it, frankly, tomorrow.

“If we just stopped oil and turned off new developments of oil and gas, we would leave big swathes of the world in energy poverty. That’s what the world needs to know.

“It’s not about turning oil and gas off. It’s about decarbonising it, otherwise there is no hope of us keeping temperatures well below two degrees.”

The chemical and oil and gas industries are inextricably linked.

INEOS, which runs its own oil and gas business, also uses huge amounts of oil and gas to run its chemical manufacturing plants.
That can change, and it is changing with INEOS investing millions to source its energy from wind and solar farms.

But the chemical industry also uses gas and oil as a raw material, turning the likes of ethane gas into ethylene – the building block for everything from clothing and medicines to electronics and cars.

“It’s not possible to replace it all with bio-based,” said Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ global head of climate, energy and innovation. “It’s not possible to replace it all with renewables.”

Many of INEOS’ products, which are made from gas and oil, are also used to build wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable technologies.

“We’re a company that makes so many things,” she said. “We’re everywhere. You will not see the INEOS name on your toothpaste, but it’s in there. If you have a headache, even aspirin.

“These protesters, who glue themselves to the walls, need the chemicals in the glue. If you want to dissolve that glue, it’s solvent from the chemical industry too. That’s the absurdity of things.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, INEOS was deemed an essential industry and became part of the fabric that kept society running. Not only face masks but it was even essential for the production of the vaccine.

Tom Crotty, INEOS Group’s communications director, said demand for INEOS’ health and hygiene products was unprecedented.
“We had never experienced anything like it,” he said. Production was ramped up at INEOS' sites to cope with the global demand for chemicals to slow the spread of the disease and help treat those infected.

It diverted resources away from non-essential work at sites in America, mainland Europe and the UK to keep the flow of essential chemicals to those making vital medical materials, disinfectants and equipment.

And it built three new hand sanitiser plants within 10 days to directly produce, bottle and distribute millions of bottles a month of hand sanitiser to hospitals free of charge.

INEOS is not blind to the massive challenges that are facing the world.

But there is huge optimism in the business.

“I think this fourth energy transition is going to be the most exciting of them all,” said Brian, who joined INEOS after being tempted out of retirement.

“We are seeing technologies advance at such a rate that I think we will one day see energy sources interlinked with each other.”
The former BP finance director said one of the big issues was that very few governments around the world had joined-up integrated energy policies.

“China does because it is a big buyer of energy and doesn’t have the same energy resources that others have,” he said. “That is why they are developing wind farms as well as firing up old coal plants.

“They recognise that they need energy across the mix and they recognise it's going to take solutions based on all energy sources.”
He said that was also the reason China’s net zero target was 2060 – not 2050.

Brian said what the world needed to do was tackle the CO2 – the gas widely blamed for climate change.

“You can grow an oil business provided you have a viable carbon capture business alongside it,” he said.

INEOS now does.

Earlier this year, it launched the world's first cross boarder off shore carbon capture project in Denmark.

Project Greensand is a world first and, once fully operational, could be able to permanently store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 under the seabed every year.

But INEOS’ ambitions don’t end there.

It is investing heavily in the circular economy to ensure its products are recyclable so that plastic can be made from plastic instead of hydrocarbons.

And it has created a new business to help build an economy fuelled by hydrogen, which produces zero emissions when used as a fuel.
“We cannot flick a switch and do all this overnight,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “It requires investment and it all takes time.”
Elfie Méchaussie, who studied chemical engineering, is a carbon and environment specialist at INEOS O&P Europe’s business in Switzerland.

“INEOS has a role to play, and by working on the inside, this is where I can make a difference,” she said.

She is part of INEOS’ young climate and energy network group, which has been tasked with finding answers to some of the biggest challenges facing mankind.

It’s a daunting brief, but INEOS’ yCEN members are excited at the difference they can make.

“That’s why I work for a petrochemical company,” she said.

We need an open and honest debate with the public about energy because oil and gas serve a need - Brian Gilvary

The world depends on oil and gas – and will do for many decades to come.

To INEOS, oil and gas are valuable raw materials.

Materials we use to make essential products that touch every aspect of modern day life.

The question is: can society function without them?

A sustainable future

It may seem counter intuitive for the chemical industry to be at the forefront of sustainability. But sustainability – and the drive to net zero – are at the heart of INEOS’ strategy.

“Tackling climate change will be impossible without the chemical industry because we provide building blocks that will help provide solutions for the future,” said Hans Casier, CEO INEOS Phenol.

INEOS knows that transitioning to net zero by 2050 will not be an easy journey for a society that relies heavily on the earth’s precious resources.

But it has been making – and continues to make – huge strides so it can continue to provide modern society with what it needs as it continues to grow.

How we are reducing our impact on the planet

INEOS is committed to net zero by 2050 (2045 in Scotland and Germany) which is why it has drawn up roadmaps to
help it to understand and plan the route ahead.

The routes may differ, but their end goal is the same: to cut CO2 emissions and remain in business, providing essential products for society.

“The targets are based on input from each business because we know that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work,” said Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ global head of energy and innovation.

“That said, we have pockets of excellence so we can share best practice.”

To achieve these ambitious, but achievable goals, INEOS has identified a number of key areas where emissions can be reduced, whilst still remaining profitable and ahead of evolving regulations.

Switching the fuel it uses to power its operations is a big one.

And INEOS has already started to do that by investing in renewable energy from wind and solar farms.

But it’s just the start.

It is helping to push the circular economy, where nothing is wasted, by introducing new products made from waste and bio-based materials instead of gas and oil.

It is focused on making sure that everything it does is done safely and efficiently, and replacing old plants with more efficient, new plants.

And it is heavily invested in carbon capture and storage projects, which will safely and permanently store CO2 emissions from industries.

“I am confident that INEOS will be a big part of the solution for the green transition,” said Geir Tuft, CEO INEOS Inovyn.
“But it will require changes that we, as consumers, have to do in our everyday lives as well. This is a journey that not just companies, like INEOS Inovyn, are on. Society is on it too.”

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said INEOS was ‘fully committed’ to playing a key role in the transition to net zero.
“We plan to spend over €6 billion to back our plans and intend to hold all our businesses accountable for delivering these roadmaps,” he said.

But he said net zero would only be achieved if governments, industry and the general public worked together.
At INEOS, doing well by doing good not only drives innovation.

It also matters to its employees, customers and investors all over the world.

“Sustainability is fundamental to how we do business,” said Tobias Hannemann, CEO of INEOS Oxide.

What is key, though, to INEOS’ continued success is its entrepreneurial foundation.

“INEOS has managed to foster a culture where anything is possible, where ownership is for everyone and where change is to be embraced,” said Alison Mills, HR Director INEOS Acetyls and Nitriles.

Project ONE

INEOS plans to build the greenest cracker in Europe, and possibly even the world. It is known as Project ONE and is the largest investment in the European chemical sector for a generation. CEO John McNally said the final bill was likely to be about $4 billion.
The new ethane cracker will not only be built using the very best of today’s technology and have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe, but it will also force others to replace their ageing European assets or shut them down.

“We are hoping it will help revitalize the whole of the European chemical industry,” said Jason Meers, CFO INEOS Project ONE.
In the past, INEOS has grown through acquiring the unloved assets of other companies.

“This is a new chapter for INEOS, because it is the first time we have built a bespoke asset to our demand and needs,” said John.
Construction has already begun in the Port of Antwerp with INEOS hoping the plant will start operating at the end of 2026.

The importance of this investment is not lost on INEOS’ youngest employees.

Robin Stichelbaut, 25, is part of Project ONE’s procurement team – and joined INEOS about two years ago.

“After I finished studying, I was determined to find a job where I could make a difference in the chemical industry,” he said. “INEOS is the one company that offered me the chance to do that.”

He described Project ONE as a game changer for the chemical industry.

“I have been given a unique opportunity to be involved in a project that will help the chemical industry in my home town Antwerp to become sustainable and eventually move towards climate neutrality by investing in the most innovative techniques,” he said.

Dries De Keyser, 23, is one of five Belgian process operators currently being trained in Köln, Germany, to become experts in the cracking process.

“The fact that I will be able to make an impact and influence the entire chemical industry in Europe is a huge opportunity,” he said.

The plant will be built using the very best of today’s technology – with one eye on the future.

“It is being designed in such a way that we can integrate other technologies as soon as they become available,” said John.

That will include capturing and storing CO2 and using 100% hydrogen as a fuel.

Last year INEOS Olefins Belgium became the first industrial company to sign an agreement with Fluxys to take part in a feasibility study for the development of an ‘open access’ hydrogen network in the Port of Antwerp.

Project ONE could become one of Fluxys’ largest customers.

“From day one we will be able to meet 60% of the heat demand with the high volumes of hydrogen from our cracking process,” said Ralf Gesthuisen, Technology Manager.

“If we gain access to more low-carbon hydrogen in the future, we can increase this to 100% and bring the emissions of Project ONE to net zero.”

Fluxys’ business director, Raphaël De Winter, said the Belgian-based company was committed to developing a ‘well-functioning’ market for hydrogen quickly.

“It is going to require an open access grid to which everyone can connect on an equal footing so that supply and demand can find each other smoothly,” she said.

“The interest shown by INEOS Olefins Belgium is an important step in the development of the infrastructure needed by industry.”

INEOS’ decision to build a new cracker in Europe was hailed as ground-breaking when founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced the news at a press conference in 2019.

For decades no one has invested such a significant amount in the European chemical industry, opting for the US, China and other parts of Asia instead.

It is hoped Project ONE will help to reverse that trend and the decline.

The ethane cracker, much of which will be designed, built and transported by ship to the site in separate parts, will convert the odourless and colourless ethane gas into ethylene – one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and essential for a wide range of products, including clothing and medicines.

“Ethylene touches every part of our life,” said John. “The products that we use day-to-day in our house, like the insulation in our walls to the tap water that comes through pipes made from polyethylene.”

During its construction, about 3,000 will be working for INEOS. Once operational, it will employ 450 full-time staff.

The plant will emit less than half of the CO2 emissions of the cleanest crackers in Europe.

“Project ONE is unique,” said Michel Machielsen, Cracker Operations Representative – Project ONE. “Many of these projects are being built on another continent but INEOS wants to achieve this in Europe, which means that the project must meet much stricter requirements.”

He added: “It is a bold move but completely in line with what we want in terms of sustainability and climate goals.”

Joy Donne, CEO Flanders Investment & Trade, described Project ONE as an exceptional project, which had won the 2020 Exceptional Investment of the Year Trophy. “It is a trend-setter,” he said.

Project Greensand

INEOS has helped to prove to the world that CO2 can be safely captured and permanently stored under the seabed. The successful trial, which saw CO2 captured from the INEOS Oxide plant in Antwerp Belgium, compressed and shipped 500km, cross border, to the company's Nini offshore oil platform in the Danish North Sea, was hailed as a big moment for Europe’s transition to a greener economy.

“You have shown that it can be done,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

“You have shown that we can grow our industry through innovation and competition, and at the same time, remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, through ingenuity and cooperation.”

There to witness this historic moment was Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik, INEOS Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Hugo Dijkgraaf, Chief Technology Officer at Wintershall Dea which, along with INEOS, headed the consortium of 23 organisations involved in Project Greensand.

“This project proves that carbon capture and storage is a viable way to permanently store CO2 emissions under the North Sea,” said Hugo.

After being shipped to the Nini platform, the liquefied gas was injected, via an existing well, into a discontinued reservoir more than a mile below the seabed.

“There is no way we could have failed on this,” said Anne Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping which transported the CO2 to INEOS’ North Sea rig.

And the reason is simple.

For carbon capture and storage is seen as critically important to help decarbonise the world’s energy and tackle climate change.

The consortium of 23 partners is jointly led by INEOS, which has been collecting and storing the waste CO2 at its Oxide plant for the past 10 years.

Project Greensand, as it is known due to the type of sandstone under the seabed, is the first full value chain exercise, capturing the CO2 gas from plants, liquefying it, shipping it out to sea before injecting it into empty oil wells.

And it is being done purely to protect the environment.

“All the parts of the process had been developed and worked well in isolation,” said David Bucknall, CEO of INEOS Energy.

“Connecting the parts and building the infrastructure was the challenge.”

The plan now – following the successful trial – is to start operating commercially in 2025.

Once fully operational, it will be able to store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 every year.

Although there are no economic incentives to what INEOS is doing, there is immense pride within the company at being involved in such a ground-breaking project.

Mads Weng Gade, CCO, Head of INEOS Energy Denmark, described it as a fantastic milestone in the fight against climate change.

“I have been looking forward to this day for a very long time,” he said. “We have all shown true, pioneering spirit and worked hard to achieve this.”

Many critics have argued that carbon capture and storage is unscalable, expensive and energy-intensive.

But David, a former BP executive, said the project was based on proven technologies.

“The pilot and development phases are about making them work together effectively,” he said.

In December, the INEOS-led project received £22 million from the Danish government – the largest single grant ever awarded in Denmark.

“Denmark has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world and sees carbon capture storage as one of the steps needed to reach its goals,” said David. “This project will contribute significantly to Denmark's carbon reduction targets.”

The project will also secure highly-skilled jobs. “It makes sense for the oil and gas industry to drive this new industry because they have many years of experience in this field,” said Mads.

“We will be using the same infrastructure, the same geology and the same people who have detailed knowledge of these reservoirs.”

Instead of dismantling oil rigs, they can be repurposed.

Instead of gas flowing out, the process will simply be reversed to allow carbon dioxide to flow into the wells.

INEOS’ long-term goal is to build a fleet of ships and CO2 storage facilities on land and a terminal so that the ships can dock, load the CO2 into containers and then sail out to the rig.

“We anticipate Greensand to be competitive commercially once a commercial market for CO2 is up and running,” said David. 

Hydrogen fuel

A NET zero economy by 2050 will be impossible without hydrogen. That’s why INEOS is planning significant investment to help develop a world run on hydrogen, a gas which produces zero emissions when burned as a fuel. Its hydrogen business has just one aim: to cut CO2 emissions.

That business is now building the first, large-scale green hydrogen plant in Rafnes, Norway.

“Green hydrogen represents one of our best chances to create a more sustainable and low carbon world,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“Europe is crying out for more investment in green hydrogen and we are determined to play a leading role in this important new fuel.”

The Norwegian plant will help to support the country’s drive to save more greenhouse gases than it generates by 2040.

Plants could also be built in Germany and Belgium, with further investment planned in the UK and France.

Sean Keach is a British journalist who specialises in technology and science.

“INEOS has a firm deadline, and bold plans to remain commercially viable while vastly minimising its harm to the planet,” he said.

“That’s no small feat for a company specialising in energy and petrochemicals. But the good news is that it looks like INEOS can do the job.”

Renewable energy

A WIND of change has been sweeping through INEOS and it’s powered by the need to reduce its dependence on oil and gas to fuel its plants – and cut CO2 emissions. INEOS O&P Europe, Styrolution and INEOS Inovyn are all now using electricity, generated by the wind, thanks to long-term deals with Eneco, ENGIE and RWE.

Earlier this year, INEOS O&P Europe signed a further deal – this time with Skagerak Energitjenester – to use 100% green energy at its Rafnes and Bamble plants in Norway.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a solar farm, covering 2,400 acres, is being built in Houston, Texas, purely for INEOS O&P USA’s benefit.

The INEOS Hickerson Solar Farm’s 800,000 panels are expected to produce 730,000 megawatt hours of clean energy every year.

The farm will be operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from wind and sun.

“We commend INEOS for taking a leading role in decarbonising the petrochemical industry,” said Matt Handel, senior vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources.

Making a difference matters to INEOS

MAKING a difference matters to INEOS. But that view extends far beyond the workplace. “When a company gets to a certain size, it has got the capacity to do some good in the world,” said INEOS Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “And that is what we are trying to do. Something meaningful that fits with our character.”

Over the years INEOS has sought to make a difference to young people’s lives through The Daily Mile, and more recently, the Ineos Oxford Institute and The Forgotten 40. It has been investing in projects to help save the Atlantic salmon from extinction and create sustainable jobs in Tanzania – an area of immense natural beauty plagued by poachers. And it has been drawn to help like-minded souls, with a spirit of adventure, to achieve their goals.

INEOS believes that companies should contribute to the wider society, either through funding or expertise. Over the years INEOS has offered – and continues to offer – both.

Making a difference to communities

POACHING was all 13-year-old Anderson Mgesi had known. Hunting birds and small antelope was an easy and quick way to earn money to help support his mother and father and eight siblings. Today, though, he is helping to put an end to poaching in Usangu, a vast unspoilt wilderness that is home to elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards.

It is where he now works as a guide, ferrying tourists to see the incredible wildlife in this part of the Ruaha National Park – and the birds are among his favourite.

“Anderson is now one of the top guides in our business in southern Tanzania,” said Brandon Kemp, Country Director Tanzania for Asilia Africa. “I am so proud of him.”

Among those who have benefited from his wisdom and knowledge of the area is INEOS’ Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Over the past six years Jim has been instrumental in helping Asilia Africa change the face of tourism in southern Tanzania to save wildlife threatened by poachers.

And together they are making a difference.

“We now have one of the greatest new wilderness areas for tourism in Africa,” said Brandon.

Since the opening of a new expedition and research camp – again funded by Jim – the number of poachers in the uncharted Usangu wetlands has decreased.

“We just need to keep it up,” said Anderson.

Working at Usangu camp – 180 miles from his family’s home in Tungamalenga – means a lot to Anderson.

For the wetland is where his grandfather lived and his father was born.

“I remember my grandfather telling me how he would often walk long distances in search of salt and food,” said Anderson. “Now I am walking those same paths, guiding tourists.”

The only way into Ruaha National Park used to be on foot, which made it difficult to protect the animals from poachers.
Now there is a 30-mile road to Jim’s research camp in Usangu, which Anderson and 11 others built by hand in two months.

It was during the road’s construction that they encountered a leopard which had breached the perimeter of their temporary camp in search of food.

“We managed to chase it out of our campsite before it became dangerous,” said Anderson.

It was during the construction of the road that Anderson began studying English and started to download inspiring speeches made by former US president Barack Obama.

“I spent a lot of time coaching him because he was so dedicated,” said Brandon.

Anderson had initially worked as an odd-job man at Jabali Ridge – the place where Sir Jim’s joint venture with Asilia began.

“Together, we have made the largest commitment to southern Tanzania of any safari company,” said Brandon.

“And this commitment is crucial because these huge wilderness areas receive only a fraction of the visitors (and revenue) of the more famous northern parks such as the Serengeti and Tarangire.”

So far, Sir Jim has contributed more than $1.5 million in Usangu alone – and also brought in a helicopter which has been a game-changer in the fight against poaching.

“Southern Tanzania is an amazing place, but it is under threat,” he said. “The creation of a sustainable and ecologically friendly safari tourism business will both protect the wildlife and help the people of this amazing region by creating lasting jobs.”

And to Brandon and Sir Jim, that is people like Anderson.

Making a difference to young people’s lives

INEOS adopts radical approach to age-old problem.

CHILDREN worn down by poverty and lack of opportunity are starting to shine – and headteachers in the UK believe INEOS’ radical approach to tackling child poverty is at the heart of it. INEOS had launched its Forgotten 40 initiative, believing it would make a difference to those most in need. But it was just a hunch.

Today, the impact of the company’s £20,000 annual gift to each of the 100 schools serving the most deprived areas in the UK is paying dividends.

“The impact that the INEOS funding has had on our children and their families is beyond words,” said Claire Higgins, headteacher of Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Birkenhead on The Wirral.

“It has enabled us to provide the most amazing opportunities and experiences for our children that our school budget would simply not enable us to do.”

The hope is that a mind stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions. That’s certainly what the late American physician Oliver Wendell Holmes believed; INEOS does too.

Over the past 18 months, schools have used INEOS’ money to take children on trips to the zoo, the beach, the park, the Lake District, and the theatre – all places they have never been. They have also invested in food banks, cookery classes for parents, and therapy dogs.
Although INEOS is funding the initiative, it has put its trust in five retired teachers who regularly liaise with each headteacher.

Brian Padgett, a former deputy head who also spent 15 years as an Ofsted inspector, is part of the Forgotten 40 team.

“From the late 1970s, successive UK governments of all shades have blamed teachers and schools for the underachievement of children and young people from poor backgrounds,” he said.

“But they have wilfully ignored all the challenges stacked up against the children, their parents and their local communities.

“If INEOS’ intervention works, the evidence from its success may influence policymakers at a national level to re-invest in the ‘local’, with headteachers given powers to direct resources according to local need.”

All INEOS’ headteachers face similar problems. One school in the most deprived council estate in the whole of the Rhondda Valley in Wales recently bought a bed and some bedding for a child, who was so grateful she knocked on headteacher Andrew Williams’ door to say thank you.

“When that sort of thing happens, you know that the INEOS gift is being used in the best possible way,” he said.

Teachers are trusted to spend the money where it is really needed.

“What your supporters have to understand is the power you have given school leaders to make a real difference where it really matters,” said Louise Hill, headteacher of Grimes Dyke Primary in Leeds.

“We do have government funding, but it is tied up in red tape, every penny has to be accounted for, and it is linked to academic achievement.

“The money we have received from the Forgotten 40 project has been a breath of fresh air. It is amazing to be trusted as a headteacher to know what is right for my children and their families.” 

Making a difference to individuals

Extreme adventure taught Abi a valuable lesson.

LIFE is full of ups and downs. But since Abi Longhurst returned from the harsh Namibian wilderness, she no longer views that as a bad thing. Nor does she waste valuable effort fretting about what could go wrong. Instead, she has learned to embrace both, thanks to INEOS’ unique IN-NAM desert challenge.

The 320km bike, run and hike through the Namibian desert is billed by INEOS as a life-changing adventure – and the difference it has made to Abi’s life is testament to that.

“The lows made the highs all that more special,” she said. ”For me, IN-NAM was just the beginning. I am now looking forward to more challenges and the highs – and lows – that come with them. The extremes are what make life more engaging and exciting.”
Abi, who is 31, is a process engineer in the asset team supporting the Kinneil Terminal in Grangemouth, Scotland.

The team ensures the plant continues to operate efficiently and safely.

The IN-NAM challenge was launched in 2017.

Each spring INEOS’ third year graduates are offered the chance to find their limits and smash them.

The company believes that by doing that, they will achieve their true potential. It’s all about mindset.

“It is a real test of character and a real adventure,” said Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “It is something very, very different and INEOS is sort of different. We need people in our company who have got a bit of grit and determination and a bit of character.”

Abi will never forget the six days she spent running, hiking and biking across the world’s oldest desert, nor the feeling of watching the sun rise as she stood on the 8,442ft summit of the Brandberg – Namibia’s highest mountain.

“That moment alone made all the lows training through cold Scottish winters, worthwhile,” she said.

It has changed her life.

“The challenge has left me with a great “why not?” attitude,” said Abi, who is now an ambassador for other graduates wanting to follow in her footsteps.

“I have realised you don’t have to be the fittest or the fastest to take on a physical challenge, and marathons aren’t just reserved for elite athletes.

“I have just completed my sixth marathon, having never run any before the IN-NAM challenge. I have proven that my body can do hard things, and I look forward to pushing my limits further.” 

Making a difference to wider society

How INEOS got a handle on what the world needed.

INEOS thrives on making decisions quickly. But one decision – to tackle the desperate shortage of hand sanitiser in hospitals in the UK and Europe during the global COVID pandemic – led to the birth of a new business. That new business – INEOS Hygienics – is now growing and thriving in what was a crowded marketplace.

Its no frills, high purity, hospital grade hand sanitisers, wipes, gels, hand wash and sprays are now rated highly by the public with customers around the world praising the company for providing products that are good quality and great value.

“The hand sanitiser does what it says it does,” wrote one customer on Amazon. “It’s very good quality and a perfect consistency.”

But it is not just the public who use them. Elite athletes, such as Olympian Sir Ben Ainslie and Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton, do too.
“The pandemic taught us all the importance of good hygiene,” said Lewis. “We were all washing our hands thoroughly and constantly sanitising surfaces. But being slowed down by sickness or fatigue isn’t an option for me, so hygiene has always been something that I have been very focused on. Even more so now.”

It was during the pandemic that INEOS began manufacturing hand sanitiser on an industrial scale to help fight against the disease, which was sweeping the world.

It built three plants within 10 days to directly produce, bottle and distribute three million bottles a month of hand sanitiser which it gave away to hospitals free of charge.

“We tried to do our bit while we all navigated through exceptional circumstances,” said a spokesman for INEOS Hygienics.

Sustainability

The journey to net zero is not going to be an easy one for INEOS, but it knows that. Despite the challenges – and there are many – INEOS remains focused on the future and is prepared to invest billions to ensure it hits net zero by 2050.

TRANSITIONING to net zero by 2050 will not be an easy journey for industries that rely heavily on the earth’s precious resources.

But INEOS has been making – and continues to make – huge strides so it can continue to provide modern society with what it needs without damaging the planet.

Its achievements and ambitious goals are set out in its 2022 sustainability report, which has been prepared in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative Standards and externally assured by KPMG.

“Sustainability is fundamental to how we do business,” said Tobias Hannemann, CEO of INEOS Oxide.

Despite the challenging market conditions, INEOS' ambition refuses to be dampened. Despite the many distractions, momentum
continued – with bold new projects, continued investment, and steady progress towards net zero.

All INEOS’ businesses have developed – or are finalising – workable roadmaps to ensure all its operations are net zero by 2050, while still remaining profitable and ahead of evolving regulations.

Based on the roadmaps developed to date, it has set a reduction target of 33% by 2030. INEOS will spend over €6 billion to back its plans.

In addition to investing over €3 billion in a wide range of projects that will reduce the company’s footprint, it has announced ambitious plans to harness its expertise and technology to drive the development of a new hydrogen economy.

In addition to a €1.2 billion investment in blue hydrogen in carbon capture technology at Grangemouth in Scotland, it has also announced a further €2 billion in a series of green hydrogen plants throughout Europe.

INEOS intends to play a full and active part in the transition to net zero and in doing so, it will not only reduce the impact of its own operations, but will be able to provide the products that support other industries and individuals to reduce their own impact on the climate.

INEOS has always seen opportunities where others see issues.

“The entrepreneurial foundation of INEOS has fostered a culture where anything is possible, where ownership is for everyone and where change is to be embraced,” said Alison Mills, HR Director INEOS Acetyls and Nitriles. “This is the key to our continued
success.” Doing well by doing good not only drives innovation, though. It also matters to INEOS’ employees, customers and investors all over the world. Last year alone INEOS signed three major agreements with offshore Belgian wind farms which will reduce its emissions by more than three million tonnes of CO2 over 10 years – and it is at the heart of several major projects to capture and permanently store CO2.

It also helping to push the circular economy, where nothing is wasted, by introducing new products made from waste materials and investing in advanced recycling technologies. Most nation states have agreed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. But INEOS believes this will only be achieved through the concerted efforts of governments, industry and the public.

“INEOS is fully committed to playing a key role in this transition,” said a spokesman. The 130-page 2022 sustainability report, which can be viewed in full on INEOS’ website, details INEOS’ progress.

Women at work

THE chemical industry is traditionally dominated by men. But it is changing. And women, who have worked in the industry for decades, are testament to that. “When I first started out in the industry 30 years ago, things were happening that I thought were normal because I didn’t see anything else,” said Kathryn Shuler, Executive Director of the INEOS ICAN Foundation.

“But now that I look back, it was quite abnormal and it was not right the way women were treated.”

Today thanks to a focus on recruiting more women, the number of female chemical engineers in INEOS has never been higher.

“The chemical industry is still quite predominantly male, but it is changing in a really positive way,” said Sharon Todd, CEO of SCI (Society of Chemical Industry), a global innovation hub which helps to accelerate science out of the lab and into industry for society’s benefit.

“The industry just needs to change faster.”

INEOS is helping to close the gender gap, but realises there is still much work to be done.

Years ago, entering a world where few women had worked had its challenges.

Anja Hilden, who works at INEOS Köln in Germany, said she was often the only woman in her department when she became a chemical engineer about 30 years ago.

“It was challenging because I didn’t have any role models,” she said.

Women also faced further obstacles if they decided to start a family because there was an assumption that they would be the baby’s primary carer.

“It’s not just an issue that INEOS still has to tackle,” said Anne-Gret Iturriaga Abarzua, Head of Communications at INEOS Köln. “Society has to change as well.”

Quantaze Watts, Global Talent Director at INEOS Styrolution, believes the stereotypes are embedded in society.

“It goes back to when you are a kid, and you go to the store and ask for the Tonka truck and it’s mainly a boy’s toy, not a girl’s toy,” he said.

“We need to go to the little girls and let them know that they can do this, so that engineering jobs are not seen as men-only jobs.”

Prof. Dr. Petra Skiebe-Corrette, Director of NatLab, a non-formal science laboratory at the Freie Universität Berlin, believes the problem stems from the moment a child becomes aware of his or her gender.

“It is important that, before these gender stereotypes kick in, girls have STEM experience and know they can do it and enjoy it,” she said.

For more than 14 years INEOS has been involved in a programme in Germany, known as TuWas! The company believes that promoting science in schools is key to getting children – boys as well as girls - interested in STEM careers.

“Of all the companies supporting TuWas! – and I think there are more than 80 – INEOS is the one that supports the most schools,” said Petra.

Sharon, who graduated with a degree in chemistry from Southampton University in 1988, is also all in favour of a more diverse workforce.

“Our founders were creative, inventive and valued diversity,” she said. “They recognised the importance of diversity for innovation.”

She believes the industry has an image problem and does not sell itself to young people be they men or women.

“It needs to present itself as an opportunity to create change to enhance society through innovation, and as a place where, certainly for
young scientists and engineers, they can put their skills to work and have a really valuable and rewarding career,” she said.

She described it as a massively important challenge.

“We need this flux of diversity,” she said. “We need diversity in our young people and in our middle and senior management.”

She said people from all different backgrounds could help to contribute to a new wave of scientific innovation to tackle the big societal challenges of climate change and global health.

“The industry has a vital role to play in delivering real societal benefit, not just profit,” she said, adding: “If we promoted the diversity of job opportunities, the breadth of experience that industry can offer and the direct ability to affect real change, I think we'd get a higher influx of women.”

WOMEN may have dominated the 1971 Grammy Awards, but elsewhere, opportunities were few and far between for American women – especially those seeking careers in traditonally male-dominated professions. Kathryn Shuler had grown up knowing – and feeling – that. Even her parents tried to dissuade her from pursuing a career in science. Technical jobs  were for boys. Not girls.

To appease her parents, she opted to study business at university.

But the lure of science was too great, and she eventually switched to chemistry.

She also hoped that American society would change thanks to Title IX, a 1972 piece of landmark civil rights legislation that banned sex discrimination in schools and colleges.

“Before the introduction of Title IX, universities could refuse to allow girls to enrol in certain courses,” she said.

“Women could be summarily dismissed from engineering courses or stopped from pursuing science degrees. The prevailing thought was that they were only going to university to get a husband. And that they were only pursuing engineering or  science courses to get a better husband.”

But despite the change in the law, old habits and attitudes remained.

“There wasn't a lot of encouragement for women who pursued engineering and science,” she said.

“If we were working in groups, some of my male classmates would not listen to my ideas and went so far as to meet without me.”

Kathryn was determined to complete her course, though, and finally graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1984
with a degree in BS biochemistry.

She initially worked for a small Japanese-owned commercial analytical laboratory where she later discovered that men were paid $0.50 an hour more than women.

“It was the equivalent of a car payment back then,” she said.

A year later she was working as a lab technician at a nationwide metal company’s research facility, where she was responsible for a specialised piece of analytical equipment.

“I was very proud of the work I did,” she said.

The job required a specialised set of tools, which kept disappearing.

“A colleague told me that he had lent them to someone, but he could never remember who,” she said. “I got to the point where I couldn't do my job because I had no tools.”

Thankfully her understanding male boss replaced the tools – and offered her a safe place to store them.

At the time, Kathryn remembers feeling frustrated, but today she realises what her colleague was trying to achieve. 

“It was just a very passive, aggressive way of saying, you shouldn't be here,” she said.

Despite the negativity that surrounded her, though, quitting was never an option.

“I saw other women leave because they weren’t prepared for some of the resistance,” said Kathryn. “But I never felt like giving it up because it was something I loved.”

She went on to co-author several patents and started working on a company-subsidised Master’s Degree despite being told she could never be promoted to a scientist even if she got her degree.

Finally, she decided to leave and secured a job as a chemist at a small analytical equipment manufacturer.

“It was 1989 and it was the first place I worked that considered me as an equal to my male counterparts,” she said.

Two years later she moved to Houston to become a chemist at Solvay.

At the time, it never occurred to her that her views and abilities were being challenged more than her male colleagues.

All she knew was that she would only be treated as an equal there if she could prove she was capable wof doing the job. Equality, however, didn’t always extend to the facilities.

“If you needed to use the bathroom, you had to leave where you were and go to the administration building to use the ladies’ room,” said Kathryn. “It was about a 10-minute walk.”

Thankfully, as more women started to join the company, management recognised the need for change, and some of the men’s rooms became women’s rooms.

“Not everyone was happy about that,” she said.

Kathryn later moved into the Tech Service & Product Development group.

“There was only one woman in the group apart from me,” she said.

Within a few years, though, she was managing the polypropylene TS&D group After BP acquired Solvay’s Houstonbased polypropylene assets in 2001, Kathryn was transferred to BP’s research centre near Chicago, only returning to Houston when INEOS bought most of BP’s chemical assets in 2005.

Today, she’s happy and fulfilled in her role at INEOS which has given her tremendous freedom over the years to make a difference.

“Over time, I've really seen a major change and a major shift,” she said. “I don't hear about some of the issues that we used to hear about. I don't think everything's solved, but I think that we've really come a long way.”

What’s particularly pleasing to Kathryn is seeing men and women engineers or plant operators working together.

“I see more of an equal footing than I've ever seen before,” she said.

But Kathryn believes what has really made the difference is INEOS’ commitment to diversity.

“Sometimes I think that's taken the wrong way,” she said. “Some see it as ticking a box but it goes deeper than that."

“When you hire people with different experiences, from different backgrounds, and who have different ways of looking at life, you  have a bigger diversity of problem solvers.”

And that, she said, is where real power lies.

“You want that diversity of thought,” she said. “You need people who look and think differently. We should want diversity in the workplace because we are better for it.”

Her own team reflects that approach. She works alongside a former teacher, an exercise scientist, a graphic designer and a PR expert.

“None of them came from a corporate background but they're really phenomenal people with some really specialised skills,” she said.

Despite all the positive changes, Kathryn believes some things will only change when people recognise their own prejudices.

“We all have our way of looking at the world,” she said. “But we need to make sure we are not unfairly judging or limiting people based on our own prejudices. We need to look at people as individuals. 

“There's still work to be done but I'm pleased that we've come a long way and I look forward to future generations making things even better.”

TODAY Stacy Putman is in charge of producing many of the leaders of tomorrow for INEOS’ businesses in the US.

The careers of more than 300 people are currently in her hands. “It’s the most amazing job I have ever had,” she said. “I am helping them to develop the skills to make them great leaders of the future.” She understands how important it is to help, guide  and support employees, because it’s what was lacking when she set out on her own journey 40 years ago. Back then, the world she entered was really for men only.

“I had studied chemistry at school and really liked it,” she said. “It was like magic and cooking at the same time.”

But after securing a place at Texas Tech University to study chemical engineering, an advisor took her to one side.

Find a husband quickly and then you can transfer to an easier degree, or you can just quit, he told her.

“It was pretty disheartening because this was the early 80s, not the 1940s,” she said.

She did find a husband on the course, but she also decided to stay, graduated and joined the world of work.

But hers has not been an easy journey.

“The view was if you don’t like it, leave,” she said. “It was very much sink or swim. If you could swim, then you might get some neat opportunities or you might not. No one understood community or networking, other than the good old boy network.”

Stacy said she was always made to feel that she was ‘taking the place’ of a man by simply working.

“We accepted a lot of things and attitudes then that we certainly would not accept today,” she said.

A few years ago, she experienced a huge – and welcome – change. She was asked by INEOS O&P’s board of directors to lead a polypropylene facility in California. The job would mean moving 1,800 miles.

“I was thrilled and challenged to be given such an opportunity,” she said. “I told my manager that I had watched and learned from a lot of our other site directors.”

But that’s not what he wanted to hear. He didn’t want her to copy what men had done. He wanted her to forge her own path. To be herself.

“I was being asked to go and set the course for the future for that plant and do it the way I saw was needed,” she said. “Not follow what the guys had done.” She left for California.

“I had never experienced that before in my life,” she said. “I made my own decisions and led a team to make recommendations. It was the best job and best experience I had ever had in my entire career.”

Stacy praises INEOS’ senior leadership team.

“For some time now, they have understood the importance of a diverse workforce and diverse leadership,” she said. “And I think we've started to see the benefit of that in different locations and different roles.”

But she believes women are sometimes holding themselves back from these opportunities.

“Just because you have never seen a woman in a role at INEOS doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply for it,” she said.

“I’ve always replaced a man in every role I’ve ever had in my career. Women, and really everyone, should not hold themselves back because they don’t look like the person in the job.”

“So could a woman be a maintenance manager? Could a woman be a business director? Could a woman be a fire chief? That's happening all over our industry today. Until we see it repeated, society will continue to question whether or not some of these roles are really the right roles for women. Let’s keep this going so we can repeat, repeat, repeat.”

WOMEN were still in the minority when Cassie Bradley signed up to study chemical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012. Family and friends were supportive of her choice, but others often seemed surprised. “The surprised reaction wasn’t unusual,” said Cassie. “And looking back, it did have a negative effect because it reinforced the feeling that I was out of place or didn’t belong there.”

But since 2015, she has been working for INEOS and has had a very positive experience.

“INEOS is a good place for women to work,” she said.

But she believes the company could make it even better by engaging with the women’s groups that now exist within the company.

“INEOS could learn from these women’s experiences, identify the reasons why so few women are in senior executive roles and, more importantly, work out how to close the gap,” she said.

Cassie, who initially worked as a production engineer at the company’s Channahon polystyrene plant, launched Lean Into Success, women’s networking group at INEOS Styrolution.

It is one of several groups that now exist within the INEOS group.

“It is important for women to be part of organisations like this so they can learn from each other and find mentors,” she said.

“Although we may ultimately realise we are a minority, we can build a community of belonging within the organisation.”

One reason why Cassie believes very few women become senior executives is due to visibility. Or lack of it.

“Women don't see other women in those roles, so they don't view themselves in those roles, and therefore don't aspire,” she said.

She felt women could help support each other by learning how to ‘lean in’ and push outside their comfort zones to demonstrate they had the skills to become a leader.

“Women are often not given the benefit of the doubt and have to perform at a higher level early on in order to be considered as a future leader,” she said.

But Cassie, who is the sustainability commercial manager at INEOS Styrolution, remains optimistic about the future for INEOS. And for women in INEOS too.

“Traditionally there has been a difference in expectations between men and women in the home as well as the workplace,” she said. “A lot of times women have a full-time second job at home as well as what they're doing at work which strains both their physical and mental energies.

“But that’s changing. Men want a good work life balance too. We all want to be successful both at work and at home.”

“I was being asked to go and set the course for the future for that plant and do it the way I saw was needed. Not follow what the guys had done.”

FRAN Millar freely admits that she was once loud, pushy and aggressive at work. She saw it as the best way to operate in male-dominated environments.

“I just used to go at  it,” she said. “But I was like a bull in a china shop and I would leave a trail of destruction behind me.”

Today she is CEO of INEOS Belstaff and credits those who helped her early on in her career to refine her leadership skills.

“They sort of course corrected me,” she said. “I was lucky. They showed me how to refine how I operated and refine how I dealt with people without compromising who I am and my own principles.”

Fran had left school at 18 because she didn’t want to go to university. She initially worked as a PA to Anthony Boucher and Peter Worth,
businessmen with a track record of event management and representing athletes including Björn Borg.

When Fran’s brother, David, took the yellow jersey on stage one of his debut Tour de France, Anthony suggested she should consider
managing him.

“He thought I was a pretty awful PA but felt I had the attitude needed to manage talent,” she said.

She went on to set up her own talent and event management agency, FACE Partnership.

Within two years she was representing most of the major cycling talent in the UK, including her brother, Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas.

In mid-2003 she came up with a concept for a major track cycling event that would showcase the very best of international track talent in the UK’s only international standard velodrome in a Saturday night format that involved live music and track centre entertainment.

“Everyone told us it wouldn’t work, but in the end they had to delay the start because the queues were so big that they couldn’t get everyone into the venue,” she said.

Revolution went on to become the most successful track cycling event in the UK at a time when British Cycling was achieving unprecedented success – with the track team consistently dominating international competition.

The hugely successful national programme was producing talent in all disciplines of the sport under the leadership of Dave Brailsford.

In 2007 the Tour de France started in London, with five British riders in five different teams and the seed was planted that the time had come to build a British team.

Dave approached Fran to help with the project and, over the next 18 months, Team Sky took shape.

Fran, who supported Dave in the project management whilst he focused on the Beijing Olympics, was fundamental in helping to build and project manage the team’s creation.

“We were working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and doing everything we could to make it successful,” she said.

In the 10 years of Team Sky they won six Tours, with four different riders.

When Sky ended their involvement in cycling, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe stepped in to take over the team, which became Team INEOS in May 2019.

As part of the INEOS ownership Dave and Fran were asked to support in the concept, management and delivery of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.

“We were being asked to do something that nobody had ever been able to do before,” she said. “It was such a massive undertaking. But it would not have happened if it had not been for INEOS and Jim.”

It is that INEOS spirit – and that belief that anything is possible – that Fran admires greatly. 

“I believe in what the business stands for, its values, how it operates, and how it treats people,” she said. 

Not long after Eliud Kipchoge’s historic run in Vienna, Fran was offered another challenge – as CEO for INEOS’ fashion business Belstaff.

Her whole life changed in five days as she left her life in Manchester to begin a new role in London.

Looking back, despite her own personal success story, she knows that many women, women of colour and people with disabilities have struggled with 
the uneven playing field.

“I have had nothing but backing since I joined INEOS,” she said. “INEOS doesn’t care whether I am male or female.” But she is aware of the need to help where she can.

“We have a diversity panel on Belstaff, and levelling the playing field is important when you are in a position of leadership,” she said.

“But getting enough women into businesses, getting enough people of colour into businesses, getting enough diversity into businesses, starts way further
down the pipeline than people realise.

“It's like sport. You don't have any talent in sport if you don't start at development level and build them through the talent pathway.”

ANUPRIYA Gupta comes from a family of chemical engineers. Her father was one, so too was her grandfather. So both were supportive when she decided she too wanted to become a chemical engineer.

For the past three years she has worked at INEOS O&P at Chocolate Bayou in Texas. It’s an environment dominated by men.

“Frequently being the only woman in the room, I always wondered what to do,” she said. “I was hesitant to speak out in case my ideas got passed up because I had a unique perspective.

“But I also thought that the only way to find out the answer would be to jump straight in.”

And that’s what she did, starting with asking colleagues very early on to learn how to pronounce her name, rather than giving her a nickname.

“My name is my identity,” she said. “It’s who I am. If you change my name, you change my identity.”

As a process engineer, she is responsible for the day-to-day performance of the plant to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.

“Occasionally I have been on the receiving end of some strange looks,” she said. “But having that pushback to some of my ideas has just made me a stronger engineer.”

Over the past few years, she has witnessed and welcomed change and changing attitudes within INEOS.

“I can see the transition happening,” she said. “INEOS is definitely moving in the right direction in terms of diversity in the workplace.”

Anupriya said a diverse workforce was important.

“We need people looking at the same problem from a different perspective,” she said. “If we don’t, if we are all looking at it from the same place, how are we going to be trailblazers in our industry?”

She said she was encouraged when she attended a recent career fair with a team of engineers from INEOS. “We did a good job of setting the standard because we were a team of mainly women,” she said. 

EVIDENCE has shown that for a woman to succeed in a male-dominated industry, confidence matters as much as competence.

Gabriela de Gouveia, who joined INEOS Styrolution in Switzerland in May 2022, believes that to be true. “In my career, there have been times when I have faced prejudice outside the company,” she said. “But I have found it is important to manage those situations confidently.” The problem is that women are sometimes less self-assured than men.

Gabriela is a commercial product manager whose job involves managing the supply and demand of a range of plastic products.

In addition to deciding the price and analysing the market, she is the intermediate between the sales and supply chain teams.

She says it is sometimes challenging to work in an industry dominated by men, but is full of praise for INEOS’ approach to women in the workplace.

“Women are generally well received and encouraged to improve and grow,” she said.

Her hope, though, is that more women seek jobs in the chemical industry.

“If more women join the field and break stereotypes, there will be a greater acceptance of women in the industry,” she said.

“It is sometimes challenging to work in an industry dominated by men, but is full of praise for INEOS’ approach to women in the workplace.”

AN ORGANISATION, which was founded by Facebook’s former chief operating officer to empower women at work, continues to spread its wings. More and more women around the world are now setting up their own Lean In Circles so they can share their struggles, get and give advice and celebrate their achievements.

“Just hearing how somebody else went through a battle can be so encouraging and spark new ideas for you,” said Cassie Bradley, a sustainability commercial manager who set up a Lean In Circle for her female colleagues at INEOS Styrolution in Illinois in America. The small group of women now meet regularly.

“Lean In Circles are all about peer mentoring,” she said. “We share experiences and ideas, and give feedback when we succeed and when we fail.”

Lean In was founded by Sheryl Sandberg, a Harvard-educated mother of five who stepped down as Facebook’s chief operating officer last year to focus on her philanthropic work.

In 2010, she gave a TED talk in which she called on women to believe in themselves and their own success.

“Women systematically underestimate their own abilities,” she said. “Men will attribute their success to themselves. Women will attribute it to other external factors. If women do a good job, they will say someone helped them, they got lucky and worked really hard.”

INEOS Köln in Germany has also recently introduced a Lean In Circle.

“I really hope this will help my female colleagues to develop their communication and leadership skills and stand up for their needs,” said Anja Hilden, who has worked for the chemical industry for more than 30 years.

“I was very often the only woman in the department which was challenging because you didn’t have role models, so you had to invent yourself.”

LISA Wiedenhaus has no qualms about working in a male-dominated industry because, at INEOS Köln in Germany, the fact she is a woman is irrelevant. Everyone, she says, is treated equally.

“Sometimes I realise that I am the only woman in a meeting, but nobody makes me feel as if I am,” she said. “It makes no difference to them. We all get the same chances, are appreciated and taken seriously.”

Lisa officially joined INEOS in October 2016 after graduating from the European University of Applied Sciences in Brühl, Germany.

But by then, she had actually been working for the company for three years as part of a dual-study programme after finishing school at 19.

“The programme allowed me to study and work at the same time,” she said.

Today, she is an energy business controller, with responsibility for reviewing the monthly results of the Köln energy business, and providing business analysis
to the Energy Commercial Manager to enable him to deliver business targets.

She also produces management reports that are used to make economic decisions.

It is a job she loves. “I cannot think of any aspect or situation in which being a woman would be disadvantageous,” she said.

“Even after maternity leave, most women come back to either the same job, or at least a very, very similar job which makes it easy to return to work.”

Although she feels confident and supported at work, she values the opportunity to meet other women working in INEOS.

“It is always good to share experiences and listen to each other’s problems, but it is equally important to hear about each other’s successes,” she said. 

AN ORGANISATION, which was founded by Facebook’s former chief operating officer to empower women at work, continues to spread its wings. More and more women around the world are now setting up their own Lean In Circles so they can share their struggles, get and give advice and celebrate their achievements.

“Just hearing how somebody else went through a battle can be so encouraging and spark new ideas for you,” said Cassie Bradley, a sustainability commercial manager who set up a Lean In Circle for her female colleagues at INEOS Styrolution in Illinois in America. The small group of women now meet regularly.

“Lean In Circles are all about peer mentoring,” she said. “We share experiences and ideas, and give feedback when we succeed and when we fail.”

Lean In was founded by Sheryl Sandberg, a Harvard-educated mother of five who stepped down as Facebook’s chief operating officer last year to focus on her philanthropic work.

In 2010, she gave a TED talk in which she called on women to believe in themselves and their own success.

“Women systematically underestimate their own abilities,” she said. “Men will attribute their success to themselves. Women will attribute it to other external factors. If women do a good job, they will say someone helped them, they got lucky and worked really hard.”

INEOS Köln in Germany has also recently introduced a Lean In Circle.

“I really hope this will help my female colleagues to develop their communication and leadership skills and stand up for their needs,” said Anja Hilden, who has worked for the chemical industry for more than 30 years.

“I was very often the only woman in the department which was challenging because you didn’t have role models, so you had to invent yourself.”

Full of eastern promise

INEOS has signed four deals that will significantly reshape – and strengthen – its business in China.

INEOS Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the joint ventures with state-owned SINOPEC would establish ‘a very large footprint’ for INEOS in China.

“Both parties recognise the potential for closer collaboration across a number of other areas as we look ahead,” he said.

SINOPEC has agreed to sell a 50% stake in Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Company Limited to INEOS.

The Chinese company is currently capable of producing 4.2 million tonnes of vital raw materials including ethylene, polystyrene and acrylonitrile.

In addition, INEOS and SINOPEC have agreed to form two joint ventures to increase production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) to meet China’s rapidly growing domestic market.

As part of the ABS joint venture, SINOPEC will acquire a 50% stake in INEOS Styrolution’s Ningbo plant, which is currently being built and expected to become operational next year.

“INEOS Styrolution has come a long way from being a joint venture itself in its early years,” said CEO Steve Harrington.

“After acquisitions and investing into new greenfield production sites, setting up this joint venture with a strong partner in China feels like the natural next step for growth.

“This collaboration with SINOPEC allows us to continue to grow in China in fast-forward mode.”

INEOS Styrolution and SINOPEC also plan to build two additional ABS plants, based on INEOS’ world-leading technology.

One will be in Tianjin where the two companies also intend to build a new HDPE plant to manufacture high density polyethylene.

Long-term they hope to build at least a further two HDPE plants.

INEOS and SINOPEC have also announced a joint venture agreement that will see INEOS acquire a 50% share in the existing Tianjin Nangang Ethylene Project from SINOPEC.

The project is currently building a 1.2 million tonne ethane cracker, expected to come on-stream at the end of 2023, and downstream derivative plants in Tianjin.

INEOS and SINOPEC have worked together for years.

“Through this close relationship SINOPEC gains access to some of the best downstream technology in the world from INEOS and INEOS achieves a substantial presence in China, which is the fastest-growing market in the world,” said Jim.

In 2013 INEOS began building the largestever acetone and phenol production plant in China after signing a joint venture with SINOPEC Yangzi Petrochemical Company.

And last year INEOS inherited a joint venture with SINOPEC after it bought BP’s global acetyls and aromatics business for $5 billion.

Liquefied Natural Gas

INEOS is stepping up to help Europe cut its greenhouse gas emissions – to fill the gap left by Russian gas, and to help alleviate the structural energy issues in Europe. It has signed a contract with Sempra, an American energy  infrastructure company, to start exporting 1.4 million tonnes of affordable, clean and reliable energy every year for 20 years, from 2026.

The decision to start exporting liquefied natural gas from the US Gulf Coast – and enter the global LNG market – is a first for INEOS, and comes at a time of significant transformation in the energy industry.

“We are looking forward to building a longterm relationship with a company that shares our vision of increasing the world’s energy security while simultaneously advancing lower-carbon energy sources,” said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure, which will be developing the export terminals.

Brian Gilvary, Chairman of INEOS Energy, said INEOS also intends to build partnerships with other industrial users of energy in Europe to help them access the same competitive sources of energy.

“We will be the first market entrant to operate in this way in many years,” he said.

Although INEOS has never shipped LNG before, it has been safely transporting America’s competitively-priced liquefied ethane gas to Europe since 2015.

David Bucknall, CEO of INEOS Energy, described Sempra as experts in building and operating LNG facilities and said the American company shared its vision.

“This agreement is an important part of our strategy,” he said. 

The LNG will be delivered free-on-board from either the proposed LNG processing and export facility in Jefferson County, Texas, or the Cameron LNG Phase 2 project in Hackberry, Louisiana. 

INEOS, though, remains committed to achieving net zero by 2050 across its operations.

“The company is working to decarbonise the supply chain through carbon capture and storage and provide optionality for alternative sources of energy, such as its leadership in the production of hydrogen, as we develop them over time,” said David. 

Sempra’s agreement with INEOS is a preliminary non-binding arrangement, and the development of the Port Arthur and Cameron sites are subject to securing all necessary permits, signing  engineering and construction contracts, obtaining financing and a final investment decision.

Hydrogen-powered Grenadier

INEOS has built a hydrogen-powered 4x4 to prove its commitment to net zero. It can do everything that a diesel or petrol-run Grenadier can do, but it emits nothing but water vapour.

What’s stopping it hitting the road? A lack of infrastructure in the UK.

HYDROGEN has long been championed as the fuel of the future because it produces zero emissions when used for energy. But it’s also been put on a back burner for years, much to INEOS’ dismay. Now, to demonstrate its own commitment to net zero, INEOS has built a hydrogen fuel cell variant of its 4x4 Grenadier that emits nothing but water vapour.

“It’s an extraordinary vehicle,” said Lynn Calder, CEO INEOS Automotive. “It’s capable of doing everything a conventionally-powered Grenadier can do, but with zero emissions.”

The Grenadier Demonstrator made its global debut earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

It is fitted with BMW Group’s latest hydrogen fuel cell, zero-emissions powertrain, which is considered to be the most advanced and powerful in the car industry.

The project to develop a hydrogen-fuelled Grenadier began in June 2022 with one, clear aim: its on- and off-road capabilities and towing capacities must not be compromised.

To ensure they weren't, the 4x4 underwent rigorous testing, which included the notorious trails of the Austrian mountains and the various offroad challenges around Graz.

Over the years there has been widespread debate about the pros and cons of electric versus hydrogen vehicles.

INEOS Automotive will bring a battery electric 4X4 to market in 2026, but believes there needs to be a mix of powertrains, with different technologies suited to different uses.

Electric batteries are viewed as ideal for city centres and short journeys, but unsuitable for haulage and public transport because of their weight, charging times and range.

Filling a car or truck with hydrogen, on the other hand, is quick and easy. But there just aren’t enough hydrogen refuelling stations.

“Our demonstrator proves that the technology is capable,” said Lynn. “What we need now is support from policymakers to help provide the infrastructure for the next generation of hydrogen vehicles.”

INEOS already produces and uses 450,000 tonnes of low carbon hydrogen every year, the equivalent of replacing up to 2 billion litres of diesel.

The company is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology which uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation and industrial use.

“Along with our all-electric model due in 2026, our hydrogen-powered Grenadier Demonstrator shows INEOS’ commitment to net zero and to hydrogen as a key fuel of the future,” said Lynn.

Hydrogen pipeline trial

PIONEERING research is to be carried out to discover whether existing natural gas pipelines in the UK can be repurposed for hydrogen. The research is critical to understanding whether hydrogen can replace natural gas in the UK’s gas network and help to decarbonise heating.

INEOS will supply hydrogen to SGN, which will flow through a 30km decommissioned pipeline between INEOS’ Grangemouth refinery and Granton on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Andrew Gardner, chairman of INEOS Grangemouth, said if the trial – the first of its kind – was successful, the Scottish petrochemicals site could become a hub for hydrogen production, use and export.

“Hydrogen gas behaves slightly differently from natural gas, so it is important to understand what is needed to repurpose the pipeline, and the wider 11,000km of local transmission system (LTS) pipelines throughout the UK, to carry hydrogen,” said Gemma Simpson, SGN Director of LTS Futures.

“SGN’s LTS Futures project combines a suite of laboratory and offsite testing in preparation for a live trial of the Grangemouth to Granton pipeline.”

In August, the energy regulator Ofgem approved the research to understand if the Grangemouth to Granton pipeline could be repurposed for the live trial.

“The offsite trials’ work will allow us to develop and test procedures for making new connections to the live trial pipeline,” said Gemma.

The project is currently developing evidence for the next stage.

If successful, SGN will be able to carry out a live trial next year, which will deliver a blueprint for repurposing the UK’s LTS network, driving decarbonisation and supporting SGN’s net zero goals.

Frazer Smith, Business Manager for INEOS FPS, said the trials were important.

“With the project programme concluding in 2025, vital learning and validation of the hydrogen evidence base will be available to support both Scottish and UK Government decarbonisation policy, including the UK Government’s heat policy decisions due for 2026,” he said.

SGN’s local transmission system is part of the national critical infrastructure that reaches millions of homes and businesses across the UK.

“We believe hydrogen has the potential to provide customers with a choice on how they heat their homes as part of a whole systems approach for decarbonising heat,” said Gemma.

The trial is the latest good news for the Grangemouth site.

Earlier this year, INEOS invited major engineering design contractors to tender for the next stage of its world-scale hydrogen production plant.

Once built, clean, low-carbon hydrogen will be used to power its processes and manufacture vital materials for a wide range of sectors, cutting emissions by more than one million tonnes of CO2 each year.

“We are determined to reduce our own emissions to net zero by 2045, create products that will help others reduce their emissions and play a leading role in a clean hydrogen revolution,” said Andrew.

The €1.2 billion investment by INEOS in blue hydrogen is allied to carbon capture technology.

Carbon captured during the process will be piped offshore and permanently stored in rock formations deep below the North Sea.

 

“We believe hydrogen has the potential to provide customers with a choice on how they heat their homes as part of a whole systems approach for decarbonising heat”

– Gemma Simpson, SGN Director of LTS Futures

Hydrogen – European governments support INEOS

INEOS is not short of ambition when it comes to hydrogen and how it can help cut greenhouse gas emissions. But it cannot do  anything without government support. Europe’s on board, but more is needed from the UK Government.

GOVERNMENTS around the world are now investing their time, energy and money in hydrogen projects. For INEOS, that is good and
welcome news. “The lead in all this has to come from industry, but we cannot do anything without government support,” said Wouter Bleukx, INEOS' Hydrogen Business Manager, who likened it to the early days of wind power, which attracted significant government investment. “That’s what we need here,” he said.

Governments in Norway, Belgium and Germany are all investing in hydrogen projects put forward by INEOS.

“Hydrogen projects are not without risk because they are extremely expensive, but if we didn’t believe in this, we wouldn’t be doing it,” he said.

INEOS was recently awarded €770,000 to carry out a feasibility study to see whether green hydrogen can be integrated at INEOS’ O&P site in Köln, Germany, and converted into green ammonia by INEOS Nitriles.

Producing green ammonia could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1% every year.

In April this year, the Norwegian government gave INEOS Inovyn €1 million to thoroughly analyse its Project Aquarius plans to build one of Norway’s first hydrogen plants at its chemical manufacturing site in Rafnes.

“We support those who take the lead in technology development,” said Nils Kristian Nakstad at Enova, a state enterprise owned by Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment.

Geir Tuft, CEO of INEOS Inovyn, said the Aquarius project was an important part of INEOS' strategy to take a leading role in developing industrial-scale hydrogen manufacturing.

Zero-carbon electricity will be used to produce clean hydrogen through the electrolysis of water.

These government investments follow similar funding for an ambitious project in Belgium to investigate the possibility of mixing captured carbon dioxide waste with sustainably-generated hydrogen to produce methanol, a chemical widely used in everything from medicines, clothing and paints, to car parts and fuel.

If the consortium agrees, a plant, capable of producing 8,000 tonnes of sustainable methanol every year, will be built at INEOS Inovyn's chemical manufacturing complex at Lillo.

The UK government has so far been slower to react, but Wouter said INEOS Inovyn, which has been producing and using low-carbon hydrogen in the UK for over 100 years, was pressing ahead with its plans for its Runcorn site regardless.

It is currently building a compression unit to increase the supply of hydrogen to help fuel the UK’s transport network – and produce hydrogen-powered stationary fuel cells, allowing polluting diesel generators to become a thing of the past.

Funding, though, will be sought for its planned electrolyser.

“We are planning to apply for government funding, but if it is not forthcoming, we will have to look elsewhere,” said Wouter.

What INEOS hopes to establish, through its many hydrogen-based projects around the world, is credibility.

“We are gaining a lot of expertise, a lot of knowledge, a lot of networks and a lot of partners,” he said. “But we need to make something work on the ground before we set off on another big adventure.”

INEOS believes in a future powered by hydrogen.  The challenge for its hydrogen team, which recently doubled in size, is convincing governments that a net zero economy by 2050 will be impossible without it.

For INEOS’ ambitions don’t end here.

It is already exploring the possibility of building a large-scale electrolyser ‘in a windy and sunny place’ so it can produce enough cheap green hydrogen – and its derivatives – to be transported to the European market.

INEOS wants to be at the forefront of the energy transition and is prepared to invest to make that happen.

Carbon Capture & Storage

INEOS has helped to prove to the world that CO2 can be safely captured, transported and injected into retired oil and gas wells under the seabed. On March 8th 2023 it achieved the world’s first cross border off-shore CO2 storage initiative intended to mitigate climate change. The successful trial saw CO2, captured from INEOS Oxide’s plant in Belgium and shipped 500 miles by Danish Shipping to INEOS’ Nini offshore oil platform in the Danish North Sea.

There, the liquefied gas was injected into the retired oil reservoir 2km under the seabed.

The INEOS-led Project Greensand was hailed as a big moment for Europe’s transition to a greener economy and the world’s understanding of carbon capture and storage.

“You have shown that it can be done,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission in recognition of the Greensand project and the first injection event in Denmark on March 8.

“You have shown that we can grow our industry through innovation and competition, and at the same time, remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, through ingenuity and cooperation.”

There to witness the historic moment was Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik, Brian Gilvary, Executive Chairman of INEOS Energy, and Hugo Dijkgraaf, Chief Technology Officer at Wintershall Dea, which, along with INEOS, headed the consortium of 23 organisations involved in Project Greensand.

“This project proves that carbon capture and storage is a viable way to permanently store CO2 emissions under the North Sea,” said Hugo. Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping, said failure was not an option.

“There is no way we could have failed on this,” she said.

And the reason is simple. For carbon capture and storage is seen as critically important to help decarbonise the world’s energy and tackle climate change.

The consortium of 23 partners is jointly led by INEOS.

Project Greensand, as it is known due to the type of sandstone under the seabed, is the first time that the full value chain has been tested – and it is being done purely to protect the environment.

“All the parts of the process had been developed and worked well in isolation,” said David Bucknall, CEO of INEOS Energy. “Connecting the parts and building the infrastructure was the challenge.”

The plan now – following the successful trial – is to start operating commercially in 2025.

Once fully operational, it should be able to store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 every year.

There is immense pride within the company at being involved in such a ground-breaking project.

Mads Weng Gade, CCO, Head of INEOS Energy Denmark, described it as a fantastic milestone in the fight against climate change.
“I have been looking forward to this day for a very long time,” he said. “We have all shown true, pioneering spirit and worked hard to achieve this.”

Many critics have argued that carbon capture and storage is unscalable, expensive and energy-intensive.

But David, a former BP executive, said the project was based on proven technologies.

“The pilot and development phases are about making them work together effectively,” he said.

In December, the INEOS-led project received £22 million from the Danish government – the largest single grant ever awarded in Denmark.

“Denmark has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world and sees carbon capture and storage as one of the steps necessary to reach its goals,” said David. “This project will contribute significantly to Denmark's carbon reduction targets.”

The project will also secure highly-skilled jobs.

“It makes sense for the oil and gas industry to drive this new industry because they have many years of experience in this field,” said Mads.

“We will be using the same infrastructure, the same geology and the same people who have detailed knowledge of these reservoirs.”

Instead of dismantling oil rigs, they can be repurposed.

Instead of gas flowing out, the process will simply be reversed to allow  carbon dioxide to be injected into the wells.

INEOS’ long-term goal is to build a fleet of ships and CO2 storage facilities on land and a terminal so that the ships can dock, load the CO2 into containers and then sail out to the platform.

“We anticipate Greensand to be competitive commercially once a commercial market for CO2 is up and running,” said David.

INEOS Energy

INEOS cannot survive without energy.

And neither can the world. Both rely on oil and gas to function. And they will do for years to come until governments and consumers are able to tap into a source of energy that is reliable, affordable and sustainable.

“Oil and gas companies can support this transition by providing alternatives, but they can’t make people buy electric cars or use less energy,” said David Bucknall, CEO of INEOS Energy and former head of BP’s global oil and low carbon trading businesses.

INEOS, which manufactures essential chemicals for the preservation of food and water, for clothing, medicines, electronics, cars, planes, buildings, wind turbines and solar panels, has used gas and oil for decades. As both a fuel and as a raw material.

INEOS also uses wind power and hydrogen to run some of its plants. Wood pulp and recycled plastic is also being used – instead of gas and oil – to make some of its products.

“If we can, we are doing it,” he said.

That transition is also one of the reasons why INEOS Energy was launched. The new business is designed to reflect the changing climate.

“This isn’t green washing,” said Brian Gilvary, who became chairman of INEOS Energy after he retired from BP.

“INEOS Energy is an exciting new business that incorporates all of the existing INEOS Oil & Gas assets and will also enable INEOS to become a powerful force in the coming energy transition.”

Hydrogen and renewable energy will both play a huge role in that transition.

INEOS has set out plans to develop ‘green hydrogen’ projects – using electrolysis and renewable energy – in Norway, Germany and Belgium, as well as the UK, which will also host the headquarters of its new hydrogen-focused unit.

What industry needs, though, says INEOS, is greater policy certainty from government.

“If the investment framework is in place, then investment tends to follow it,” he said. “Germany is very advanced. It has tax incentives and fiscal incentives which you need to create those investments.”

The German government recently awarded INEOS €770,000 to carry out a feasibility study into its plans to build and operate a new green hydrogen plant at the Verbund site in Koln – a move that could cut CO2 emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes per year.

“The funding decision shows the significance that the state attaches to our project,” said Dr Stephan Müller, Commercial Energy Manager at INEOS in Köln. “Water electrolysis for the production of green hydrogen is an incredibly important component of our ambitious sustainability agenda with the goal of reaching net zero by 2045.

Those plans, though, are only part of INEOS’ €2 billion Euro package of green hydrogen projects across Europe announced in October last year.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, Former Minister of Economics and Innovation, described the German project as an important step on the way to a climateneutral chemical industry in North Rhine-Westphalia.

“In the future, the project can supply not only the Köln Chempark but also logistics with green hydrogen,” he said. “We need precisely such holistic projects to be successful in the transformation.”

Up until 2015, INEOS had focused solely on chemicals.

But in October of that year, it ventured upstream for the first time.

It bought all the UK North Sea gas fields owned by the DEA Group, followed by Fairfield Energy Holdings Ltd’s 25% interest in the Clipper South platform. 

Months later, INEOS bought DONG Energy’s entire oil and gas assets in the North Sea for more than €1 billion and acquired the 235-mile Forties Pipeline System, which delivers about 40% of the UK’s oil and gas to the mainland.

They were landmark acquisitions and steered the company into new, exciting territory.

Acquiring DONG Energy’s assets has also meant INEOS Energy is now at the forefront of one of the most exciting projects in the world.

The Greensand carbon capture and storage project in Denmark has the potential to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere efficiently and quickly.

In March, the INEOS-led Greensand project achieved a world first, proving to the world that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can work, after carbon dioxide (CO2) from Belgium was successfully captured, transported cross border and stored under the Danish North Sea in a retired INEOS oil reservoir.

“It cannot stand alone, but it is an important tool if we are to solve the climate crisis,” said David.

He said the determination to seek alternative, cleaner sources of energy was high on INEOS’ agenda.

Each business has developed a roadmap – effectively an investment plan – to achieve net zero by 2050, while still remaining profitable and ahead of evolving regulations and legislation.

“Based on the roadmaps developed to date, we will achieve a reduction of over 33% by 2030, the one third marker on the road to net zero,” he said.

Its plans are also backed by investment.

Over €6 billion is currently being invested in a wide range of projects that will reduce INEOS’ CO2 footprint by harnessing the power of a natural gas that INEOS has been producing as a by-product for 100 years.

As Europe’s largest operator of electrolysis – the technology to produce hydrogen – INEOS is in a unique position to serve the hydrogen economy.

In the UK, the focus is on green and blue hydrogen.

Recently, INEOS also provided cornerstone funding for HydrogenOne Capital which was established to provide investors with opportunities in clean hydrogen and energy storage for the energy transition.

Despite the huge strides that INEOS is making, the company believes that natural gas will still play a huge part in life after 2050.

And it’s not alone in thinking that.

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum, an international governmental organisation made up of 19 member countries, believes natural gas will actually increase its share in the global energy mix from over 23% today to 27% in 2050 – not least because the
global population is set to rise by almost two billion to 9.7 billion by 2050, which will pile additional pressure on the demand for energy, food and materials.

“Natural gas will come out on top in the global energy mix,” said a spokesman.

It argued that despite ‘aggressive’ decarbonisation actions under the EU’s proposed Fit for 55 package, natural gas was still viewed as having a future.

Earlier this year The European Commission also said that natural gas and nuclear power had a role to play in the shift to a renewable-based future.

“It’s about time,” said Robert Bryce, author of A Question of Power. “The policymakers in Europe are finally embracing energy realism.”

Impossible is not a word you hear very often in INEOS.

At Eliud Kipchoge, the first man on earth to run a marathon in under two hours, isn’t alone in his belief that no human is limited. In this edition of INCH, INEOS once again shows that it thrives because it is willing to invest. In people. In ideas. In projects others dismiss as impossible.

It is just another example of the mindset that runs through the heart of this extraordinary company. In 2015, INEOS made history by shipping ethane – from US shale gas – to Europe. A feat that many believed was impossible. But it is not only in the world of chemicals that INEOS continues to lead from the front.

INEOS’ no-nonsense Grenadier 4X4 is now on sale to the public. It’s another major milestone in a journey that’s gone from a chat in a pub in London to full production at our factory in Hambach. A journey seen as a huge challenge throughout the automotive industry.

INEOS Sport has brought together some of the best talent in global sport across Formula One, cycling, sailing, football, running and rugby.

Over the past five years alone, it has committed almost £225 million to charitable causes.

Thanks to INEOS, scientists are currently researching new, life-saving antibiotics to ensure we are not plunged back into the dark ages, experts are working how to save the Icelandic salmon from extinction and headteachers are involved in a radical scheme to try to tackle the root causes of poor performance in primary school children from deprived homes.

And to top it all, The INEOS-backed Daily Mile is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Grenadier – ORDERS NOW OPEN

Engine choice, paint colours, our Belstaff editions. Customers are now able to configure their vehicle to their precise specification, price it up and place an order - all at ineosgrenadier.com

It’s another major milestone in a journey that’s gone from a chat in a pub in London to full production at our factory in Hambach. A journey seen as a huge challenge throughout the automotive industry.

Order books are now open for Europe and other key launch markets. The USA, Canada and Mexico will follow by the end of this year, with first deliveries in 2023. For further information please visit: ineosgrenadier.com

*Order books for USA, Canada and Mexico will open late 2022.

The final mile...

As INEOS Automotive heads towards getting the vehicle into customers’ hands, we asked six familiar faces from the world of INEOS sport to put our rugged 4X4 through its paces on five final testing challenges.

TOTO WOLFF
Alpes-Maritime, Southern France

As Team Principal and co-owner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Toto has clinched eight consecutive Formula One Constructors' Championships and seven consecutive Drivers' Championships. So, he clearly knows a thing or two about putting together a successful vehicle. He gunned the Grenadier around the mountains above Nice. Tackling rocks, snow, gravel trails and muddy tracks alongside co-pilot, INEOS Automotive CEO, Dirk Heilmann. They discussed bringing like-minded engineering partners, suppliers and specialists together, pushing to get the maximum out of a vehicle, and overcoming challenges to reach the end goal.

ELIUD KIPCHOGE
Western Cape, South Africa

Who better to test the Grenadier’s capability than the first human to run a marathon in under two hours? The double Olympic champion and marathon world record holder drove the tough terrain of Grabouw, then along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. He was joined by Tim Abbott, Head of Region, Sub-Saharan Africa, INEOS Automotive, as he talked about driving in Kenya, how his training targets all types of terrain, and how impressed he was by the tyres, clearance, and stability of the Grenadier.

GEORGE RUSSELL
Camel Rock, United Arab Emirates

This year, George joined the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team. And also tackled The Final Mile. Shifting gears for a drive in the spectacular sand dunes of the Arabian desert. A more leisurely pace than he’s used to, for sure, but he still had plenty of insight into how our vehicle performed. Gary Pearson, Head of Sales & Marketing UK and MENA, was onboard with him to discuss how putting vehicles through testing and analysing data makes the end product even better, dealing with the pressure of expectation, and how the Grenadier easily handled the sandy surface.

SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD + SIR BEN AINSLIE
UK, Snowdonia

Sir Dave Brailsford is Team Principal of the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team and Director of Sport, INEOS. Sir Ben Ainslie is Team Principal and Skipper of INEOS Britannia. Both have a deep understanding of what it takes to push the limits of what’s possible. Both search for small incremental gains that add up to success. And both took the wheel to analyse the Grenadier’s performance in Wales’ mountainous Snowdonia National Park. They chatted about attention to detail, how vital testing is in both their sports, having belief that you can achieve the impossible, and pushing bikes, boats, and 4X4s to the limit.

ANDREW MEHRTENS
Fraser Island, Australia

Andrew is a New Zealand international rugby legend. Widely regarded as one the greatest players the country has ever produced, he amassed nearly 1,000 points over 70 international appearances. For the Final Mile, Andrew swapped position from 5/8th to 4X4, to tackle the deep sand tracks of Fraser Island off the coast of Queensland. He was joined by Justin Hocevar, Head of Region APAC INEOS Automotive, to talk about how passion can drive any sport or industry, the tenacity you need to get better, and the comfort and ease of driving the Grenadier offered whatever they threw at it.

Grenadier x Belstaff

Named after two of Belstaff’s most iconic jackets, these no-nonsense designs perfectly echo our own purpose-driven principles. Founded in 1924, Belstaff has a rich history of developing products envisaged for both function and progress. Protective suits for race-car drivers so they had the confidence to go faster. Windproofed smocks for Marines to help them weather any storm. Insulating clothing for mountaineers so they could venture further. Belstaff have long been the chosen outfitter for independent spirits: from Amelia Earhart and T.E. Lawrence to Marlon Brando. Together, we share an appreciation of the journey there - wherever there might be.

THE TRIALMASTER
Cut from 6oz British Millerain waxed cotton and featuring both a slanted map pocket and an ergonomic pivot shoulder for improved movement, the Trialmaster was created in 1948 at the request of professional Trials biker and Irishman, Sammy Miller. It remains a covetable classic to this day.

THE FIELDMASTER
Designed for life in the outdoors, the Trialmaster’s younger brother has a roomier fit, cropped body and more modern, functional styling – perfect for a day’s driving.

GRENADIER TRIALMASTER

For the most extreme off-road conditions, the Grenadier Trailmaster Edition ensures there are no limits to adventure.

The Trialmaster Edition has been specified with extreme off-roading in mind. Whatever the terrain, the front and rear differential locks, BFGoodrich All-Terrain tyres, and raised air intake will keep you going. Secure your kit with the exterior utility belt or interior utility rails. And for plug and play capability, power up your equipment with the high load auxiliary switch panel and auxiliary battery.
Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket included.

TRIALMASTER EDITION:
EXTERIOR FEATURES*
- 17” Steel Wheels
- Raised Air Intake
- Exterior Utility Belt
- Access Ladder
- Rough Pack
-- Differential Locks Front & Rear
-- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres

INTERIOR FEATURES*
- Interior Utility Rails
- Auxiliary Battery
- High Load Auxiliary Switch Panel & Electrical Preparation
- Compass with Altimeter
- Smooth Pack:
-- Rear-View Camera
-- Park Assist Front (PDC)
-- Power Heated Exterior Mirrors
-- Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
-- Central Stowage Box, Lockable
-- Puddle Lamps and Ambient Door Lighting
-- Auxiliary Charge Points
*In addition to Grenadier standard equipment

GRENADIER FIELDMASTER
For exploration and escapism without a fixed destination. The Grenadier Fieldmaster Edition gives drivers the option of anywhere.

The Fieldmaster Edition has been specified for all of your adventures, on- and off-road. It brings comfort, style and refinement with interior leather, carpet floor mats and 17” alloy wheels. The heated front seats will keep you warm on cold days. And when the sun’s out, pop up or completely remove the safari windows for an open-air experience. Belstaff Fieldmaster Jacket included.

FIELDMASTER EDITION:
EXTERIOR FEATURES*
- 17” Alloy Wheels
- Locking Wheel Nuts
- Safari Windows
- Access Ladder

INTERIOR FEATURES*
- Leather Trim (Black or Grey/Black)
- Heated Front Seats
- Carpet Floor Mats
- Compass with Altimeter
- Smooth Pack
-- Rear-View Camera
-- Park Assist Front (PDC)
-- Power Heated Exterior Mirrors
-- Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
-- Central Stowage Box, Lockable
-- Puddle Lamps and Ambient Door Lighting
-- Auxiliary Charge Points

*In addition to Grenadier standard equipment

GRENADIER PAINT COLOURS

• SOLID
• SCOTTISH WHITE
• MAGIC MUSHROOM
• ELDORET BLUE
• BRITANNIA BLUE
• SELA GREEN
• INKY BLACK
• METALLIC
• STERLING SILVER
• SHALE BLUE
• QUEEN’S RED
• DONNY GREY

INEOS investments

The big focus now is on achieving net zero by 2050 and INEOS is putting its money where its mouth is.

Thanks to approval from the Province of Antwerp, it can soon start building the most environmentally-sustainable cracker in Europe – a move that will set the standard for all steam crackers.

It has also struck long-term deals with three sustainable energy producers so it can drastically cut its CO2 emissions.

It continues to collaborate with innovative companies that share its vision of a world where all plastic becomes part of the circular economy – and is never wasted.

And even though the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project did not win UK government funding, from the first round, INEOS is pressing ahead with its plans to build a low-carbon hydrogen production plant at Grangemouth in Scotland.

Once built, it will not only help INEOS to reduce its emissions, but it will create products that will help others to reduce their emissions and allow INEOS to play a leading role in a clean hydrogen revolution.

These are exciting times – and INEOS is in the thick of it.

Green Hydrogen
USA
INEOS enters the Liquified Natural Gas LNG market with a 1.4 million tonne per annum agreement with Sempra Infrastructure. Covered in our next edition

Ethane carrier
USA, Europe, China
The largest ethane carriers in the world join INEOS’ fleet of gas ships to transport vital raw materials to China and the rest of the world.

INEOS Energy
USA
INEOS enters the Liquified Natural Gas LNG market with a 1.4 million tonne per annum agreement with Sempra Infrastructure.

Hydrogen production plant
Grangemouth, Scotland
World-class engineers tender for contract to design low-carbon hydrogen production plant at Grangemouth.

Recycled food packaging
Grangemouth, Scotland
INEOS joins UK collaboration to create food-grade recycled polypropylene from recycled packaging.

Green Hydrogen
Germany
INEOS in Köln receives state funding for Green Hydrogen feasibility study. The new plant could cut CO2 by more than 100,000 tonnes per year.

Project One
Antwerp, Belgium
INEOS is building a new ethane cracker that will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe

Renewable electricity
North Sea, Belgium
INEOS signs three power purchase agreements with renewable energy producers to drastically cut its CO2 emissions in Belgium.

Improved efficiency
Merak, Indonesia
$70m investment leads to increase in production and reduction in CO2 emissions.

INEOS gets cracking

As part of project one, INEOS is building a steam ethane cracker that will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe.

CONSTRUCTION of the most environmentally-sustainable cracker in Europe has been given the go-ahead – and INEOS is now poised to start work on it. The granting of an environmental permit by The Province of Antwerp cleared the way for INEOS to build its state-of-the-art ethane cracker on the bank of the River Scheldt at Lillo in Belgium.

• 2x More efficient than the best european cracker
• 3x More efficient than the average european cracker
• 5x More efficient than the worst european cracker

“The urgency of tackling the climate problem is now clear to everyone,” said John McNally, CEO of Project ONE.

“We do not want to stand on the sidelines as an industrial player. We want to make a fundamental difference as of today.”

The cracker will be built using the very best of today’s technology.

But it will also be designed so that it can take advantage of technologies that don’t even exist yet.

Construction is due to start in 2023 and could take up to four years.

Once work starts, INEOS will have to comply with some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world.

But the knock-on effect of the Project ONE cracker, which will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe, will be felt throughout the region.

“It will set the standard for all steam crackers,” said Jonas Byns, lead process engineer in the cracker team of Project ONE.

The cracker will generate about one and a half million tonnes of ethylene – an essential chemical used in everything from cosmetics, textiles, computers, smartphones, household appliances to food packaging and medical applications.

But it will produce it with less than half the CO2 emissions compared to the current 10% of the best European crackers.

“If we compare the Project ONE ethane cracker with all other European crackers within the European Emission Trading System (ETS), we literally see the standard shifting,” said Jonas.

“The benchmark is determined by the 10% best-performing production sites. Once our ethane cracker is operational, it will affect the benchmark.”

He said that would either encourage others to make additional, sustainable investments or face hefty emission fines.

As it stands, Project ONE remains the largest investment in the European chemical sector in more than 20 years.

But INEOS hopes its €3 billion investment will help to strengthen the resilience of the European chemical sector in a global economy.

“Over the past 20 years, investments of this magnitude have gone primarily to regions such as China, the United States and the Middle East,” said John.

“INEOS wants to break that trend.”

The investment in the new plant in Antwerp – birthplace of INEOS more than 20 years ago – is expected to create 450 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs.

‘It will set the standard for all steam crackers’ - Jonas Byns, lead process engineer in the cracker team of Project ONE

Wind power

Sustainable
INEOS invest in three sustainable energy producers that will drastically cut CO2 emissions

200MW
of clean energy secured over next ten years

3 million
3 million tonnes CO2 reduction equivalent of taking more than 230,000 cars off the road each year

ELECTRICITY, generated by the wind, is now being used to help run three of INEOS’ businesses. INEOS Olefins & Polymers, Styrolution and INEOS-owned INOVYN are all now using the renewable electricity, where they can, instead of fossil fuels. All this has been made possible by INEOS’ decision to invest in three sustainable energy producers.

“The latest deal is with Eneco and increases INEOS' total Belgian offshore wind generation to over 200MW and reduces CO2 emissions by nearly 3 million tonnes,” said David Thompson, CEO of INEOS Trading.

“That’s the equivalent of taking more than 230,000 cars off the road, in total, each year.”

The 10-year deal with Eneco follows similar power purchase agreements with Engie and RWE.

Eneco is now supplying INEOS with electricity generated in the North Sea at SeaMade, the biggest offshore wind farm in Belgium.

“INEOS is a partner that can truly make a difference, so I am proud that Eneco has the opportunity to contribute to this.

“Together we will be able to lower CO2 emissions significantly with the use of the sustainable energy generated at the SeaMade wind farm.”

It is the largest power purchase agreement that Eneco has ever signed in Belgium – and utilises about 13% of the electricity it generates at SeaMade.

David said all three deals showed that INEOS was committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from across its operations without damaging its ability to continue supplying the world with chemicals essential for modern life.

"This agreement with Eneco represents another important step in achieving our long-term sustainability goals and underpins our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint,” he said.

Fresh Ideas

Polypropylene
Currently, all single-use, high-quality, polypropylene food packaging is currently made from ‘virgin’, fossil-based plastics.

700,000
In the UK alone, more than 700,000 tonnes of polypropylene is used every year.

‘INEOS’ commitment to closing the loop on such a prolific polymer as food-grade PP would help to create a more circular economy, reduce CO2 emissions and create new materials for brand owners.’ - Professor Edward Kosior, Founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and NEXTLOOPP

PLASTIC packaging keeps food fresher, for longer. Without it, many of the products on supermarket shelves would not survive the journey to the store. But there’s also a problem with it because most of it currently ends up in landfill, is incinerated or recycled into poorer products.

Graham MacLennan, Polymer Business Manager at INEOS O&P UK, said that meant all single-use, high-quality, polypropylene food packaging was currently made from ‘virgin’, fossil-based plastics.

“This problem isn’t unique to the UK,” he said. “It’s a large, global issue. But polypropylene needs to join the league of recycled plastics.”

In the UK alone, more than 700,000 tonnes of polypropylene is used every year.

Fast-moving consumer goods are quite literally wrapped in it, be it a pot, tub or tray.

“It is one of the most versatile plastics in the world, but it is also missing from our recycling streams in food contact applications,” said Graham. To help, INEOS has now joined the NEXTLOOPP project, an exciting UK collaboration to create food grade recycled polypropylene from recycled packaging.

INEOS will be at the centre of an important, two-year project that will lead to the creation of a plant in the UK to produce 10,000 tonnes of high quality food-grade recycled polypropylene every year.

From its manufacturing base in Grangemouth, Scotland, and its extensive product and technical expertise across its European operations, INEOS will help to tailor new grades that not only satisfy retailers and brand owners, but also meet the strict standards laid down by the UK’s Food Standard Agency and the European Food Safety Authority.

Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and NEXTLOOPP, said he was delighted that INEOS had become a partner.

“The skills of INEOS in blending and compounding will be a huge benefit to the NEXTLOOPP project,” he said.

Professor Kosior said INEOS’ commitment to closing the loop on such a prolific polymer as food-grade PP would help to create a more circular economy, reduce CO2 emissions and create new materials for brand owners.

Nextloopp was launched by Nextek Ltd in October 2020 with the aim of closing the loop on food-grade polypropylene.Up to 39 organisations and companies are now involved.

Among them is Unilever, which has pledged to include 25% of recycled content in its packaging by 2025.

Hydrogen Power

CO2
Gas will be captured and stored permanently under seabed

2030
INEOS will be able to cut emissions by more than 60%

£1billion
Massive investment is needed to move to the production and use of hydrogen

Hydrogen barge

INOVYN is working with a Dutch company to develop Europe’s first-ever hydrogen-fuelled barge to transport chemicals. The barge currently runs on oil. But VT Group is stripping out the combustion engine and fitting the barge with hydrogen technology, so that it can run on unwanted, low-carbon hydrogen produced by INOVYN during its chemical manufacturing processes.

“Our strong relationship with INOVYN has always enabled us to innovate,” said Niels Groenewold, CEO of VT Group.

Once operational, the barge will ship vital raw materials for INOVYN between its Antwerp and Jemeppe sites in Belgium.

Wouter Bleukx, Hydrogen Business Manager for INOVYN, said hydrogen-powered transport was going to play a critical role in Europe’s journey to net-zero. “This alone will cut CO2 emissions by about 1,000 tonnes a year,” he said.

ANOTHER significant step has been taken by INEOS to ensure the sustainable future of its businesses at Grangemouth in Scotland. The world’s best engineering companies are currently tendering for the right to design a world-scale, low-carbon hydrogen production plant at the UK site.

“This is an important step forward in our road map to net zero by 2045,” said Andrew Gardner, CEO and Chairman at Grangemouth.

“It will help us to reduce our own emissions, create products that will help others to reduce their emissions and allow us to play a leading role in a clean hydrogen revolution.”

Once built, the new plant will produce hydrogen from natural gas, capturing the CO2 by-product.

It will enable the businesses at Grangemouth to replace hydrocarbon fuels, such as natural gas, with clean low-carbon hydrogen to power its processes and manufacture vital chemicals, which are used in everything from bottles, cables and insulation to food packaging and medicines.

The plans underpin INEOS’ commitment to the Acorn Project - Scotland’s first, large-scale carbon capture and storage project.

The CO2 will be transported through existing pipelines and permanently and securely stored in rock formations under the North Sea.

Stuart Collings, CEO INEOS O&P UK., said the carbon capture and storage project was an important part of both Scotland’s and the UK’s drive to net zero.

“Our investment in a hydrogen plant, alongside access to the Acorn Project, will result in reductions of more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year from the site,” he said.

INEOS is determined to build on the significant CO2 reductions already made since it acquired the Grangemouth site from BP in 2005 – and cut emissions by more than 60% by 2030.

It is currently investing in a new, highly-efficient energy plant, which is under construction and due to be commissioned in 2024.

That plant will drive down emissions by at least 150,000 tonnes a year.

Once the site is producing clean, low-carbon hydrogen, this new power plant will be supplied with hydrogen which will further reduce CO2 emissions.

Access to locally-produced hydrogen will also benefit other assets at the Grangemouth site, fuelling the existing combined heat and power plant, the KG ethylene cracker and assets in the Forties Pipeline System and Petroineos refinery.

“This will require a new hydrogen distribution network throughout the site and modifications to the existing fuel gas network, all of which are captured within the scope of the engineering design,” said Stuart.

INEOS also wants the hydrogen production plant to be designed so that it can link to other industries in the local area, thus supporting the development of a local hydrogen hub.

“Any resulting inward investment should boost local employment as well as the local and national economies,” said Stuart.

“The scope of design is also planned to provide capability to link the hydrogen production to third parties in the local area to support development of a local hydrogen hub.”

Overall, £1billion of investment is needed by 2030 to move to the production and use of hydrogen at the Grangemouth site.

‘This is an important step forward in our road map to net zero by 2045’ - Andrew Gardner, CEO and Chairman, Grangemouth.

Supersized

TWO of the largest ethane carriers in the world join INEOS’ fleet of gas ships to transport vital raw materials.

The latest vessel to join INEOS’ growing fleet of gas ships was named in honour of the Grenadier – the no-nonsense 4x4 due to be launched in the US soon. At the naming ceremony in Houston, Texas, the very large ethane carrier (VLEC) came face-to-face with INEOS’ rugged off-road vehicle.

Pacific INEOS Grenadier

Pacific INEOS Belstaff

230 metre
The carrier is 230 metres long. That's the length of two football pitches

99,000 m3
Can carry 99,000 cubic metres of liquefied gas

Dual-fuel
Fitted with a dual-fuel main engine which means it can use ethane as fuel

-90°C
The gas must be kept at -90°C to maintain it as a liquid

“Seeing the Grenadier 4X4 on the quayside next to the VLEC was simply spectacular,” said David Thompson, CEO of INEOS Trading & Shipping.

The Pacific INEOS Grenadier joins Pacific INEOS Belstaff, which was christened by Fran Millar, CEO of the iconic Belstaff clothing brand, in February.

At that naming ceremony, Fran said she was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the vessel.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I literally cannot believe how big it is and I am amazed that such a small crew can run such a huge ship.”

Both ships are 230 metres long – the length of two football pitches – and can carry 50,000 tonnes of liquefied gas, which must be kept at -90°C to maintain it as a liquid.

The vessels are fitted with a dual-fuel main engine which means they can use ethane as a fuel.

But they also have the potential to carry other products, such as LPG and ethylene, the key petrochemical product from which so many products for INEOS are derived.

The ships have also provided Belstaff and the Grenadier with an enormous billboard, allowing them to introduce their brands to some very new places around the world.

David described the naming of Pacific INEOS Grenadier, which was built in Jiangnan, China, as ‘very special’.

“It highlighted perfectly the immense breadth of the company which now spans from chemicals and energy, to fashion and automotive,” he said.

The ship, which is made of about 18,000 tonnes of steel, was named by Randa Duncan Williams, Chairman of the general partner of Enterprise Products.

“We are delighted to work closely with INEOS,” he said. “Today is another milestone in our continuing relationship.”

INEOS now has 12 vessels – four very large ethane carriers (VLECs) and eight MGC ‘dragon-class’ ships.

The Dragon ships have been transporting America’s competitively-priced ethane across the Atlantic to the UK and Norway for more than six years.

It was a move that many said could not be done.

But INEOS Intrepid’s arrival in Rafnes, Norway, in 2015 silenced the sceptics and signalled the start of a renaissance for INEOS’ European crackers, saving the Grangemouth plant in Scotland from almost certain closure.

Since then, the fleet has grown – and will continue to grow – as INEOS continues to develop its virtual pipeline. 

‘Seeing the Grenadier 4X4 on the quayside next to the VLEC was simply spectacular,’ - David Thompson, CEO of INEOS Trading & Shipping.

INEOS' new no-nonsense 4x4, The Grenadier, is dwarfed by the latest gas vessel to join INEOS' growing fleet of gas ship - the Pacific INEOS Grenadier. In February, INEOS named one of its vessels after its iconic clothing brand Belstaff.

Big reaction

INEOS has just spent $70 million modernising a manufacturing plant that it acquired from BP just over a year ago. It has installed a larger, oxidation reactor, an overhead heat recovery system and modified the main process air compressor at the plant, which has been operating in Merak, Indonesia, for nearly 25 years.

The result has led to a 15% increase in production of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) – and a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne.

15%
Increase in production of purified terephthalic acid (PTA)

15%
Reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne

575,000
The Merak plant will mean INEOS can now produce 575,000 tonnes of PTA every year

“Our investment not only shows our commitment to the site’s future growth, but it also supports our commitment to producing essential products while reducing emissions to net zero by 2050,” said Frank Yang, President Director, INEOS Aromatics Indonesia.

Purified terephthalic acid is the main ingredient to make polyester.

Its fibres are used in textiles, its films in electronics and its resins are used in the packaging industry – and it is in demand in Indonesia.

The changes to the Merak plant will mean INEOS can now produce 575,000 tonnes of PTA every year.

“Our key business partners and government ministers have really welcomed our commitment to the plant,” said Frank.

“It is the first time in over 20 years that an Indonesian PTA producer has made such a major investment.”

The plant – along with 156 employees – became part of INEOS when the company bought BP’s petrochemicals business in January 2021 for $5 billion.

“The local staff are really excited since the investment and feel confident about their future,” said Frank.

The overhaul, which will also improve the reliability and competitiveness of the plant, was completed safely despite the global COVID-19 pandemic.

"We want to thank everyone who participated in the project, the surrounding communities, and regulators in providing the support needed to complete the project safely,” said Frank.

INEOS Aromatics now has sites across the US, Asia and Europe who produce more than five million tonnes of PTA every year.

It is a significant and growing business, with 1,200 staff worldwide and a $4 billion turnover.

INEOS Sports timeline

INEOS appoints new Director of Sport - LEADING FROM THE FRONT

Sir Dave Brailsford has been appointed as its new Director of Sport. Dave, who was part of the INEOS 1:59 performance team that helped marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge storm into the history books, said it was an opportunity to work together with all the other sports teams across INEOS.

Over the past few years, INEOS has forged partnerships with some of the very best teams in the world in cycling, Formula One, sailing, football, hockey and running.

The latest partnership is with the world famous All Blacks from New Zealand.

“As the sports organisation has grown, we are looking to develop a performance agenda across all sports,” he said. Dave said its ethos mirrored how INEOS liked to do business.

“This culture and approach are at the heart of what makes INEOS such a successful business,” he said. “It has a federal structure with clear responsibilities, but also a desire to cross pollinate new thinking and ideas across the group. The aim now is to replicate this model across all the sports at INEOS.”

Clark Laidlaw, the All Blacks Sevens’ head coach, described the performance partnership with INEOS as unique.

“It will give us the ability to learn from some of the world’s highest performing teams across a range of sports,” he said.

Alongside Dave’s new role as Director of Sport, he will continue to lead INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, with Rod Ellingworth as his deputy.

“We are already deep into the planning for 2022 and are committed to going all in for the season,” he said.

“For me there is no more exciting place to be in global sport right now than at INEOS, given the extraordinary range of talents across the different teams” – Sir Dave Brailsford

Below we look at the INEOS Sports Timeline

2010 – Dec
INEOS becomes front of shirt sponsor of Lausanne Hockey Club

2017 – November
INEOS acquires Swiss football club FC Lausanne-Sport

2018 – April
INEOS TEAM UK competed for the America’s Cup in 2021. Now as INEOS Britannia it is the challenger of record for the 37th America’s Cup in 2024

2019 – May
INEOS acquires cycling team TEAM Sky who become Team INEOS and then the INEOS Grenadiers (2021)

2019 – August
INEOS acquires French football club OGC Nice

2019 – October
INEOS supports Eliud Kipchoge’s record-breaking marathon as he becomes the first person to run a marathon in under 2 hours at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge

2020 – February
INEOS becomes Principal Partner to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1Team

2020 – December
INEOS joins Daimler and Toto Wolff as equal owners of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

2021– July
INEOS becomes Performance Partner to New Zealand Rugby and the Teams in Black

2021 – December
Dave Brailsford announced as Director of Sport at INEOS

2022 – January
INEOS becomes Performance Partner to Eliud Kipchoge and the NN Running Team

 

Running partner

The NN Running Team is the first professional team within the world of running and is delighted to formalise a long term performance partnership with INEOS.

INEOS is reuniting to help Eliud win a record-breaking, third, consecutive Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Eliud Kipchoge made history in 2019 when he became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. As he crossed the line in Vienna, Austria, he said: “This shows no one is limited.”

Since then Eliud and INEOS have worked on various campaigns, but they have now signed a new performance partnership agreement to tackle new challenges together.

The knowledge and expertise of the team, who helped to make history on the streets of Vienna, are reuniting to help Eliud win a record-breaking, third, consecutive Olympic gold medal in the marathon.

The Kenyan athlete won golds at Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021 and will be going for gold in Paris in 2024.

“To receive the support from such a great entity in sports is a huge boost to myself and the team,” he said.

INEOS’ backing, he said, also presented a huge opportunity for the greatest minds in sport to share their experiences and ideas.

“We have already changed the world together once,” he said.

Eliud will be working with Sir Dave Brailsford in his new role as Director of Sport at INEOS.

“Eliud is a once-in-a-generation athlete,” said Dave. “He has broken athletic boundaries that many felt impossible.

“Collaborating with Eliud, his performance team and INEOS on the 1:59 Challenge was a truly inspiring experience. The opportunity to come together again to tackle new ambitious challenges with Eliud and the wider running team is incredibly exciting.”

INEOS founder and chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was in the Prater Hauptallee on that historic day, said Eliud’s approach and mindset transcended sport.

“We have a great opportunity ahead of us to support not only his performance goals but understand how his approach can help others achieve theirs,” he said.

Long distance running may seem like a solitary pursuit. But in reality, it’s a team sport.

Many people worked behind the scenes to help Eliud become the first man to run 26.2 miles in under two hours, including 41 pacemakers.

Eliud and his Dutch-based NN Running Team will begin working with the other teams backed by INEOS, which include the All Blacks, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, America’s Cup Challenger of Record INEOS Britannia, OGC Nice and FC Lausanne-Sport.

Through their performance partnerships, INEOS has brought together some of the best minds and talent in sport to tackle sports' greatest challenges.

Under Dave, the teams involved are working together to identify opportunities for performance gains that can be shared and applied across the group.

“Across sports, we all face the same challenge, which is the need to continually improve,” said Dave.

‘To receive the support from such a great entity in sports is a huge boost to myself and the team’ – record-breaking Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge

Chain reaction

A COUNTRY famed for producing the world’s best distance runners could soon be making real headway – in the world of cycling.

Eliud Kipchoge, the 5ft 4 Kenyan athlete who made history on the streets of Vienna by running a marathon in under two hours, has teamed up with INEOS to launch a cycling academy at the renowned Kaptagat camp where he trains.

“This is very great news,” Kevin Richie Preacher posted on Facebook. “I can foresee a Kenyan continental team coming up very soon.”

The INEOS Eliud Kipchoge Cycling Academy will be headed up by Valentijn Trouw, who was heavily involved in the record-breaking INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Austria in 2019.

Also involved will be the INEOS Grenadiers, one of the world’s most successful cycling teams.

Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ Director of Sport and Team Principal of INEOS Grenadiers, said the new academy could help to develop new riders from Africa.

“We all know the talent is there,” he said. “We have seen it this year.”

In March Biniam Girmay became the first black African to win a World Tour race at Belgium's Gent-Wevelgem classic.

Two months later he made history as the first black African winner of a Grand Tour stage in the Giro d'Italia.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently visited the Kaptagat-based training camp.

“There is such exciting sporting talent, passion and ambition in Africa,” he said. “I am convinced that this partnership can do something truly different and unique for cycling – as well as for aspiring young African athletes.”

For more than 30 years Valentijn, who will work with the wider Kaptagat team, has identified and nurtured long-distance runners in Kenya, creating a pathway for them to compete on the world stage.

“Their passion, dedication and love of sport is a perfect fit with the INEOS Grenadiers’ spirit of giving it all to race and be your best,” said Dave. “Together I believe we can achieve something unique and important for cycling in Kenya, Africa, and the sport itself.”

Eliud, who will be seeking to make history in Paris 2024 by winning his third successive Olympic men’s marathon, said he was proud that the camp would no longer be a purely athletics-focussed training camp.

“The cycling academy is a very natural fit,” he said. “It’s got great potential to enable our young talented cyclists to make the next steps towards the top level of cycling.”

Valentijn said he, too, was excited at what could be achieved by working with INEOS and the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team.

“It is an opportunity to build a relatively new sport in Kenya and bring together our collective knowledge and insights from running and cycling for the benefit of the sport,” he said.

‘We all know the talent is there. We have seen it this year’ – Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ Director of Sport and Team Principal of INEOS Grenadiers

INEOS and Eliud Kipchoge share a passion. They both believe that no human is limited. So it was only a matter of time before they linked up again.

Programmes, partnerships and philanthropic donations

INEOS supports health, education, conservation and grassroots sport initiatives throughout the world.

“Through our giving we aim to make real impact big and small, whether that’s trying to find a solution to the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, improving the lives of children living in poverty, or supporting local community groups around our sites,” said Ursula Heath, Communications Manager INEOS.

Forgotten Forty

Giving headteachers the chance to make a difference

IT is estimated that more than four million children in the UK – over 40% of children in some regions – were living in poverty before the pandemic.

But with successive lockdowns and increases in the cost of living in the UK, the problem will only worsen.

Often their parents do not rely on state benefits. They are simply working all hours in low-paid jobs to make ends meet, leaving little time and money for non-essentials.

Following a successful pilot scheme involving 20 schools in some of the UK’s most deprived communities, 100 headteachers have now been chosen by INEOS to benefit from an annual £20,000 grant to spend on initiatives that could transform the lives of their most deprived children.

These initiatives are taking place and being evaluated, with learnings shared across the group of teachers.

Over three years, INEOS hopes to not only witness a meaningful, short-term impact on the lives of several children living in poverty, but also to gain insight into effective ways of tackling the negative effects of deprivation in primary schools, which can be shared and scaled.

CHILD poverty is nothing new. It has been a priority for successive UK governments for about 70 years. Attempts to tackle the problem, though, have focused on raising standards in schools. No one has tackled the root cause, which is what goes on beyond the school gates. Until now.

“INEOS’ decision to want to play its part in eradicating poverty represents a radical, new approach,” said Brian Padgett, a former deputy head who is working closely with four other ex-teachers on INEOS’ Forgotten Forty initiative.

The Forgotten Forty team – Brian, Elaine and John Wyllie, Sheila Loughlin and Elaine Crotty – were brought together in 2019 to consider what might be done differently to help tackle the impact of poverty on some of the most deprived children in the UK.

They came up with the concept of giving teachers a ‘blank cheque’ to try out new projects that might inspire children from poorer homes to believe in a better future – with the intention of INEOS learning what works, and what doesn’t.

All five members of the Forgotten Forty team know from experience that a child’s home life can seriously hamper his or her ability to do well in school and limit what they go on to achieve.

“The home underpins everything,” said Brian. “By helping families to cope and live better, the children will benefit.”

They also know the challenges facing headteachers whose primary schools care for some of the most deprived children in the UK, with their ability to help often constrained by limited and overstretched school budgets.

To help, INEOS has committed to giving £20,000 a year for three years to 100 primary schools serving some of the poorest communities in the UK – and is putting that funding into the hands of headteachers.

All INEOS wants is for them to use that money to help build a child’s confidence, develop their resilience, excite their curiosity about the world around them and inspire them to want to do well.

“The money is not there to send a child on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa,” said Brian. “It’s about opening a child’s eyes to the world around them and showing them what is on their own doorstep.

“It could be as simple as taking them to a local museum or an art gallery that they have never visited before.”

The team is now working closely with all the 100 schools.

“Headteachers are not short of ideas,” said Elaine Wyllie, who founded The Daily Mile when she was headteacher of St Ninian’s Primary School in Scotland. “At the last count, they had come up with more than 600 initiatives.”

Headteachers know that not all learning takes place in the classroom, and that valuable lessons can be learned on school trips, after school and at weekends.

But they also know that children from poorer backgrounds are less likely to go on school trips, enjoy days out at the seaside, learn to play a musical instrument or join a sports club because their families simply cannot afford it.

‘The Forgotten Forty project is so flexible and is the best initiative I have ever been involved in. It has already had a huge impact on the community and will allow our children to build aspirations for the future’ - Nick Anderson, Headteacher Bede Primary School, Gateshead

The Forgotten Forty project’s goal is to allow headteachers to help their most deprived pupils enjoy a well-rounded education that children from wealthier homes take for granted.

“INEOS trusts us and we trust our teachers,” said John, who spent 32 years working in Scottish secondary schools.

The teachers have been given some rough guidance – they cannot spend it on staff salaries or capital projects – but apart from that, they have been trusted to spend it wisely.

Elaine Crotty, who specialised in early years’ education, said it didn’t matter if one of the teachers’ initiatives didn’t work.

“We are not expecting them all to work,” she said. “What we want to do is encourage teachers to take a risk and try something new. With any luck, some of the findings will be applicable to other schools too - whether or not they are currently part of the Forgotten Forty programme.”

The headteachers have also been introduced to one another so that they can share their ideas and successful initiatives.

INEOS will host an annual conference each year to allow them to build a network.

“Talking to each other has also helped them to realise they are not alone,” said Brian.

He said successive governments had blamed the underachievement of children from poor backgrounds on schools.

“They have wilfully ignored all the challenges stacked up against the children, their parents and local communities,” he said.

He said if INEOS’ intervention showed promising new ways of alleviating the effects of poverty, it could influence how schools spend their funding in future.

“The team are also hoping the initiative encourages other private donors to get involved with supporting primary schools,” said Brian.

 

The world at its feet

THE eyes of the world will be watching when the United States stages the World Athletics Championships for the first time. Hoping to attract some of that attention between July 15 and 24 will be The Daily Mile, which has been named as an official event supporter.

A film extolling the physical and mental benefits of this INEOS-backed initiative will be regularly shown in the stadium during breaks in the competition.

And Daily Mile banners will adorn the inside of Oregon’s Hayward Field, one of the greatest track and field stadiums ever built.

“We are hoping to encourage children in Oregon, the rest of the US and across the world to take part in The Daily Mile,” said Elaine Wyllie, who founded the initiative 10 years ago to help improve the fitness of pupils at her primary school in Scotland.

Today – with INEOS’ support – more than three million children around the world now regularly run, walk or jog The Daily Mile.

“As childhood becomes more sedentary than ever, we’re proud that The Daily Mile has helped those children get up and running because we know that the positive experiences we have at a young age shape habits for life,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

About 2,000 of the world’s greatest track and field stars from more than 200 nations – along with thousands of fans from around the globe – will be heading for the USA this summer.

As part of the 100-day countdown to these historic Championships, children in Portland ran The Daily Mile for the first time as part of the World Wide Welcome Youth Relay.

Each leg of the relay will be dedicated to one of the global track and field teams who will be competing on US soil for the first time.

The Daily Mile has not only improved children’s fitness. It has also led to improved performance in the classroom.

“It is free, simple and effective and fits into the school day easily,” said Elaine.

Sarah Massey, CEO of the Championships’ local organising committee, Oregon22, LLC, said The Daily Mile and the World Wide Welcome Youth Relay were a perfect match, and would be working together to show new schools and community groups across Oregon what they could do – for free – to improve children’s fitness.

“Both programmes serve to encourage healthy activity in the younger generation, so we couldn’t be prouder to collectively build this into the lead-up to these World Athletics Championships,” she said.

worldathletics.org

Pride of Scotland

SCOTLAND was where The Daily Mile all started. So it was only right that Scotland should host the 10th anniversary party of that simple initiative that has become a runaway success with school children all over the world. And there to see it was former headteacher Elaine Wyllie, who Pagefounded it as a way to improve the fitness of her own pupils from St Ninian’s Primary School in Stirling.

“It has been an incredible journey so far,” she said.

In Dundee, more than 800 children from six local primary schools took part in the largest-ever mass Daily Mile run in Baxter Park in front of distinguished guests.

At the same time, more than 260,000 children around the world took part in a virtual event – across 1,040 schools in 16 countries from Scotland to New Zealand.

“The fact that we were able to do this mass global event with hundreds of schools to celebrate our 10th birthday was a real testament to the enthusiasm behind the initiative,” said Elaine.

“It was a fantastic way to celebrate all we have achieved.”

She praised the children, teachers, schools and INEOS, which has helped to spread its appeal throughout the world.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Founder and CEO of INEOS, said INEOS had supported the Daily Mile for years because it shared Elaine’s passion.

“It’s a free, simple and effective way to improve children’s physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

The initiative has enjoyed phenomenal success since it was founded 10 years ago.

Today more than three million children across 14,000 schools in 87 countries globally are now running The Daily Mile.

In just 10 years The Daily Mile has become phenomenally successful, but all involved agree that there is still so much more that can be done. Hear from the experts, how - from a single class, in one school - this simple, but effective INEOS-backed initiative has already transformed millions of children's lives.

thedailymile.org

Six Rivers Project

Conservation methods begin to bear fruit as team continues to focus on the best ways to save this incredible species from extinction.

CONSERVATION methods – adopted by the INEOS-backed Six Rivers Project to try to save the Atlantic salmon – are beginning to bear fruit. Recent work has led to an improvement in the number of juveniles in the Sela river, which has long been a safe haven for this threatened species.

“The management of fishing pressure has also played a significant role here,” said Pete Williams, INEOS’ Director of Technology.

All fish caught must be released, and anglers are allowed to use light fishing tackle only.

“We are confident that by changing traditional fishing habits, we can enhance both the quality of all the rivers and improve the life of the fish that inhabit them,” he said.

Icelandic rivers are world renowned for their salmon fishing and attract enthusiasts from all over the world every year.

But if the salmon disappear, a source of income for those living in remote parts of North East Iceland vanishes too.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has, for years, been working with the former Strengur Angling Club, now part of the Six Rivers Project.

They are working to ensure that profit from the world-class salmon fishing business will be reinvested in the conservation work to protect the species locally and beyond.

“In essence the fishing will provide the means to protect the local environment,” said Pete.

The Six Rivers Project, which was initiated by Jim, is working with experts from Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Institute and Imperial College London on a ‘multi-faceted’ conservation programme.

Salmon ladders have been built to allow the salmon to reach new spawning grounds further up the rivers.

Eggs have been planted in new areas.

Adult fish have been relocated to new parts of the rivers, where competition for food may not be as fierce.

And botanists have been planting native vegetation along the riverbanks which has increased the food supply in the rivers.

The team also tagged 1,000 smolts – maturing salmon – so that scientists could track and monitor their behaviour.

From that research alone, they discovered that half of smolts in the Vesturdalsa died before they even reached the sea – and very few, just 13 in 1,000, of the tagged smolts returned to spawn.

“All these conservation measures have set a new standard in Iceland,” said Pete. “But there is much more to do in this long-term project.”

The team, though, remain confident that, with careful management, they can reverse the decline in the wild Atlantic salmon which used to thrive in Iceland – and provide insights for protecting the species elsewhere.

“It is important that we share our findings with other groups around the world,” said Pete, who is co-ordinating the academic research. “Conservation resources are limited so we need to ensure we’re not unnecessarily repeating work done elsewhere.”

As part of the team’s desire to share their findings, INEOS hosts an annual Six Rivers International Conference in Reykjavik every year.

In September 2021 academics from Canada, Norway, England, Iceland and beyond met to compare research.

“Ultimately, we have the same aim,” said Pete. “We all want to leave the environment and habitat in better shape than we found it.”

Experts from Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Institute and Imperial College London are working on the ‘multi-faceted’ conservation programme as part of the Six Rivers Project, which was initiated by INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

www.sixrivers.is

‘Our conservation measures have set a new standard in Iceland’ - Pete Williams, INEOS’ Director of Technology

 

INEOS Oxford Institute

The accidental discovery by Alexander Fleming of a mouldy petri-dish in 1928 kickstarted a 20 year journey to develop the world’s first mass-produced antibiotic. But little progress has been made since the 1980s to develop new drugs to combat the growing ‘silent pandemic’ of antimicrobial resistance.

Now scientists at the Ineos Oxford Institute have helped to identify a potential future drug that could extend the life of ‘last resort’ antibiotics.

---

IN January 2021 INEOS committed £100 million to Oxford University amid fears that a growing, ‘silent pandemic’ of antimicrobial resistance would end modern medicine as we know it. A year on, scientists, based at the Ineos Oxford Institute, have made a promising discovery.

Carbapenems are vital, often ‘last resort’, antibiotics that are used to treat serious infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia, when all others have failed.

Despite that, some bacteria have found a way to render those carbapenems useless by producing enzymes called metallo-betalactamases (MBLs), leading to a rise in superbugs.

But new collaborative research, conducted by scientists from the Ineos Oxford Institute and several institutions across Europe, has found that indole carboxylates, a new class of enzyme blockers, can stop those enzymes working, leaving the antibiotic free to attack and kill bacteria, such as E. coli, in the lab and in infections in mice.

The researchers first screened hundreds of thousands of chemicals to see which would attach tightly to the metallo-beta-lactamases enzymes to stop them working – and which didn’t react with any human proteins.

By zooming in to take a closer look at how they work, the researchers found that these potential drugs attached to the enzymes in a completely different way to any other drugs because they copied how the antibiotic behaved with those enzymes.

The researchers then chemically changed aspects of the drugs to make them as effective as possible and tested them, in combination with carbapenems, against multi-drug resistant bacteria in both dishes in the lab and in mice.

“The potential new drugs, in combination with carbapenems, were found to be many times more potent at treating severe bacterial infections than carbapenems alone,” said Professor Schofield.

Antimicrobial resistance is currently responsible for about 700,000 deaths every year, but it threatens to get much, much worse, with fears that 10 million people could die every year by 2050 from common infections.

“It is a massive problem because collectively we haven’t been making enough new clinically useful antibiotics,” he said.

“As a society we must find ways both to make new antibiotics and protect the ones we have. The alternative is that routine modern medicine will be disrupted in a manner simply too horrendous to conceive.”

INEOS’ £100 million, which was used to set up the Ineos Oxford Institute, will support research into the growing resistance to antibiotics.

The money will enable more than 50 researchers to address the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, collaborate with other global leaders and develop new drugs for people and animals.

“With the fantastic support we have received from INEOS, we can replicate the latest drug discovery programme within the institute for multiple different bacterial targets and applications,” said Professor Tim Walsh, Academic Lead (Microbiology) at the Ineos Oxford Institute.

This latest research is the culmination of years of work and is a long way from being a proven solution.

But if indole carboxylates can be developed, tested and made into safe, human medicines, they could extend the effectiveness and lifespan of some of our current antibiotics and save lives all over the world.

Professor Tim Walsh said the discovery also proved that academia, given the space to create, could produce something amazing.

“That’s what we have seen here,” he said. “And we hope to make many more similar promising discoveries as the institute grows over the years.”

“This clever, Trojan Horse trick allowed these potential drugs to be highly effective against a very wide range of MBL-producing superbugs,” said Professor Christopher Schofield, Academic Lead (Chemistry), at the Ineos Oxford Institute at the University of Oxford.

Scientists, based at the Ineos Oxford Institute, have made a promising discovery which could extend the life of 'last resort' antibiotics

‘This clever, Trojan Horse trick allowed these potential drugs to be highly effective against a very wide range of MBL-producing superbugs’ - Professor Christopher Schofield, Academic Lead (Chemistry), at the Ineos Oxford Institute at the University of Oxford

Penicillin

The discovery of Penicillin and its purification into the first antibiotic in the early 1940s was one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century.

Antibiotics changed the course of medical history, saving countless lives at the end of the Second World War, making childbirth safe for the first time in human history and allowing the creation of all modern surgery and cancer treatment that we benefit from today.

Following the discovery of Penicillin there was a “golden age” of antibiotic discovery lasting several decades.

Sadly, this era has finished, and we are left with a dwindling stock of medicines that are becoming ever less effective as bacteria naturally develop resistance to their actions.

Society needs to continue working hard to keep hold of these medical gains, and avoid returning to a pre-antibiotic era when a simple cut could be fatal.

The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research was established to advance the search for solutions to one of the biggest public health challenges of our time. Researchers are working in the lab, in the field and with the public to discover new ways to prevent and treat drug resistant infections.

INEOSOXFORD.OX.AC.UK

Introduction

There is no doubt that we are in unprecedented times. Nothing is more pressing today than climate change. The world is at a crossroads. It has to decide how it wants to live in the future.

Never has it been more important for people to understand how fundamental the chemical industry is to modern life and to tackling the global issues we all face.

It touches almost everything in our lives – our phones, our clothes, homes, transport and healthcare. One cannot exist without the other.

Despite that, we know change is coming and we are reshaping our business.

We understand the challenges facing the world, now and in the future, and are clear about our role in addressing those challenges.

An energy transition is underway, calling for a joined-up, holistic approach in how to move away from fossil fuels towards alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen.

Chemistry is our business, and our chemical products and processes will play an essential part in this transition.

Climate change and the circular economy are the cornerstone of our strategy and we remain focused on an innovative approach to recycling and renewables.

Following the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, most nation states have set the goal to achieve a net zero emission economy by 2050, and are adopting regulations and legislation to support this.

This edition of INCH looks at some of the plans and actions INEOS businesses have put in place to ensure that they make the transition to a net zero economy by no later than 2050, whilst remaining profitable, and staying ahead of evolving regulations and legislation.

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Green transport

INEOS is working with Wrightbus, the world's first hydrogen-powered double decker bus, to showcase hydrogen as fuel of the future.

The StreetDeck Hydroliner from Wrightbus is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and its battery pack can store up to 48KWh that allows the bus to travel up to 280 miles, emitting water rather than carbon dioxide as it goes. It was designed to meet the demands of both bus drivers and passengers. The bus has been developed as part of the JIVE project funded by the European Union (Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe).

Net Zero 2050

Following the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, most nation states have set the goal to achieve a net zero emission economy by 2050, and are adopting regulations and legislation to support this.

In response, INEOS businesses have put in place roadmaps to lead the transition to a net zero economy in our industry by no later than 2050, whilst remaining profitable, and staying ahead of evolving regulations and legislation.

Based on these roadmaps, we are setting ambitious, but achievable, targets for 2030, which are in line with our 2050 commitment. We expect to publish these shortly.

Actions and improvements are already in hand.

We will reduce emissions for each kg of product by 10% by no later than 2025, and we are investing over 3 billion euros over the next five years to reduce our footprint further.

As part of this effort, we are also investing in new products and technologies to drive the industry to a circular economy, in which materials are re-used to the maximum extent, and no products, once used, enter the natural environment.

The products we make are essential for a myriad of applications on which society relies.

That is why governments worldwide regard the industry as a critical industry, as we have seen during the recent pandemic.

The range of applications includes the following:

• health and medical devices
• clean water
• food conservation and preservation
• renewable energy technologies
• lighter energy saving materials for transport and mobility
• affordable clothing and apparel
• construction & transmission of water and gases
• electrical insulation
• household and electrical goods

Our products are essential because, based on performance, affordability, and environmental footprint, they are the best available materials for the applications concerned.

In some cases, especially in the medical sphere, they are the only available materials.

INEOS is part of the solution to the challenges the world faces, and we look forward to achieving a net zero economy whilst continuing to deliver products which are essential to society.’

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.

Sustainability is fundamental to how INEOS does business. It drives innovation so we can meet the challenges associated with society’s ever-changing needs. Our approach to sustainability encompasses six key areas: safety, climate, circular economy, people, communities and the natural environment, and governance. Our sustainability strategy is to develop and make products needed to address the challenges posed by climate change, public health, resource scarcity, urbanisation and waste, in a way which drives us all towards a net zero emission economy by 2050.

For further insights download our 2020 Sustainability Report.

www.ineos.com/sustainability

Our Journey to Net Zero

The journey to net zero by 2050 will not be an easy one for INEOS. It is an efficient manufacturing company, but the manufacture of vital raw materials for clothing, medicines, electronics, cars, planes and buildings is energy-intensive. Its products are also used to build wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable technologies. And all that comes at a cost to the environment.

“Our industrial processes require a certain amount of energy and give off CO2,” said INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “That’s the reality. You cannot have one without the other.”

The company recently published its first-ever group sustainability report, pulling together data from all its businesses across the world.

“It was a mammoth task,” said Communications Director Tom Crotty. “But we needed to see where we are globally, so that we can clearly see what needs to be done.”

And changes to cut carbon emissions, produce more sustainable products, and find alternatives to fossil fuels are already afoot.

It has started replacing gas and oil, where it can, with renewable materials to make its products.

It is working in partnership with pioneering recycling companies to reuse plastic waste.

It is reinvesting its profits in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants to improve their efficiency, which will cut carbon emissions.

It has started sourcing energy from wind, which will reduce its carbon footprint by more than one million tonnes of CO2.

It is exploring ways to capture and permanently store carbon emissions underground in decommissioned oil wells, saving millions of tonnes more.

It is investigating the possibility of mixing captured waste carbon dioxide with sustainably-generated hydrogen to produce methanol, a chemical widely used in everything from clothing to fuel.

And it is pushing for an economy fuelled by green hydrogen, which produces zero emissions.

“INEOS is aiming to contribute by not only decarbonising energy for its existing operations, but also by providing hydrogen that will help other businesses and sectors do the same,” said Geir Tuft, CEO of INEOS business, INOVYN.

Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change, which advises the British government on what it needs to do to achieve its climate change goals, believes INEOS has an important role to play in helping to create a hydrogen-powered, low carbon economy.

In a recent interview with INCH magazine, he said: “INEOS will be with us on this journey. It just needs to make sure it explains its role in the climate change debate so the public understands too.”

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Energy transition

As the world looks for cleaner, alternative forms of energy, INEOS is investing millions in a range of projects aimed at drastically cutting CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen will be a key focus, so too will be carbon capture and storage. And both opportunities will lead to new jobs.

Roadmaps

As the world looks for cleaner, alternative forms of energy, INEOS is investing millions in a range of projects aimed at drastically cutting CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen will be a key focus, so too will be carbon capture and storage. And both opportunities will lead to new jobs.

Circular Economy

INEOS is focused on creating a circular economy to prevent billions of tonnes of plastic ending up in landfill. Throughout the INEOS group, businesses are developing several technologies in parallel, each suited to the different plastic which is collected, and it has already launched over 25 different products containing recycled plastic.

Safe Sustainable Products

From polymers to medicines to mobile phones, chemicals manufactured by INEOS enhance almost every aspect of modern life. Working with our customers, we produce safe and sustainable products that also help society to meet net zero by 2050.

Hydrogen - Fuel of the Future

Hydrogen is being championed as the fuel of the future. And the call for change is no longer just coming from industry which has been using it in vast quantities for more than 40 years. Governments are warming to it too, and realising that a net zero economy by 2050 will be impossible without it.

Hydrogen produces zero emissions when burned as a fuel, it can be more efficient than fossil fuels and is the most abundant element in the universe. It even powers the sun.

As a company, INEOS is in a unique position to fuel a hydrogen-powered economy.

 Its business, INOVYN, has been producing hydrogen as a co-product for more than 100 years.

INEOS, though, is prepared to significantly invest in developing green hydrogen across Europe.

Switching to hydrogen would also help to tackle the biggest root cause of climate change: air pollution.

INEOS recently launched a new hydrogen-focused business which has just one aim: to cut CO2 emissions.

That business will be focussing on ramping up production of clean hydrogen across Europe, not only for its own sites, but critically for other industries seeking affordable, low-carbon energy.

In Norway, it is building a water electrolyser to help support the country’s drive to save more greenhouse gases than it generates by 2040.

Zero-carbon electricity will be used to produce clean hydrogen through the electrolysis of water at its chemical manufacturing site in Rafnes.

The investment will not only lead to a reduction in its own CO2 emissions, but it will also produce enough additional clean hydrogen each day to fuel up to 400 buses or 1,600 taxis.

And in Belgium, INEOS and ENGIE have carried out industrial-scale tests at INEOS Phenol site in Doel to see whether hydrogen can be used to replace high proportions of natural gas.

“We believe in hydrogen as a key link to a carbon-neutral economy, and will be counting on the expertise and support of INEOS, which we see as a key partner in the energy transition,” said Cedric Osterrieth, CEO ENGIE Generation Europe.

The two companies are also heavily involved in an ambitious project to use captured waste carbon dioxide with sustainably-generated hydrogen to produce methanol, a chemical widely used in everything from clothing to fuel.

Methanol is currently produced using fossil-based raw materials and, in the process, gives off CO2.

If the new process works well, each tonne of methanol produced would reduce CO2 emissions by at least one tonne, per tonne of methanol. But those are just two of many projects.

INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants INEOS to be at the forefront of change. “Hydrogen really is the fuel of the future,” he said. 

Carbon Capture & Storage

These projects have the potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding and growth of carbon storage technology, whilst supporting Europe's wider CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 and beyond.

Fossil fuels have fuelled human progress over the past 260 years. But the world is demanding change. Around the world industry is under pressure to break its dependence on oil and gas and find renewable alternatives. And INEOS is responding to the challenge.

INEOS is already making inroads – in exploiting low carbon technologies, cutting emissions and improving the energy efficiency of its plants.

But it is also heavily involved in carbon capture and storage projects in Europe and the US.

At Grangemouth in Scotland, INEOS and Petroineos are an integral part of the Scottish Cluster, partnering with the Acorn Project to capture and store up to one million tonnes of CO2 by 2027.

The site is also working to develop Scotland’s first carbon capture and storage system, linking Scotland’s industrial heartland to the Acorn CO2 transport and storage system in North East Scotland.

 In Antwerp, Belgium, INEOS is part of the Antwerp@C consortium to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of building CO2 infrastructure to support future carbon capture utilisation and storage.

The project has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by nine million tonnes between now and 2030.

In Houston, Texas, INEOS is one of 11 companies supporting the large-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage technology that could lead to capturing and permanently storing up to 50 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030 and about 100 million tonnes by 2040.

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The potential for the Greensand project to store up to 8 million tonnes of CO2 per annum will contribute significantly to Denmark’s 2030 overall emissions reduction target

And in Denmark, INEOS Greensand is the first project of its kind in Europe to use enormous gas reservoirs under the North Sea for the permanent storage of carbon.

The Danish project has the potential to store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 every year in the INEOS-operated Siri and Nini areas as they cease production.

As INCH went to press, the Greensand consortium was poised to file a grant application with the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program in Denmark.

If the application is successful, the consortium hopes to start work by the end of this year, with the offshore injection pilot taking place in late 2022.

“Greensand has brought together a strong consortium of 29 companies,” said Mads Weng Gade, Head of country, Denmark and Commercial Director INEOS Energy. “They are key players from Denmark and around the world."

The project will permanently store up to 90% of CO2 from power plants, steel foundries, and cement plants.

It will be captured onshore and transported to an offshore platform by ship.

From there, using the existing oil platform, the CO2 will be injected in liquid form into the reservoirs more than a mile below the seabed where it will naturally fill the empty oil and gas wells.

Brian Gilvary joined INEOS earlier this year as executive chairman of its new business INEOS Energy and is a man with a wealth of experience in the energy industry.

He believes energy-intensive industries must find a way to deal with the CO2 emissions associated with climate change if they are to decarbonise their operations and ensure the survival of industries that the world cannot live without, such as power and heating.

“That’s the big challenge for industry and also the planet,” he said. “Because even when the world was completely shut down during the pandemic, it was still consuming over 80 million barrels of oil a day, and oil was still the primary energy source.”

The Greensand project, he said, would significantly contribute to INEOS’ understanding and growth of carbon storage technology – and help future ventures.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants INEOS to be at the forefront of the industry and believes Brian will provide the experience and leadership to achieve that aim.

“We are delighted that someone of Brian’s caliber has agreed to join us at a time of significant transformation in the energy industry,” he said.

Within months of Brian’s appointment, he had worked with the team at INEOS Energy to reposition its assets.

That led to the transformational acquisition of all Hess’ oil-producing assets in Denmark, and the sale of an INEOS-owned oil and gas business in Norway to open up fresh opportunities to further reinvest in the energy transition.

“Even by INEOS’ standards, those deals materialised in a fairly short window,” he said.

INEOS Energy now owns all Denmark’s Syd Arne oil field and plans to boost production over the next 20 years.

It doesn’t worry INEOS that Denmark intends to ban oil and gas exploration and production by 2050.

“We know there is no more exploration after 2050 but that’s not what we are looking at,” said Brian, BP’s former financial officer. “What it does do is set a timetable for us to run these assets through to the life of the fields. Our production will be well finished by 2050.”

What the deal with Hess also does is strengthen INEOS’ position – and its ability to enter the next phase of the Greensand project.

Brian, who was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Energy Council for his outstanding contribution to the industry, retired from BP last year.

But then INEOS came knocking...

“INEOS is an extraordinary, pioneering company and it’s too exciting an industry not to be part of,” he said.

He believes INEOS will play a crucial role in the energy transition – due to its assets, its technology and the drive and determination of its people to get things done.

“The oil and gas industry will be a big part of the solution to the issue of climate change,” he said. “And INEOS will play an important role in this energy transition, be it providing energy through oil and gas over the next few decades, or in the future, through alternative energy solutions such as hydrogen and carbon capture.”

He added: “It is a truly leading, technology company that will be able to compete across the spectrum of the energy transition.”

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$150 million deal will reshape INEOS’ energy business

INEOS Energy’s decision to buy all Hess’ oil-producing assets in Denmark will transform INEOS’ fortunes in the North Sea. Executive Chairman Brian Gilvary said the $150 million deal, agreed earlier this year, would:

• STRENGTHEN INEOS’ portfolio
• IMPROVE its balance of oil and gas assets, which had been heavily weighed down by gas.
• PROVIDE opportunities for growth and
• UNLOCK operational and cost synergies

“We had been in a position in Denmark where we either had to transform or get out,” he said. “This deal represents a major step in reshaping our energy business.”

It also means INEOS now owns all Denmark’s Syd Arne oil field and Hess’ 4.8% stake in the INEOS-operated Solsort field.

The facilities will operate alongside the Greensand project, which passed its first milestone in November when DNV GL agreed that the underground gas reservoir could safely contain compressed CO2.

More recently, 29 consortium members agreed to back Greensand’s carbon storage pilot project, in support of Denmark’s ambitious 70% CO2 reduction targets by 2030.

“We are taking this step by step,” said Mads Weng Gade, Head of Country, Denmark and Commercial Director INEOS Energy.

“We now have the consortium in place, and if we are successful in receiving ongoing support from the Danish Government and advisory board, Greensand will be able to take another important step forward in supporting the Danish Climate Strategy.”

The potential to store up to 8 million tonnes of CO2 per annum will contribute significantly to Denmark’s 2030 overall emissions reduction target.

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Ex-BP chief joins INEOS

INEOS is no stranger to Brian Gilvary. At BP, he was often involved in striking deals with INEOS.

Only last year, he led the negotiation with INEOS for the sale of BP’s global aromatics and acetyls business for $5 billion – and had enormous respect for INEOS’ approach to securing a deal that worked for both companies.

“INEOS is commercially very savvy and I have seen the rigour that goes into a deal,” he said. “But it also listens and understands the point of view of the other side. That said, I much prefer being on the same side of the negotiating table.”

What’s also impressed Brian since he became Executive Chairman of INEOS Energy is INEOS’ obsessive focus on safety and its humility.

“INEOS is understated in many ways,” he said. “The house style is one of delivery and then talking about successes and learning from things that have not gone so well.”

Brian spent 34 years at BP and helped to steer the company through some of its toughest times, including the 2010 explosion of a BP drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico which led to the worst environmental disaster in US history.

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Carbon Capture Project

Phase one of the Greensand project is already complete. The project may be capable of storing up to eight million tonnes of CO2 every year in the INEOS-operated Siri and Nini areas, after those fields have ceased production.

• Carbon capture technology can capture up to 90% of CO2 from high intensity emitters.
• CO2 will be captured onshore and then transported to the offshore platform by ship.
• CO2 will be injected in liquid form into the geological reservoirs more than 1500 metres below the sea bed. The CO2 will naturally fill the empty oil and gas reservoir and will be permanently stored below the sea bed of the North Sea.
• By 2030, the aim is to build the capacity to store 3.5-4 million tonnes of CO2 yearly.

www.projectgreensand.com

yCEN

Nothing today is more pressing than climate change. For years INEOS' Climate and Energy Network has driven sustainability higher and higher up the INEOS agenda. But the company recognises that it needs to take on the perspective of its younger managers. To ensure it has a bright future, INEOS  has formed a group of young people who passionately believe that INEOS has an important role to play in tackling climate change. Meet yCEN.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt argued that the future belonged to those who believed in the beauty of their dreams. Former US president Barack Obama believed it belonged to young people with an education and the imagination to create. INEOS believes it belongs to all three.

It is now giving its young people a real voice within the company to look to the future. A real chance for them to make a difference to how the business continues to operate beyond 2025.

Its yCEN group, who are all under 35, is led by Matthias Schnellmann, a 29-year-old with a PhD in chemical engineering.

Their brief is to come up with answers to some of the biggest challenges facing mankind.

And they are excited at the prospect.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution and certain trade-offs will need to be made,” said Pieter-Jan Snoeck, energy and performance coordinator at INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, who is also part of yCEN.

“The best way to start is by reflecting, challenging each other’s ideas and coming up with tangible solutions. The time to act is now, because INEOS has the right people to make this journey a success.”

Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ global head of energy and innovation, described the formation of a young Climate and Energy Network group as an ‘incredibly important development’.

“There is no short-term solution to the grand challenges ahead,” she said. “We may be experienced, but it will be the young ones who take INEOS forward so we need to listen to them. INEOS’ future starts now because we older ones will not be around when the full impact hits.”

Matthias sees a very bright future for INEOS and, more importantly, one that he can now influence from inside the company.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with a group of motivated colleagues to address the grand challenges that we face,” he said.

That doesn’t mean the road ahead is going to be easy, he says. It isn’t.

“I am humbled by the challenge, both the scale of it and the speed at which we need to address and overcome it,” he said.

“But at the same time I am optimistic since there are examples of past challenges that humans succeeded in overcoming. The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a prime example.”

He is confident in INEOS, the company he joined in September 2019 after finishing his post-doctorate at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

“The chemical industry will be a key pillar of our transition to a climate neutral future and it’s already playing a vital part, by manufacturing the essential products for renewable technologies and zero emission vehicles,” he said.

“It is fundamental to our modern life. People often don’t realise that there is a huge link between the chemical industry and almost everything they touch, be it their iPhone, their clothes, the credit cards in their wallet or the toothpaste on their toothbrush.”

In other words, modern life would be primitive, lacking almost everything we take for granted.

INEOS, which employs 26,000 people around the world, makes products that matter.

Its plastic packaging protects and preserves food and drink.

Its PVC helps blood to be stored for longer.

Its solvents are used to make insulin and antibiotics.

Its chlorine purifies 98% of the UK’s drinking water.

Its acrylonitrile is the essential raw material for carbon fibre, which makes cars and aircraft lighter, stronger and more fuel-efficient.

“INEOS is consciously aware of the need to change,” said Matthias. “And it is not afraid of it.”

Over the past 10 years it has been working behind the scenes on successfully reducing its impact through its Climate and Energy Network (CEN), which feeds and fans debate across the group’s sites.

At the recent, three-day annual meeting, about 130 people from across the company – chairmen, CEOs, managers and climate and energy experts alike – tuned in every day to learn what their colleagues were doing to cut carbon emissions, switch to recycled and bio-based raw materials, reuse waste materials, reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency.

For those three days, the company focused on key issues such as climate and energy, the circular economy, where nothing is wasted, along with the production of safe, sustainable products that society needs.

“This isn’t just a talking shop,” said Greet. “We are taking a business-led approach to identifying opportunities for INEOS in this transition economy.”

The annual gathering also saw the launch of the new initiative, yCEN, which will be driven by the young people whose very future depends on the decisions that are made today.

Its group leader Matthias has already got a growing and a very passionate young army behind him.

“Transitioning to a net-zero economy is essential, and we need to accelerate our action,” he said. “However, our journey must be feasible technically, financially and socially.

“We can’t change the laws of physics and there are limits to how fast we can deploy renewable energy. Companies will need to invest in new technologies, which they can only do if they remain profitable.”

The EU wants to remove at least the same amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as it emits by 2050.

Matthias said it would be exciting to be at the forefront of INEOS’ part in that transition.

“I think opportunities will naturally arise where we can make substantive contributions, particularly in an organisation such as INEOS, whose success is built on challenge, seeking new opportunities and giving its people the scope and accountability to deliver,” he said.

Roadmaps to a better future

Roadmaps are now being drawn up at every INEOS site. How the various businesses plan their route to net-zero may be different, but the end goal will be the same: to drastically cut CO2 emissions by 2030 and 2050. “Our aim is to draw up realistic roadmaps and set achievable targets based on input from each business,” said Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ global head of energy and innovation.

The roadmaps, which will lead to business investment plans, will help each business to identify areas for improvement and will be regularly updated.

Most of INEOS’ sites, although energy-intensive, are already highly efficient.

Focusing on that alone will not bring the company – or the environment – any real big gains.

But switching fuels, using recycled or renewable raw materials or investing in carbon capture and storage could do.

"Having a solid, science-based method to draw reduction pathways and ultimately set emission targets that are achievable is how INEOS does business," said Hür Bütün, environmental data manager at INEOS who has been working on the carbon footprints of each site and the roadmaps.

"It leads our transition into a climate and resource neutral economy.”

INEOS’ plants in the Port of Antwerp were the first to adopt a roadmap.

Their goal is to stay ahead of EU climate targets as part of the transition to a net-zero economy.

“It is a dynamic document,” said Greet.

The Antwerp roadmap – pulled together with help from Matthias Schnellmann – involve sourcing green power, capturing CO2 for use, optimising processes, switching to outsourced, cleaner heat and investing in electrification.

Other INEOS businesses are also making progress – and devising their own roadmaps to best suit their business’ set-up.

“We know that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work,” said Greet. “But we have pockets of excellence so we can share best practice.”

INEOS O&P has already started to reduce its dependence on gas and oil by using waste plastic to make a new range of plastics that have been hailed as ground-breaking.

And some of its energy-intensive sites in Belgium are now being powered by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels – a move that will cut INEOS’ emissions by 1.9 million tonnes of CO2 every year.

INEOS Phenol in Antwerp believes it has the potential to halve its emissions by 2030 compared to 2019, by sourcing clean power, using more hydrogen and steam, and finding a customer for residue it normally burns.

Each business is using the INEOS science base to calculate their current emissions and set out their future reductions.

Ultimately, though, the company will be working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to validate the emission reduction in line with climate science.

“These targets provide companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals,” said a spokesman for Science Based Targets.

Keeping cool in a COVID crisis

About 40 years ago, a father and son were working as missionaries in some of the poorest places on earth. They were assisting clinics where people were desperately in need of medical supplies.

But when those life-saving vaccines and medicines finally arrived, very often the journey had taken its toll, rendering them almost useless. Inadequate storage was also proving a headache.

As a result of being unable to keep those medicines cool, Keith Meyer and his son Chris witnessed needless deaths and suffering.

When they returned to Ohio in the US in 1979, they were determined to find a solution to keeping medicines cool during transit.

Keith quit his job at the YMCA and started VacuPanel with his son Chris. Together they developed a vacuum insulation panel to keep vaccines cold.

During the anthrax threats of the late 1990s, the US armed forces turned to their system to deliver anthrax vaccine to military personnel.

From there, they inspired CSafe Global, the leader in cold chain supply logistics, and the company which is now transporting COVID-19 vaccines to the remotest parts of the world thanks to its fleet of tailor-made, thermal shipping containers.

CSafe Global, which is working hand-in-hand with BioNTech’s facility in Germany to ship the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine around the world, says its containers can store medicines at -70°C for at least 10 days.

Those containers are now being flown around the world – even delivering vaccines from Germany to China.

“Maintaining the proper temperature for any vaccine is critical to ensuring its effectiveness,” said Scott Reeve, President of Composite Advantage, which he founded in 2005 and is now part of the Creative Composites Group.

One of its first products were the lightweight fiberglass container shells that provide the structure for these containers transported by aircraft. CSafe assembles the containers using the shells.

“When complete, it is similar to opening the doors to a nice refrigerator with an internal gel coat,” said Scott. “The active cooling system ensures that products are not damaged when there are flight delays due to weather or mechanical issues.”

INEOS Composites provides Scott’s company with Derakane® epoxy vinyl ester resins which it, in turn, uses to make the fiberglass reinforced shells and panels for CSafe Global shipping containers.

“In order to pass Federal Aviation Administration requirements, we use a fire resistant resin,” said Scott.

It’s a relationship that has been nurtured for years by both Composite Advantage and INEOS Composites since the first containers were manufactured in 2006.

“Many of our customers are often smaller firms who lack resources for research and development, so INEOS extended its marketing and R&D support to Composite Advantage when they were starting out,” said Thom Johnson, Business Manager at INEOS Composites.

“In return, Composite Advantage centred their product development around INEOS’ resins. The result has been a long and fruitful relationship as both companies have grown in this market segment.”

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Father-son duo invent hi-tech cooler

Keith Meyer and his son Chris, who witnessed needless suffering while working as missionaries in some of the poorest places on earth, inspired CSafe Global.

Derakane® epoxy vinyl ester resin

INEOS Composites provides Composite Advantage with Derakane® epoxy vinyl ester resins which it, in turn, uses to make the fiberglass reinforced shells and panels for CSafe Global shipping containers.

-70°C

CSafe Global, which is working hand-in-hand with BioNTech’s facility in Germany to ship the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine around the world, says its containers can store medicines at -70°C for at least  10 days.

Polystyrene unpacked

Five years ago, environmentalists were calling for polystyrene to be banned. Greenpeace described it as a 'problem plastic' because it was 'very difficult' to recycle. But that was then; this is now.

Next year a pilot plant will be built in the UK to test whether polystyrene can be successfully recycled on a commercial scale.

If the trials with Trinseo and Recycling Technologies are a success, INEOS Styrolution will invest in a commercial, polystyrene recycling plant in France – and Trinseo will build one in Belgium.

UK-based Recycling Technologies Ltd are the brains behind the pioneering technology that will allow polystyrene to be used, and reused, over and over again without losing any of its quality.

“This business was born out of a global environmental crisis,” said CEO and founder Adrian Griffiths. “We share a common sense of urgency and a burning passion for our planet.”

Since it was formed in 2011, it has been developing the technology to recycle mixed plastic waste.

“Our core technology was initially targeted at polyolefins, but we started to adapt it to polystyrene for INEOS in 2018,” he said.

For two years INEOS Styrolution has funded Recycling Technologies Ltd’s research to find a solution to turn polystyrene back into a virgin oil. And it is research that has paid off.

Producing recycled polystyrene from polystyrene, instead of gas, will also lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“INEOS Styrolution and Trinseo are the two biggest polystyrene producers in Europe with whom we share the vision to make polystyrene a circular material,” said Adrian.

Polystyrene has served society for almost 100 years and was one of the first polymers to be used commercially.

Today it is used to package fresh food because it helps to reduce the amount of food being wasted.

But it is most widely used to package and protect white goods during transit.

Initially Recycling Technologies will be focusing on single-use polystyrene packaging, which makes up almost half of polystyrene uses.

But it will also be collecting and recycling dairy packaging, such as yogurt pots, food trays and vacuum-formed plastic cups.

“Historically polystyrene has been difficult to recycle and it is not collected in the household recycling waste stream which makes it difficult to find.” said Adrian.

But the three companies, which will be working together, are determined to make it work.

“We are convinced that a combination of technology, innovation and determination can make a true difference to today’s world,” said Adrian.

“We believe plastic is a great material and an integral part of the solution to reducing our carbon footprint.”

The technology

The polystyrene waste is shredded and then fed into a thermal cracker where it is turned back into an oil, which is good as the original.

Call of the Wild

USANGU is a vast, unspoilt, uninterrupted wilderness in southern Tanzania. It’s home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, wild dogs and tiger fish. The only way into this part of the Ruaha National Park used to be on foot.

As such it made it difficult to protect the animals from poachers.

But the logistical challenges were just part of the problem.

“When these parks don’t contribute good revenues compared to the more famous national parks, they can be seen as problem areas to the government,” said Brandon Kemp, Country Director Tanzania for Asilia Africa.

But one man's problem became another man’s opportunity – and Asilia, one of the country’s leading safari companies, is now working on a new initiative with further backing from INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“The more tourism we can get in there, the more secure it will be,” said Brandon.

What they want to offer, though, is a safari with a difference, where the guests are involved in the research and conservation.

In June, a small expedition camp will be set up next to the research team.

There will be just four tents for guests, one car, one boat, one canoe and one walking guide.

“We have just put our first road in there, but we are going to keep it very simple,” said Brandon. “It will be like going back in time to how safaris used to be.”

The team are grateful to Dr Eblate Ernest Mjingo, now director-general of The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, who has helped to change mindsets.

“For the first few years, the government didn’t allow us to even talk about tourism and research in the same sentence,” said Brandon. “Now we can.”

Jim, who has been on countless safaris over the past 20 years, has been working with Asilia since 2015.

He believes developing tourism in southern Tanzania will open the eyes of the world to a place of immense beauty and importance – and help to create local jobs and prosperity.

“When a local community benefits from high-quality employment from tourism, poaching flips to protection to preserve those jobs,” he said.

With Jim’s help, Asilia went on to open a camp and a private lodge in Ruaha National Park and its first camp in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, now Nyerere National Park.

Back then, only a handful of travellers had ever set foot in the reserve, which is larger than Switzerland, or in the Ruaha National Park, which is the size of New Jersey in America.

The conservation initiative is focused on Usangu, where the Great Ruaha River starts its 450km journey.

“It is a fascinating project,” said Brandon. “Usangu is an area that is sensitive and needs as much help as it can get.”

The team has been given access to all 6,000 square kms so it can carry out its full, bio-diversity audit and better understand all the animals that live there.

“We are measuring everything from insects to the big five,” he said. “Who knows, we might even find a new species of frog.”

The work on the ground has already started, but the team is considering buying a small plane this year so it can patrol the area more easily.

The team is also working with the Tanzania National Parks Authority to combat wildlife crime.

Asilia

Asilia Africa offers an authentic East African safari experience that leaves a positive impact on Africa’s crucial wilderness areas.

Guests are actually donors and, by visiting the region, are not only participating in something unique, but also contributing to the research, security and peripheral community of the Usangu Wetland.

Asilia hires and empowers local staff to work alongside community and conservation programmes. Hamza is just one of them, He has now been working for Asilia for more than nine years. ‘Becoming a guide has been my biggest achievement,’ he says.

Thinking Big

As statistics go, The Daily Mile has racked up a fair few. More than three million children from 85 countries are now taking part in The Daily Mile and it recently signed up its 13,114th school. But there's one equally impressive statistic that often goes unnoticed.

For there are just eight people in the core team who are overseeing the global rollout of The Daily Mile initiative – Jessica Ard, Bill Russell, Anna Limbach, Tilly McAuliffe, Caitlin McConnell, Hannah Oakes, Thomas Manfredini and Fiona Paterson.

“They do an incredible job and they are really making a difference, by talking to schools, posting online and working with our extensive partners,” said John Mayock, director of The Daily Mile project.

“But we are always on the lookout for partners on the ground who can help us to spread the message of the benefits of The Daily Mile, given its simplicity to implement.”

It’s a call to action from INEOS employees because COVID-19 – far from derailing the programme – has actually helped to increase awareness of the need to stay healthy, both mentally and physically, during lockdown.

“People have been looking for what they can do during lockdown to increase their health and wellbeing and The Daily Mile, because it is such a simple initiative, has been something they can do at home,” said John.

The UK/US-based team have set themselves some strategic, long-term goals.

And partnerships with key supporters will be key.

In England, it is Sport England. In Scotland, the government. In France, Le Coq Sportif. And in Spain, it’s a high-profile national cancer association.

“The Daily Mile will thrive under any condition because it is a simple and tried-and-tested initiative,” said John. “The key is about getting the right people and organisations in place to influence schools and community leaders.”

Over the coming year, the focus will be on spreading the message about The Daily Mile more widely in America.

“We have got 52 states to go at,” said John.

The team have recently signed agreements with The National Dairy Council and Seattle Marathon to implement The Daily Mile across their networks.

“These are very exciting opportunities for us to test the partnership model,” he said.

The former Olympic athlete, who competed in the Commonwealth Games, also recently contacted ambassadors of all countries in the Commonwealth to gain support for adopting The Daily Mile.

“The response was overwhelming,” he said.

Contact The Daily Mile at the foundation's global website:

www.thedailymile.org

Challenge of a lifetime

INEOS’ dream of winning the America’s Cup – and ending 170 years of hurt for Britain – is over.

Everyone on INEOS TEAM UK, down to the man who had to weigh every nut and bolt on the raceboat, had been focused on bringing home sailing’s greatest prize for the first time.

But in the end, despite four years of dedication, hard work, grit and hundreds of thousands of man hours from the 100+ strong team, it was not to be.

“We started this team in 2014 with the goal to bring the America’s Cup back to Britain and as far as we’re concerned, we still need to get the job done,” said skipper Sir Ben Ainslie.

During the warm-up races in December, the British team had struggled with technical issues and Britannia lost every race.

But changes were made to the boat  – and they went on to win every round robin race to qualify for the Prada Cup Final.

“That was an amazing event to watch because it was such a turnaround in our fortunes,” said INEOS Chairman and Founder Jim Ratcliffe.

But in the end, light winds favoured the Italian team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, in the Prada Cup Final.

“They had the better overall package across the range of wind conditions and deserved to take the final,” said Sir Ben.   

Despite the disappointment, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said he could not be more proud of his team.

 “We really did fight until the end,” he said. “We are just sorry we couldn’t bring it home for our supporters.”

But in the America’s Cup which followed, it was the Italian team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, who were left fighting.

They lost 7 – 3 to defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand.

Over the past four years, the British team has been focused solely on winning sailing’s most coveted and oldest trophy.

“We’ve learnt a huge amount throughout this campaign and now we need to go back and analyse where we didn’t get it quite right,” said Sir Ben. “Both Luna Rossa and Team New Zealand have been in this game 20 and 30 years respectively. That learning and development is key.”

The British team had been working in partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.

Up to 30 of Mercedes’ applied science team, led by director Graham Miller, had manufactured some of the most sophisticated technology ever seen in The America’s Cup.

“The attention to detail at Mercedes F1 is phenomenal,” said Nick Holroyd, Chief Designer INEOS TEAM UK. “They gave us a leg-up. They took the underpinnings of what we started and added a layer of sophistication and detail to it. They brought exactness to our campaign.”

The Brackley team had also used their F1 know-how to help the INEOS team develop and implement innovations in engineering, human science, simulation and data analysis.

While F1 drivers are in direct contact with the ‘pit wall’ – a place where all strategic decisions are made by backroom staff during a race – such a concept was almost unheard of in the world of sailing.

Until now.

During training, a 750-horsepower RIB had raced alongside Britannia.

Onboard the RIB were designers and engineers working with some of the most advanced technology in world sport.

Onboard Britannia, and mostly invisible to the naked eye, were about 1,000 sensors which fed more than one million bits of data back to the design team every day.

Everything was monitored and analysed – from the sailors’ heart rates to the speed of the wind.

Some of that data was monitored live to ensure the crew’s safety while out on the water.

During training most of the data was analysed by the entire design and sailing team the following day.

Britannia was made up of about 17,300 individual parts, which were all tested and weighed before they went on the boat.

Current cup holders Emirates Team New Zealand had insisted that each boat must not weigh more than 6520kg.

“There was no give or take,” said Sir Ben.

At INEOS TEAM UK, it had been naval architect Alan Boot’s job to monitor the weight of the boat.

He had to record everything that went on board, from the bolts on the instrument displays to the drive train assembly, and flag up any potential problems.

To help cut down on the crew’s weight, the wing trimmer, the pilot and Sir Ben had all shed a few pounds.

“It was the grinders we wanted to be as heavy as they possibly could be to maximise the power output,” said Sir Ben.

The America’s Cup – described by Sir Jim as the pinnacle of sailing – is the only major international sporting trophy that Britain has failed to win.

Despite 2021 not being Britain’s year, Sir Ben said he hoped to be back.

“INEOS have been amazing backers and partners and we can’t give them enough thanks for that over the past four years,” he said.

“But with INEOS it’s not just the financial backing. It’s the approach they take to business and why they are so successful. It’s that attention to detail, rigour and determination that we share in the sporting world.”

For all the latest news about INEOS TEAM UK, please log on to  www.ineosteamuk.com

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Britannia
Britannia has changed significantly from the team’s first race The AC75 cannot weigh more than 6,520kg without the sails and crew.

Crew
The 11 crewmen must not weigh more than 990 kg and are allowed a total of 55 kg of personal equipment, including wet suits, shoes, life jackets, radios, headsets and any food and water.

10 years
It took 90,000 + hours to design – the equivalent of about 10 years.

17,300
Britannia is made up of 17,300 individual parts. Each one is weighed before it goes aboard.

Wing Foils
The wing foils were made at Mercedes F1’s headquarters in the UK and enable Britannia to fly.

Weatherman
A Spaniard, who has navigated some of the world’s most difficult oceans, is the team’s weatherman. Juan Vila regularly briefs the team about the weather so they can plan ahead – and know what to expect.

50,000
It took 50,000 +
hours to build.

Sensors
There are about 1,000 sensors feeding over one million bits of data back to the design team every single day.

Live Data
British company Papercast has designed and built a bespoke, lightweight, waterproof and robust unit that feeds real-time information to enable the team to keep the unstable boat flying flat and fast. The live data is streamed around the boat because every milli-second counts. All of the crew’s decisions are based on the information they can see in front of them.

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Elaine does the honours

A retired head teacher, who has helped to inspire millions of children around the world to be active for 15 minutes every day and enjoy the great outdoors, is Britannia’s Godmother. Elaine Wyllie joins an impressive line-up of ships’ Godmothers including legendary Hollywood actresses Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Mirren, Julie Andrews and Sophia Loren.

INEOS TEAM UK had hoped The Queen might do the honours, given that Britannia is named in honour of her great grandfather’s racing cutter.

But due to COVID-19, she has been unable to take on any more engagements.

“I think it’s absolutely incredible to be the second choice after the Queen,” said Elaine, who founded The Daily Mile. “In fact, it makes it even more of an honour.”

Elaine, who was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2019, will not be in New Zealand to watch the crew race but planned to savour every minute of every race – on television.

“Britannia will be in my thoughts and I will be glued to the TV,” she said. “As well as being a magnificent feat of engineering, she is absolutely beautiful and I am very proud of her and her crew.”

The original Britannia racing cutter – built for King Edward VII – enjoyed huge success, winning 231 races.

In her final years, she was raced by King George V.

His dying wish was for Britannia to follow him to his grave.

When he died in 1936, Britannia was towed out to St Catherine’s Deep off the Isle of Wight and scuttled by the Royal Navy in the same waters where the first America’s Cup was raced in 1851.

The rise of the superbug

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics poses a serious threat to humanity but underfunding means little has been done to address the problem. All that is about to change, thanks, in part, to a £100 million gift from INEOS to Oxford University

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A silent killer, which threatens to claim more than 10 million lives every year by 2050, must be tackled before it’s too late, say scientists. They fear unless new drugs are found to replace existing antibiotics that have lost their efficacy, common infections, which have been successfully treated with antibiotics for decades, could become killers once again.

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are to blame for their demise, and underfunding means little has been done to address what is deemed to be one of the biggest rising threats to global health since COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has been like an earthquake,” said Professor Tim Walsh. “It’s been rapid and sudden, whereas antimicrobial resistance, you can’t see it, you can’t feel it, but nonetheless it’s increasing year on year.”

But all that is about to change.

INEOS has committed £100 million to support research at Britain’s Oxford University into the growing resistance to antibiotics.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of these hidden dangers for the human race,” said INEOS Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “But I don’t think it is widely recognised yet.”

All modern surgery and cancer treatments rely on the use of effective antibiotics to reduce infections.

“To lose this precious gift will signal a return to a pre-antibiotic era,” said Mr David Sweetnam, Chairman of the new INEOS Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research. “We now have a very narrow window of opportunity in which to change course and prevent the unthinkable from becoming the inevitable.”

Illnesses which have evolved to become difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics already kill about 1.5 million people a year.

But scientists warn that medicine will be taken back to the dark ages if antibiotics are rendered ineffective – and millions will die.

“If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of not ignoring high consequence events that are headed our way,” said Professor Louise Richardson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

It is estimated that about 80% (by weight) of worldwide antibiotics are used in animal agriculture, not always directly to treat infection, but often to promote growth for meat.

“This over-usage is helping infections to develop drug resistance in humans too, and damages the medical frontline,” said Professor Walsh. “The new INEOS Oxford Institute will be unique in researching novel, animal-specific drugs, to preserve human medicines' effectiveness for longer- which could have a significant impact on delaying the AMR crisis."

Oxford University played a crucial role in the early development of antibiotics in the 1940s.

Alexander Fleming, a Scottish physician and microbiologist, had discovered penicillin by accident by 1928 but it was a team of scientists at Oxford who turned Fleming’s discovery – that the Penicillium mould genus produced a substance that inhibited the growth of some bacteria – into the wonder drug that has saved so many lives.

After this, followed a golden era of antibiotic research and discovery, but this ran out of road. No new antibiotics have been successfully developed since the 1980s.

“This donation will allow us to do work on antibiotics that we have been dreaming about doing for the past couple of decades,” said Professor Chris Schofield, Academic lead (chemistry) at the INEOS Oxford Institute.

Mr Sweetnam said the COVID-19 pandemic had shown the world the importance of science and research.

He pointed out that the vaccines, which were created in record time, had been developed from research conducted long before COVID-19 struck.

“It’s clear that we must be looking right now for new antibiotics with the same urgency as we have been for vaccines,” he said. “The consequence of continued complacency doesn’t bear thinking about.”

INEOS’ donation is one of the largest ever given to a UK university.

“It is an example of a powerful partnership between public and private institutions to address global problems,” said Professor Richardson.

Lord O’Neill of Gatley, the economist who co-authored the book Superbugs: An Arms Race against Bacteria, said INEOS' success in the chemicals industry coupled with the great minds of Oxford University and collaborating scientists offered hope.

“This new Institute, applying a model of reinvesting profit to drive further progress in the field, could be the breakthrough moment the global AMR challenge needs,” he said.

Without urgent collaborative action to halt the rise of superbugs, mankind could return to a world where taken-for-granted treatments such as chemotherapy and hip replacements could become too risky, childbirth becomes extremely dangerous, and even a simple scratch could kill.

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INEOS’ £100 million gift will enable around 50 researchers over the next 5 years to:

ADDRESS the overuse and misuse of antibiotics

COLLABORATE with other global leaders in the field of antimicrobial resistance to prevent common microbes becoming multi-drug resistant superbugs, such as MRSA

DEVELOP new drugs for both people and animals

Why the world needs a clean break

INEOS is now channelling its energy and expertise into a new business which has just one aim: to cut CO₂ emissions. Its new UK-based business will focus on ramping up production of clean hydrogen across Europe – for its own sites, but critically for other industries now seeking affordable, low-carbon energy.

“We have already been approached by several potential strategic partners, ranging from other chemical partners to connections in the automotive industry,” said Wouter Bleukx, who is manager of the newly-formed Hydrogen Business Unit. “We soon hope to disclose more about these partnerships.”

INEOS-owned INOVYN is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the same critical technology which can use carbon neutral energy to produce hydrogen for power, industry and transport.

It also knows how to store and handle hydrogen safely and is working on a first project to potentially store hydrogen in one of its enormous salt caverns in the UK.

“We are uniquely placed to play a leading role in developing these new opportunities,” said Geir Tuft, CEO of INOVYN.

INEOS produces 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen every year, mainly as a co-product from producing chlorine and cracking oil and gas to make olefins and polymers.

Most of the hydrogen is either burned as a fuel or used to make other chemicals.

But INOVYN believes more can be done for the greater good of society.

In the last edition of INCH, Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change, described hydrogen as the Heineken of fuels because of all the parts it reaches.

“We can use it to heat homes and power transport and industry,” he said.

He told INCH that it was impossible for the world to achieve net zero emissions – and, in doing so, drastically cut harmful CO₂ emissions – without it.

INEOS is already involved in several projects to encourage others to use hydrogen instead of gas and oil.

Its new Hydrogen Business Unit will work under the umbrella of INOVYN but its strategy will apply to all of INEOS’ businesses around the world.

It aims is to build a large-scale hydrogen production unit within five years.

Earlier this year the European Commission unveiled its own hydrogen strategy. Wouter said that this European roadmap, for widespread use of hydrogen across Europe by 2030 and beyond, presents fresh opportunities for INEOS’ new business.

“Hydrogen is an important part of a climate neutral economy that has been discussed for decades,” he said. “Finally, a hydrogen-fuelled economy is within reach.”

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• The Clean Hydrogen Business Unit will have its headquarters in the UK.
• Our aim is to cut CO2 emissions across all INEOS sites and other European industries with the use of clean hydrogen.
• INEOS will be ramping up production of clean hydrogen across all its European manufacturing sites.
• The production of hydrogen based on electrolysis, powered by zero carbon electricity, will provide flexibility and storage capacity for heat and power, chemicals and transport markets.

It's time for a new industrial revolution

It was once the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Now – 260 years on – those towns and cities, which were once powered by coal, could be on the brink of changing the face of how the world works once again. HyNet North West in the UK will play a leading role in the world’s fight against climate change. And INEOS-owned INOVYN has an important part to play in this industry-led and inspired project.

It is one of a consortium of world-leading organisations committed to tackling the climate crisis.

Together they want to create a network so that hydrogen can be produced, safely stored and distributed to decarbonise the North West of England and North Wales.

“Our job will be to provide a place to store the hydrogen in vast quantities,” said Richard Stevenson, INOVYN’s Storage Projects Manager. “Only then can the network cope with changes in supply and demand. By providing large-scale storage, we will greatly enhance the system’s resilience.”

It’s an ambitious, but deliverable, project that is viewed by those involved as an opportunity not to be missed.

For these low carbon hydrogen technologies – combined with carbon capture and storage – could help to reduce CO₂ emissions by 10 million tonnes every year by 2030.

That’s the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road or heating more than five million homes.

“The project is a game-changer and will provide a lasting legacy for generations to come in the North West and North Wales,” said Richard.

It is hoped that by as early as 2025: 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ will be captured from industry.

A low carbon hydrogen plant will be in operation at Stanlow Refinery to produce 350MW – enough energy to heat about a third of a million homes with natural gas boilers.

Offshore and onshore gas extraction assets will be repurposed so that one million tonnes of CO₂ can be transported and stored in three depleted gas reservoirs under the seabed in Liverpool Bay, and construction of the UK’s first hydrogen pipeline network will be underway to supply local industry and to blend up to 20% hydrogen with natural gas into the local networks.

“This level of blending can be used with existing gas boilers and cookers, and is seen as an important step towards decarbonising homes,” said Richard.

By 2030, HyNet plans to be delivering 30TWh/y of low carbon hydrogen across the North West to industry, flexible power generation, transport and heating.

“That’s about 45% of the amount of energy currently delivered in the gas network in the region,” said Richard.

INOVYN will develop the first, large-scale underground facility in the Cheshire salt basin to store vast quantities of hydrogen and connect to the UK’s first hydrogen network of 350km of new pipes.

Networked hydrogen will accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy transport including trains, HGVs, buses and ships.

By 2030, HyNet also plans to capture a further one million tonnes of CO₂ from industry every year.

If successful, the project will establish the UK as a world leader in clean energy innovation and show what can be achieved through collaboration.

This year the UK government, which recently set a legally-binding target of net zero emissions by 2050, will publish its much-anticipated, national hydrogen strategy.

“Both government and industry see hydrogen as having a clear role, alongside electrification, in creating a greener and cleaner future,” said David Parkin, of Progressive Energy, HyNet’s Project Director.

www.hynet.co.uk

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INOVYN
INOVYN will develop the first, large-scale underground facility in the Cheshire salt basin to store vast quantities of hydrogen and connect to the UK’s first hydrogen network of 350km of new pipes.

10M Tonnes
Reduce CO₂ emissions by 10 million tonnes every year by 2030. That’s the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road or heating more than five million homes. 

30TWh/y
By 2030, HyNet plans to be delivering 30TWh/y of low carbon hydrogen across the North West to industry, flexible power generation, transport and heating.

2050
This year the UK government, which recently set a legally-binding target of net zero emissions by 2050, will publish its much-anticipated, national hydrogen strategy.

Global thinking

Two world-class companies, which believe hydrogen could power the global economy of the future, are now working together. One is Hyundai, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The other is INEOS, one of the biggest chemical companies on the planet.

They have signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ to explore fresh opportunities for producing, supplying and using hydrogen in everyday life.

“The agreement presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy,” said Peter Williams, INEOS Group Technology Director.

“We will initially seek to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe.”

Both companies know the value of hydrogen, which has been described in the past as the Heineken of fuels because of all the parts it reaches.

It can be used to heat homes, and power transport and industry. And when burned as a fuel, it emits only water.

INEOS produces about 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year, mainly as a by-product from making chlorine and cracking gas and oil to make olefins and polymers.

Hyundai pioneered the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered car in 2013.

Since then, the car manufacturer, which wants to increase its annual production of hydrogen fuel cell systems to 700,000 units by 2030, has travelled further down that road.

The company’s hydrogen-powered NEXO SUV has been described as a car so beautifully clean that it purifies the air as it goes. It takes just five minutes to fill the tank and that full tank lasts for 414 miles.

As part of the agreement, which was signed in November, the two companies will be exploring whether Hyundai’s second generation fuel cell system can be used in INEOS’ 4x4, The Grenadier.

Saehoon Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Fuel Cell Centre at Hyundai Motor Company, said he hoped Hyundai’s decades-long expertise in hydrogen fuel cell could be combined with INEOS’ expertise to help mass produce green hydrogen and fuel cells for The Grenadier.

“This will provide an important low-carbon option across a wide range of sectors,” he said.

Pete said INEOS’ experience in storing and handling hydrogen, combined with its established know-how in electrolysis technology, put INEOS in a unique position to drive progress towards a carbon-free future based on hydrogen.

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INEOS buys car plant to build 4 x 4

“It was a unique opportunity that we simply could not ignore,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “INEOS Automotive set out a vision to build the world’s best utilitarian 4x4, and, at our new home in Hambach, we will do just that.”

The site currently builds Daimler’s Smart EQ fortwo electric vehicles.

Under the deal, INEOS Automotive will continue to produce the Smart car and parts for Mercedes-Benz.

“This acquisition marks our biggest milestone yet in the development of The Grenadier,” said CEO Dirk Heilmann.

“Alongside the exhaustive testing programme that our prototype vehicles are now undergoing, we can now begin preparations at Hambach to build it.”

The first Grenadier is expected to roll off the production line in early 2022.

Dirk said the factory, which is about 200k from Stuttgart, was perfectly placed to tap into supply chains.

Hope for the future

BIOVYN™, a new generation of PVC – made from the residue of the wood pulp process, instead of purely gas and oil – is about to make the next generation proud. It has been commandeered for a new ‘fossil-free’ pre-school in the Swedish city of Gothenburg, which has ambitious plans to cut the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2050.

For INEOS-owned INOVYN, the brains behind this new PVC, it is a great honour to be involved in what is known as The Hope Project.

“It is an innovative project to prove the concept that fossil-free construction is possible,” said Inna Jeschke, Marketing Manager at INOVYN.

“It has brought together a range of sustainability experts, innovators, entrepreneurs and suppliers to deliver a truly sustainable community building.”

INOVYN has partnered with Pipelife Sweden which has been commissioned to supply the sustainable PVC pipes.

“We have managed to lower the carbon footprint for these pipe installations by no less than 76%,” said Pipelife project manager Ove Söderberg.

The beauty of BIOVYN™, although more expensive than conventional PVC, is twofold.

It is not only made primarily from a renewable raw material not competing with the food chain but, compared to conventionally-produced PVC, greenhouse gas emissions are cut by more than 90% during production.

“The sustainable and innovative nature of BIOVYN™ make it the perfect choice for this flagship project,” said Ove. BIOVYN™, which was revealed to the world in October 2019, is the world’s first commercially-produced, bio-attributed PVC.

And it has been winning fans – and sales – all over the world ever since.

“We have had amazing interest from all corners of the globe and also from all possible applications, from direct  customers in the flooring and pipe industries and a lot from brand owners, including a prominent car manufacturer,” said Inna.

But it didn’t happen overnight. First INEOS O&P in Köln, Germany, had to be satisfied that they could secure the biomass – the renewable raw material.

Once the team in Köln had done that, they had to ensure it could be converted into bio-ethylene in its existing cracker.

Once that hurdle had been cleared, the bio-ethylene was piped directly to INOVYN’s plant at Rheinberg in Germany where it was used to produce BIOVYN™.

The bio-attributed PVC’s sustainable credentials have already been certified by The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), whose global mission is to support best practice for sustainable bio-material production.

PVC is essential for modern life today and is already widely used in the renewable energy sector, in cars, buildings, floors, technology and in medical equipment.

“BIOVYN™ pushes sustainability even further,” said Luc Castin, Business Manager, INOVYN.

Rolf Hogan, Executive Director of RSB, has described INOVYN’s latest PVC product as a true leader in the emerging circular bio-economy.

Zero tolerance

INEOS in Antwerp has pledged to beat targets set by the EU for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hans Casier, CEO of INEOS Phenol & Nitriles, said concentrating on reducing emissions at source rather than just capturing and storing them will be key. “All our sites in Antwerp now have a clear, achievable roadmap,” he said.

The plan will mean INEOS will reach net zero emissions across its business in the Port of Antwerp by 2050 at the latest.

But it also takes into account the EU’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030.

A new €5 billion cracker and propane dehydrogenation complex will be built in Antwerp - and supplied with energy from ENGIE’s wind farm in the North Sea.

The new complex will enable a step change reduction in emissions associated with the manufacture of olefins, the key chemical needed by the car, construction, transport and medical industries.

In addition to switching to green electricity, INEOS also plans to extend its collaboration in existing industrial waste heat and steam networks in the region and increase the use of hydrogen in its chemical processes and power plants.

The company is also involved in an ambitious plan at Lillo to mix captured carbon dioxide with green hydrogen to produce methanol, a chemical widely used in everything from clothing to fuel.

The use of more recycled, or bio-attributed, raw materials, alongside gas and oil, is also being explored.

"All these activities will be underpinned by an ongoing drive to improve the energy and resource efficiency of our processes,” said Hans.

Although the focus will be on avoiding the production of CO₂ , rather than waiting to collect and store it later, storage should still be an option for INEOS in the future.

As such, INEOS can rely on experience at its existing carbon capture plants in Zwijndrecht, Tavaux, Lavera and Köln.

Currently about 100,000 tonnes of CO₂, which is produced as by-product of the ethylene oxide process at Zwijndrecht, is captured, purified, liquefied, sold and reused.

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INEOS draws up clear roadmap

The roadmap has been drawn up to show INEOS the path to creating a climate neutral world.

INEOS’ plants in the Port of Antwerp may be the first to set out on that journey. But they won’t be
the last.

“The roadmap will be rolled out and every business in INEOS will be able to look at it and see where they can implement changes to lower their carbon emissions,” said Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ global head of energy and innovation policy.

She has been working on the comprehensive roadmap with Matthias Schnellmann, Carbon Business Developer, for the past year.

Together with INEOS’ sites in Antwerp, they have collected environmental data to set a baseline for a clear and robust plan to reduce emissions.

The roadmap shows how INEOS can reduce its emissions by either switching fuels, using renewable raw materials, increasing the energy and resource efficiency of its plants, or capturing, using or storing the carbon.

“Most of our sites are already energy efficient, so focusing on that alone will not bring us any significant gains,” said Matthias.

“But switching fuels or using renewable raw materials will. We think it is better to reduce our emissions rather than capture and store them.”

He said some sites produced hydrogen as a by-product which could be used by another site to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Each site has different needs,” he said. “The solution is not going to be the same for everyone.

But the roadmap will help them to identify areas where they can improve their processes to make a difference.”

It is hoped the roadmap will create a climate of positive competitiveness across INEOS’ businesses and sites throughout the world.

project-one.ineos.com/en

Keeping the lights on

On the day the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic, INEOS took decisive action. At that time, just over 4,500 people worldwide had died of this new, invisible killer and many governments were resisting national lockdowns, with some dismissing the virus as a ‘common cold’.

But INEOS, which now operates in 29 countries including China where the virus is believed to have originated, was alarmed.

“The fact that we are a global company was one of our strengths,” said Jeff Seed, SHE Director at INEOS. “Our Asian sites gave us a feel about what to expect and how we could potentially be impacted by the virus.”

The message from Asia was clear: if you want to keep your plants and businesses running, protect your staff now.

As a global producer of essential chemicals that the world would soon need more than ever, that advice was taken to the very heart of INEOS.

“Safety has always been our top priority, and that includes operating in a way that is safe for all our operating teams,” said Jeff. “Our excellent safety performance record is based upon having clear procedures and rules.”

A COVID contingency plan was swiftly agreed. Each business set up strict safety protocols to ensure their own employees stayed safe whilst continuing to operate the plants.

All office-based staff – all over the world – were told to work from home.

Businesses were told to identify critical personnel to operate and maintain the plants.

“That was critical and we cannot thank enough those people who impressively kept our plants running safely,” said Simon Laker, the INEOS Group Operations Director.

In addition, all non-essential work on the plants was postponed and all non-essential travel was banned.

“If we had not acted quickly, we could have allowed the virus to enter our workplaces and made a lot of our employees sick very quickly,” said Jeff. “Not only do we want our employees to stay healthy, but this would also have taken them out of the workplace and closed the factories and businesses down.”

Jeff was with Simon at INEOS’ Green Lake facility in America when INEOS Capital asked them to start preparing for the sites to continue working through the pandemic.

“At the time we really did not know what the impact was going to be on our operations across the world,” he said. “But we were determined to continue to operate in a way that was safe for all of our operating teams.”

 In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19, INEOS was prepared to shut down factories.

Weekly calls were set up between the HR Directors of each business to monitor the situation by site and country. Regular board meetings within each business were also held to ensure each business could act quickly as required.

In the UK, INEOS’ critical workers were regularly tested.

“That was a really powerful way to keep ahead of the virus,” said Jeff.

 INEOS’ actions meant not one of its factories had to close, except where mandated by country regulations.

“Our strict procedures and rapid action ensured that we have kept positive cases under control and enabled our employees to stay safe whilst continuing to be able to run our operations,” said HR Director Jill Dolan.

 Staff, who displayed symptoms of COVID-19, were told not to come to work. Since testing regimes varied by country, it was not always possible for these staff to be tested.

“That’s one of the reasons why the precise numbers of positive cases in INEOS will never be known,” said Jill. “But this approach was key to keeping any spread of the virus to a minimum.”

INEOS also ensured that those, who needed to self-isolate due to close contact with another individual, did so to keep themselves and their families safe.

INEOS, though, did not just manage to keep its own operations running.

Its early action meant it was also able to step up to meet the unprecedented, global demand for chemicals desperately needed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help treat those infected.

Production was ramped up at many INEOS sites with INEOS-owned INOVYN’s plants across Europe running continuously to produce sodium hypochlorite (household bleach), which had been recognised by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF as the best and quickest way to kill COVID-19 on hard surfaces.

The company also built six factories in less than 10 days each to produce hand sanitiser and supplied millions of bottles to thousands of hospitals free of charge.

By diverting resources away from non-essential work at sites in America, mainland Europe and the UK, INEOS kept the flow of chemicals to those making vital medical materials, disinfectants and equipment.

Countries were also rightly concerned about protecting their drinking water supplies.

In the US, utilities companies needed INEOS’ acrylamide and polyacrylamide to purify America’s water and UK water companies relied on INEOS to provides the chlorine necessary to keep 98% of Britain’s water safe to drink.

“We acted sooner than many other big businesses because there was a public safety issue as well as a business interruption issue,” said Jeff.

INEOS, though, knows the pandemic is far from over despite hopes that a vaccine will be ready soon.

“We may not be out of the woods but the fact that we have managed to navigate it so far, keeping our employees safe and our plants running, is testament to the hard work and commitment of all of our employees,” said Tom Crotty, INEOS’ Communications Director.

Shaping the future

Composites are shaping the world like never before. For unlike metal, they cannot only be moulded into almost any shape, but are tougher and lighter than steel, fire resistant and don’t rust.

“In the past the deterioration of mild steel has led, in extreme cases, to catastrophic structure failure,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Composites.

The world witnessed that on August 14, 2018, when a 200-metre stretch of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa collapsed, killing 43 people.

Experts say the bridge’s steel cables were encased in concrete which meant corrosion could not be seen.

The steel tower, which also collapsed, was also encased in concrete.

When steel rusts, it expands and can crack concrete.

Composites work differently – and, as such, have found their way into cars, trucks, boats, homes, infrastructure, chemical plants and the sea where they can withstand the harshest of conditions.

INEOS’ composites resins are also resistant to attack from chemicals.

As such they have been used, instead of traditional materials, at many of INEOS’ manufacturing plants, including INEOS Pigments’ business in Ashtabula in Ohio.

“Steel reinforcement in concrete bridges is also now being replaced with composite rebar,” said Lynn.

Composites are also good for the environment.

INEOS Composites’ resins have proved a key component in shaping the future for wind turbines because they are lighter than steel.

In 2019 the world’s longest-ever wind turbine blade was built in Cherbourg, France.

At 107-metres, it was longer than a football pitch.

“These blades simply couldn’t be built to today’s extreme size, and generate the huge amounts of power they do, without the strength to weight ratio of composite materials,” said Lynn.

INEOS, though, is also proud of the fact that it has helped to create a viable market for recycled plastics.

In every 220kg drum of its PET family of composite resins are the remnants of about 1,800 recycled PET plastic bottles.

“By using recycled PET as a raw material to make composites, we lock in the carbon,” said Lynn.

In doing so, INEOS is also showing the world it is serious about its promise to use 325,000 tonnes of recycled polymer in its own products by 2025.

INEOS Enterprises agreed to acquire Ashland’s entire Composites business, along with its European BDO business, in 2018 for $1 billion.

The Composites business alone has 15 manufacturing sites in Europe, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East and employs 1,000 people.

Ashley Reed, CEO of INEOS Enterprises, said composite resins had been the materials of choice for the world’s boat builders for 30 years and with good reason due to their incredible qualities.

“We believe composite resins have great potential growth under INEOS ownership,” he said at the time.

After the deal was completed in 2019, INEOS Composites became a business in its own right.

Looking to the future, composite materials are well placed to overcome the challenges faced by the construction industry, which wants to use more environmentally-sound products.

Andrew Miller, head of INEOS Composites Europe, said they was a growing interest in the market towards bio and recycled PET-based resins.

“Fibre-reinforced plastic composites are easy to install and maintain, have a long life, and can be recycled so it’s easy to see why they will become far more competitive than conventional materials such as steel and concrete,” he said.

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INEOS Composites

Global leader in unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins and gelcoats

• Corrosion Resistance
• Fire Retardance
• Ultraviolet Resistance
• Water and Chemical Resistance
• High Mechanical Properties
• Thermal and Electrical Insulation
• Impact and Scratch Resistance
• High Strength-to-Weight Ratios

www.ineoscomposites.com

Dispensing with tradition

INEOS has once again dispensed with traditional thinking. It has turned the humble hand sanitiser dispenser into a stylish gadget that will look good in the smartest of shops, offices, schools, restaurants and homes.

“This is the first time a lot of people will have really thought about having a dispenser in the home,” said Oli Hayward-Young, whose job is to manage the project. “But if it is going in someone’s home, it needs to look good. It needs to fit with the décor.”

Oli said many traditional dispensers tended to be ‘ugly, white plastic boxes’.

“They leave a negative feeling the minute you walk into a room,” he said. “This is a new concept for dispensers.”

He added: “There will be many businesses, which want to protect their staff and customers without compromising the look and feel of a building. Ours has been designed to be aesthetically pleasing.”

Not only that but it has also been designed by the same, world-class team who created The Grenadier, INEOS’ new
4 x 4, which is due to go on sale next year.

The man, who helped to bring The Grenadier to life on paper, is Toby Ecuyer, a trained architect and one of Britain’s best super yacht designers.

He has helped to design two types of dispenser – one for businesses and a smaller one for the home.

The professional unit, which can be customised by a company, comes in three styles – for the table, freestanding or wall mounted.

The smaller one, which is available in red, cream, silver or black, is designed to sit on a kitchen worktop or table, or be mounted on a wall by the front door.

Swiss engineering firm Gritec will initially manufacture 20,000 dispensers at their site in Grüsch.

Both went on sale via INEOS Hygienics’ website just before Christmas, along with the easy-to-fit refill cartridges.

“We got immediate interest from the public,” said Oli.

For Oli, who joined INEOS’ new global healthcare business earlier this year, it’s an exciting time.

“INEOS has always been in the background making products that underpin society,” he said. “But now it is doing something in the foreground to get the world back on its feet.”

On Friday October 23 at 8.45pm UK time, INEOS made history – by running its first-ever TV advertising campaign to showcase its hospital-grade hand sanitisers.

The advert made its debut during Coronation Street, a long-running and popular British soap.

George Ratcliffe, Chief Operating Officer of INEOS Hygienics, described it as an important milestone in the young company’s life.

“Our products were used by hospitals at the height of the pandemic and our elite sports teams are now using them,” he said. “This was our chance to show the public that, despite being a new entrant into the market, we are a trusted alternative.”

The adverts appeared to have worked.“Our weekly sales increased by over 40% after they were shown,” said George.

INEOS founded the global healthcare business INEOS Hygienics in July, but Oli said building the dispenser arm of the business, and getting the product to market so quickly, had been an amazing team effort.

“We have been able to call on the project management, commercial and engineering expertise across the company and people have risen to the challenge in very tough times,” he said.

The business, he said, had been built the long-term and a new era where the importance of hand sanitiser has never been more critical.

“Although we have seen an increase in the use of sanitisers in 2020, we believe there will be a lasting impact,” he said. “People’s attitudes have changed. Everyone now knows why it is so important to keep their hands clean to stop getting ill.”

www.ineoshygienics.com

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Tottenham teams up with INEOS

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has teamed up with INEOS Hygienics to keep its players, staff and fans safe.

The Premier League football club ordered hundreds of INEOS’ new touchless hand sanitiser dispensers just days after the Hygienics business launched the range to help maintain high levels of hygiene at the ground.

“It’s been fantastic to see the dispensers rolling off the production line,” said George Ratcliffe, COO of INEOS Hygienics.

 

Perfect partners

INEOS has partnered with yet another company that will help it to reduce plastic waste – and give a more environmentally-conscious public more of what it wants. Working together, INEOS Olefins & Polymers and Saica Natur have managed to create high performance flexible packaging, made from more than 60% of recycled low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene.

Rob Ingram, CEO INEOS O&P North Europe, said to do it, significant technical barriers had been overcome on both sides.

“Saica are experts in recycling postconsumer plastic film,” he said. “And we have the polymer science expertise to improve the quality, specification, and performance of the finished product.”

The new packaging grade polymers, which can be used to make flexible pouches for detergent among other things, has now been added to INEOS’ new range of plastics, which was hailed as ground-breaking when it was launched in October 2019.

“We don’t like to make a big fuss until we know we have something to show,” David Kirkwood, Polymer Business Manager, told INCH at the time.

The Recycl-IN range was launched with high density polyethylene and polypropylene grades containing up to 50% of recycled waste plastic.

The range has now expanded to include low density polyethylene and linear low density, and now contains up to 60% of recycled waste plastic.

The development and expansion of the Recycl-IN range is important step in increasing resource efficiency and helps to show consumers that plastics are a valuable resource that should be brought back to life, not just used once and thrown away.

“Using waste plastics as a raw material for our products helps to reduce the use of new gas and oil resources,” said Rob.

INEOS O&P’s decision to form a partnership with Saica, a leading Spanish waste management company, means that it will now have a reliable supply of recycled product, which can be combined with high performance polymers produced at INEOS’ own sites to make polymer grades that can make flexible packaging that is as good as the original.

“This is an example of commitment towards achieving a long-term sustainable growth,” said Victor Sanz, General of Saica Natur.

“It shows we are moving towards a circular economy model through the use of resources in a more sustainable and efficient way.”

 In 2019 – to help launch this new range of hybrid plastics – INEOS signed long-term agreements with a number of recycling companies including Viridor, the UK’s largest plastics recycling and reprocessing plant.

The new facility in Avonmouth, near Bristol, will be powered by Viridor’s £252m energy recovery plant which puts non-recyclable waste to work to produce electricity and heat.

“Partnerships, such as the one with INEOS, are crucial to the transition to the circular economy, where every product is comprised of a majority of recycled plastics,” said Keith Trower, managing director of Viridor Resource Management.

In 2019 the company’s recycling index, which tracks public attitudes to recycling, found that nine in 10 of those polled believe existing plastic should be used again.

“The message from the public could not be clearer when it comes to recycling and putting recycled content back into the economy,” said Viridor managing director Phil Piddington. “Where others see waste, we see resource.”

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• INEOS Olefins & Polymers have partnered with leading waste management company Saica Natur in a supply agreement for recycled LDPE and LLDPE. The long-term agreement will help INEOS to serve the growing demand for increased levels of recycled product in sustainable, virgin quality flexible packaging.
• The partnership can create high performance flexible packaging, made from more than 60% recycled plastic
• Saica Natur are a leading Spanish waste management company and are experts in recycling post-consumer plastic film
• This recycled material will be added to the RECYCL-IN range and can be used to make flexible pouches for detergent, personal care products among other things

INEOS keeps its focus

NO ONE could have predicted that a virus would paralyse the world. But overnight, the world changed as countries went into lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19. What didn’t change – and hasn’t changed – is INEOS’ focus.

Where it could, it helped in the fight against COVID-19. By building plants in days to manufacture millions of bottles of hand sanitiser for thousands of hospitals which were in short supply. By setting up an INEOS Community Fund to seek out and support hundreds of smaller organisations, which were struggling to help those hardest hit by the global pandemic. Both those efforts are rightly highlighted in this edition of INCH. But INEOS has also been focused on its vital role in helping to tackle climate change. That hasn’t gone away. If anything, the world got a glimpse of what life could be like with reduced emissions of carbon dioxide.

In this edition, Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change, said he hopes governments across the world will wake up to the very real benefits of hydrogen – a gas that INEOS has been championing and using across its INOVYN businesses for years. The pandemic also highlighted the need to be self-sufficient. During the height of the crisis, there was a critical shortage of hand sanitiser in Europe with the UK, France and Germany all struggling to get hold of supplies from China and Turkey. INEOS, which manufactures the two active ingredients for hand sanitiser, responded by launching a new business – INEOS Hygienics – to sell its hospital-grade products to the public for the first time.

The INEOS sports teams have also been back in action thanks to those products. Mercedes-AMG F1 started the season as they mean to go on – out in front. But they also found time to help INEOS launch its new business at Silverstone, home of The British Grand Prix. INEOS TEAM UK trained safely through the summer – and are now on their way to New Zealand.

INEOS’ football teams are also getting back down to business, OGC Nice looking good on and off the pitch after signing Belstaff as their official apparel partnership. And TEAM INEOS became The INEOS Grenadiers as they helped to raise awareness of INEOS’ new, uncompromising 4 x 4 at The Tour de France. The news always comes thick and fast. And this year has been no exception.

As we look back on 2020 so far, it has been quite a journey. A bit bumpy in places. But the road ahead looks full of opportunities, such as the acquisition of BP’s petrochemicals business. And anyone who knows INEOS, knows that those opportunities will not be missed.

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 from pole position, launched INEOS Hygienics through The British Grand Prix at Silverstone this summer.

Grenadier – A Star Is Born

After months and months of speculation, the covers have finally come off The Grenadier, INEOS’ rough, tough 4 x 4. It’s a huge milestone for the team at INEOS Automotive who have been itching to show it off to the world.

“Most manufacturers would hold back, but we are a new business, building a new brand, and we want to take people with us on this exciting journey,” said CEO Dirk Heilmann.

He said it also meant the team could now openly test it without the need for camouflage wrapping, foam blocks or fake panels. Over the next 12 months prototypes will rack up more than one million miles (1.8 million km) as its durability and capability is tested in all conditions.

“We have a challenging programme ahead,” said Dirk. “But showing the design now allows us to focus on this critical next phase. Since day one, our philosophy has been function over form, every time.”

The Grenadier is due to go on sale late next year and expectations are high. “Our customers will be living and working in their vehicles so they know what they want from them,” said Dirk.

Design

The Grenadier has been designed rather than styled. It combines practicality and purpose with unmistakeable character. From the no nonsense boxy body and exposed hinges to the iconic circular lights. ‘We’re considered every square millimetre,’ says Toby Ecuyer, head of design.

Rear Doors

The Grenadier’s rear doors are a 70/30 split of the back of the vehicle and open independently. That means you can quickly load and unload smaller tools, while also being able to open both doors for maximum access. A rear-mounted spare wheel maximises ground clearance.

Wheels

The Grenadier’s wheels are as close to the corner of the vehicle as possible, with very little overhang at the front and rear. That means you get the approach and departure angles needed for off-road performance.

Discover more: www.ineosgrenadier.com

It was an opportunity to raise the bar that INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe simply couldn't resist. Why shouldn't INEOS build a spiritual successor to one of the most iconic 4 x 4s on the planet? What was stopping it? As he and his colleagues walked out of that London pub, they had a dream.

A dream that has now become a reality.

They serve one of Yorkshire’s finest beers at The Grenadier, a small pub in the heart of London. It’s a convenient place just around the corner from INEOS’ headquarters for Jim Ratcliffe to pop in for a pint and a chat with a few colleagues. Over a glass of Timothy Taylor’s, they lamented the demise of Land Rover’s iconic Defender. That single comment ended in the group walking out with a £600 million plan to build its spiritual successor. And what better name to choose for it, than where the idea was born . . .

The Grenadier? So that’s what they have called it.

Toby Whitehead, who has been landlord of The Grenadier for 10 years, is incredibly proud of the pub’s role in inspiring INEOS’ rugged, stripped-back 4 x 4. “It’s already a world-famous pub because of its history,” he said. “But we feel very proud of the part we have played in this story.”

The Grenadier, though, was originally known as The Guardsman when the pub opened in 1818. It later changed its name as a mark of respect to a Grenadier soldier who was murdered for cheating at cards.

On the ceiling are £5 notes, pinned there by visitors in an attempt to pay off the soldier’s debt. Among them is a note from Jim who had drawn two Land Rover Defenders on it.

Over the years scores of famous faces, including the late Hollywood star Burt Reynolds, singer Miley Cyrus and actor Will Ferrell have passed through the doors of the pub. “Jim’s in good company,” said Toby. That, though, was almost three years ago.

In July, The Grenadier – the 4 x 4 they had talked of building that day – was finally unveiled. Jim had always had a very clear vision of what he hoped it would look, and feel, like.

Tom Crotty, INEOS’ Communications Director, remembers that first phone call when told of the plan.“I was surprised,” he said. “I knew Jim liked new things. But this was totally different. But then, given Jim’s love of the Defender and his commitment to manufacturing, it wasn’t actually that surprising.”

Initially eyebrows were raised at INEOS’ decision, with no experience, to build a car from scratch. “I am convinced people expected us to fail because it would have been a challenge for the car industry to launch a new car,” said Tom. “But for the chemical industry to attempt it? That was seen as crazy.”

Undeterred, Tom and his team invited people regarded as the world’s best car designers to a ‘beauty pageant’. The best were selected to present their findings to Jim.

These were experts with a clear vision of the direction of travel for the car industry. The ones who knew what the public would want. “That meeting didn’t go well,” said Tom. But that meeting showed any doubters that INEOS was serious about this. It had to be exactly right. And what Jim had been shown, certainly was not what he was looking to create.

“We were coming at this from scratch so we were not bound by the traditional thinking of the car industry,” said Tom. “We weren’t interested in sat nav, autonomous driving and cruise control.”

Instead Jim turned to a trained ship’s architect who had never designed a car. Toby Ecuyer was creative director of British design studio RWD and had designed Jim’s yachts, Hampshire II and Sherpa.

He liked to design using paper and pencil, and a rubber, not a computer. He was also a big fan of the Land Rover Defender and, as such, understood its unique appeal.

“I love the fact that The Defender was classless,” he said. “I really like people like that. People who are comfortable having tea with the Queen one minute, then rolling their sleeves up the next to mend a fence. To me a Land Rover Defender was all of those things.”

Designing The Grenadier was engineering-led. Its performance mattered more than anything. “Certain aspects we could get very creative with and worked very closely with Jim and Sebastian in Germany,” said Toby. “We would suggest, interpret and develop ideas.

“I have no idea exactly how many designs we have done. Every aspect of the vehicle was thoroughly designed so we produced thousands of drawings.”

Tom believes The Grenadier will succeed because of the passion, dedication, determination and meticulous attention to detail shown by all those working on the project.

Toby feels that too. “I’m very proud to have played my part in this,” he said. “But it was a Herculean effort by dozens and dozens of very talented people to bring this life.”

Projekt Grenadier – as it was known – was spearheaded by Dirk Heilmann, a former head of Engineering and Technology at INEOS O&P.

He too had no experience of the car industry but crucially understood INEOS’ mindset and the fact that INEOS is not a typical blue chip company.

As CEO of INEOS Automotive, though, he needed someone with commercial clout. That someone was Mark Tennant who had the commercial know-how and industry experience.

“We knew straightaway that he was the right person,” said Tom.

Over the past three years, they have led and motivated an international team of specialists with a shared vision of designing and building an uncompromising 4 x 4 that is capable of mastering roads, crossing rivers and climbing mountains.

About 60 companies are involved. All of them are top notch.

Austrian engineering firm Magna Steyr has over a century of experience developing some of the world’s toughest off-road vehicles. Its engineers have designed and built The Grenadier’s suspension set-up that will meet the needs of people who use their 4 x 4s for work every day.

“We fatigue tested for hundreds of hours on the test rig which simulates 300,000 km off road use,” said Matthias Maier, development engineer.

The Grenadier’s suspension set-up is completely free of electric components so it is robust and easy to maintain. To perfect it, the team dissected the world’s most renowned off-roaders, benchmarked them and then combined the very best engineering ingredients to create something even better.

And Carraro, with a long history in building tough 4 x 4 vehicles, has developed the front and rear axles.

The Grenadier, which will be powered by BMW’s latest 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, is expected to go on sale next year.

“We were told many times that what we were doing, could not be done,” said Dirk. “But that was a nice little incentive for me.”

‘It was a Herculean effort by dozens and dozens of very talented people to bring The Grenadier life’ – Toby Ecuyer, head of design

TOBY ECUYER left school with his teachers’ poor assessment of him ringing in his ears. “I wasn’t especially good at anything at school,” he said. “They suggested the best I could hope for was a job in a factory packing shampoo.” Today, Toby is not only one of Britain’s best superyacht designers, but he is credited with creating the design on a bit of paper that inspired INEOS’ no frills’ Grenadier – despite the fact that he had never designed a car.

Toby was brought in after INEOS founder Jim Ratcliffe rejected the motor industry’s expert view of what his new 4 x 4 should look like.

“It was a departure from yachts but not as big a departure as it might seem,” said Toby.

It was only after he left school and spent a year on a youth training scheme, that his aptitude for design was spotted – and he was encouraged to apply for a foundation course at South Devon College of Arts.

There he discovered an amazing talent for design. “My lecturer pushed me to excel and was adamant that I should be an architect,” he said.

With his lecturer’s support and a strong portfolio, Toby gained a place at The Plymouth School of Architecture, run by Professor Adrian Gale.

“I was accepted on the course with no qualifications at all other than a cycling proficiency certificate and a Blue Peter badge,” he said.

It was while he was in Plymouth that he learned to sail and later took up sailing professionally in the Mediterranean.

When he returned to the UK, he got a job as a junior designer in EPR architects but missed the water.

By chance he saw an advert in Yachting World for a designer, who needed to be able to draw, but no experience was necessary.

“That was the start of 20 years designing boats,” he said. “I was in my element. I loved the amount of detail that was involved and the breadth of design scope. Quite often I would design the interior, exterior, the furniture, the ironmongery the tableware, the cutlery, the crew uniforms, even luggage, and board games.”

When Jim met him, Toby had become creative director at RWD. With Jim’s help, Toby went on to design the interior of his superyacht Hampshire II and both the interior and exterior of Sherpa.

“I prefer to draw on paper because it’s instant,” he said. “It’s a straight path from brain to page.

“It’s really magical to be able to sit with someone and turn that picture in their mind into more than just a thought.” 

Farmers’ Army

INEOS Automotive has not just been focused on building the world’s best 4 x 4. The team has also helped UK farmers to recruit a modern-day ‘land army’ to harvest millions of tonnes of fruit and veg that was in danger of rotting in the fields.

Dirk Heilmann, Chief Executive Officer of INEOS Automotive, said UK farmers had been facing their biggest challenge since the foot and mouth disease. “They needed 80,000 people to complete their harvests,” he said.

INEOS helped Farmers’ Weekly to establish and promote a recruitment website, allowing people to search for harvesting jobs and other roles near their own homes. Farmers could advertise jobs for free on The Farmers Army website www.thefarmersarmy.co.uk, by calling 020 8652 8638 or emailing recruitment.services@rbi.co.uk 

The Grenadier has been designed by a internationally recognised product designer who prefers to use a pencil and paper.

A trained architect, and former partner and Creative Director at RWD, Toby has designed, custom built and tailored super yachts for clients all over the world with fastidious attention to detail.

Wind of Change

INEOS signs deal to reduce carbon footprint by 1,150,000 tonnes of CO2 from next year

“This agreement is an important step for INEOS in reducing emissions from energy consumption in Belgium” – John McNally, CEO of INEOS Project ONE

INEOS has signed a deal which will reduce its carbon footprint in Belgium by more than one million tonnes of CO2. The CO2 saving will be the equivalent of taking 100,000 cars off the road each year.

Gerd Franken Chairman of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, said the 10-year deal with energy producer ENGIE was also the largest-ever purchase contract of wind energy for heavy industry in Belgium. “This is just the first of many environmental investments from our business,” he said.

INEOS, he said, was committed to helping to shape the circular economy by using ‘green’ energy, instead of gas and oil, to make its high-value chemical products. “This agreement is a further step towards that,” he said. Renewable electricity will be supplied to INEOS from ENGIE’S Norther offshore wind farm in the North Sea from 1 January 2021 Initially it will be used by INEOS’ production sites, but will later feed into INEOS’ new cracker and world-scale PDH plant in Antwerp to produce ethylene and propylene.

John McNally is CEO of the project, which was set up to manage that €5 billion investment. "This agreement is an important step for INEOS in reducing emissions from energy con-sumption in Belgium,” he said.

INEOS’ new chemical complex in Antwerp will be the most energy-efficient of its kind in Europe, using the newest technologies. “Our propane dehydrogenation unit has been designed with a maximum level of electrification, which makes it possible to virtually eliminate indirect emissions by using only green electricity,” he said. “And in the coming months, we will continue to look at the options for further expanding the use of renewable energy." INEOS’ com-mitment to Antwerp has been described as the most important investment in the European chemical industry for 20 years. INEOS now hopes other European chemical companies will follow suit and replace their old, outdated technology with energy-efficient systems with low emissions.

The Norther wind farm is located about 23km from the Belgian coast. Its 44 turbines can produce a maximum of 370 MW. Of that, INEOS has secured 84MW. ENGIE is the largest producer of green energy in Belgium. “We are proud to help INEOS meet their environmental goals, by facilitating their consumption of renewable energy in Belgium,” said CEO Philippe van Troeye.

She added: “This contract also illustrates ENGIE’s strong ambition to increase renewables’ development in Belgium, as several PPAs have been signed with major companies during the last months.”

In numbers

• The Norther wind farm is located about 23km from the Belgian coast.
• Its 44 turbines can produce a maximum of 370 MW.
• INEOS' supply starts in January 2021.
• The deal will reduce CO2 emissions by more than one million tonnes over 10 years which is the equivalent of 100,000 cars each year.

INEOS to acquire BP businesses

INEOS has agreed to buy more of BP’s unwanted businesses. This time, the company has gone after BP’s global aromatics and acetyls businesses which consist of 15 sites across the world and 10 leading joint ventures.

INEOS Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the $5 billion deal was a good fit with INEOS’ existing assets. The deal will reintegrate the Hull site and expand the existing INEOS footprint at Geel, Belgium. “It is a logical development of our existing petrochemicals business,” he said.

The Geel BP site is Europe's most important producer of purified terephthalic acid. PTA, as it is known, is used to make PET soft drinking bottles, textiles, film, polyester clothing and food packaging, such as boil-in-the-bag pouches for rice. It also brings with it Infinia™ advanced recycling technology for PET.

BP’s aromatics business is currently a global leader in purified terephthalic acid and paraxylene technology with six sites. Its acetyls business, with nine sites, produces acetic acid and derivatives for the food, pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives and packaging industries.

PTA-applications

• Food and drink containers and packaging
• Fibres for clothing and home furnishings
• Industrial and high performance fibres
• PET soft drinking bottles
• Electrical insulation

INEOS explores all avenues to cut CO2

CORONAVIRUS gave the environment a break. Pollution levels in many cities in lockdown fell dramatically as people and flights were grounded.

As the world now wakes up again, many hope it will be business as usual. Others, like Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change, don’t.

But he is not blind to the needs of the chemical industry and views it as part of the solution, not the problem. And that’s how INEOS sees its role too.

INEOS is already heavily involved in scores of ambitious projects that could bring about huge benefits for the environment – without compromising the needs of society. It has started to explore whether huge volumes of carbon dioxide could be stored in depleted oil fields in the North Sea as part of a plan that would slash greenhouse gas emissions.

It has also joined a powerful consortium to investigate plans to produce sustainable methanol, a chemical widely used as a raw material in everything from clothing to fuel. If successful, that too would cut CO₂ emissions.

And it is part of an alliance which believes hydrogen is a workable, economically-viable alternative to fossil fuels. All three projects are exciting and could pave the way for a brave, new world.

INEOS has started to explore whether huge volumes of CO2 could be stored in depleted oil fields as part of a plan that would slash greenhouse gas emissions.

It is currently testing whether the rock from one of its underground sandstone reservoirs in the North Sea is suitable to store carbon dioxide.

"We know that oil has been down there, and the seal can hold it,” said Johan Byskov Svendsen, Business De-velopment Manager at INEOS Oil & Gas Denmark.

“We also know how oil and water stream through the reservoir. That's how we also have a fair idea about how CO2 will act underground."

The first results of INEOS Oil & Gas’ tests should be known later this year.

Ultimately, the project – to capture and store carbon dioxide underground – could make the largest, single con-tribution to cutting Denmark’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“No other company operating in Denmark has made it as far with a project like this as INEOS and its consortium partners,” said Johan.

But there is still a long way to go and carbon capture and storage is still in its infancy. One of the key challenges is securing investment to perfect the technology so that it can be widely used.

“By being innovative and joining the right partnerships, we strive to bring down the cost of storing CO2,” said Johan.

“Storing CO2 is also a critical technology to meet the ambition for a zero emission economy in 2050. We can make a business and at the same time be an important player in the green transition.”

Johan said governments needed to treat carbon capture and storage in a similar way to wind turbines about 40 years ago.

“When the wind industry was in its infancy, there was a significant amount of national funding, to secure innovative solutions and commercialisation,” he said. “That’s where we are today. The CCS technologies are still immature and the investment is risky.”

At its peak INEOS’ Siri oil platform was producing 50,000 barrels of oil every day. Now it is one of the four depleted reservoirs that INEOS says could potentially be used for storing CO2 – and, in turn, give those North Sea assets a second life.

Once the gas has been pumped underground, it would be stored in three ways. Most would be stored as a liquid and in an easily accessible place, should there be a market need for it.

Another part would end up mixing with the water underground, and become trapped in this watery solution.

And the third way would involve trapping the CO2 in the minerals of the reservoir. Denmark wants to lead the world on climate change – and politicians see carbon capture and storage as one of the best ways to achieve a green economy.

The Danish Council on Climate believes carbon capture could begin in 2025 and that storage could have a real influence in 2030.

“That's also our target,” said Johan. “We're working from the assumption that it will be possible to store CO2 from the second half of the '20s.”

INEOS explores whether CO2 can be stored in old oil fields

‘Storing CO2 is also a critical technology to meet the ambition for a zero emission economy in 2050’ – Johan Byskov Svendsen, Business Development Manager at INEOS Oil & Gas Denmark

Power to Methanol Project Consortium

UNWANTED, harmful CO2 emissions could one day become a force for good.

Seven companies, including INOVYN, are currently investigating the possibility of mixing captured waste carbon dioxide with sustainably-generated hydrogen to produce methanol, a chemical widely used in everything from clothing to fuel.

It’s an ambitious project and the industrial and business leaders have until next spring to prove it can be done. And done safely.

But if successful, an industrial-scale plant, capable of producing 8,000 tonnes of sustainable methanol a year, will be built at INOVYN’s chemical manufacturing complex at Lillo.

“It would be a first for Belgium,” said Dirk Dupon, Head of Strategy at INOVYN. “In the Port of Antwerp, no methanol is currently being produced but vast quantities are being consumed in the chemical industry in Belgium, as well as blended in the fuel pool both in Antwerp and Rotterdam.”

Each company involved in the ‘Power to Methanol’ feasibility study will draw upon its own expertise and experience.

INEOS-owned INOVYN understands hydrogen production and salt electrolysis and will play a vital role.

“We will need to smoothly integrate two different operations,” said Dirk. But he is confident the project will work.

“The pre-feasibility study convinced us this sustainability project can be successful,” he said. “Combining the ex-pertise from the different consortium partners has further increased the likelihood of success. The consortium ap-proach reduces the risk of doing such a project on our own.”

Methanol is currently produced using fossil-based raw materials and, in the process, gives off CO2.

If the new process works well, each tonne of methanol produced would reduce CO2 emissions by at least one tonne, per tonne of methanol.

Initially the methanol will be used by fuel and chemical companies in The Port of Antwerp, which handles about 235 million tonnes of international maritime freight every year.

But future development could see it being used as a sustainable fuel to power marine vessels, such as tug boats, and road transport.

“It’s an excellent fit with our sustainability strategy,” said Dirk. “We are always looking at pursuing options for alternative energy and the sustainable, lower carbon production of chemicals.”

Others involved in this complex and challenging project include ENGIE,  Oiltanking, Port of Antwerp, Indaver  and PMV.

ENGIE understands the electricity market, Oiltanking can offer advice on the logistical aspects of methanol pro-duction and storage, and Indaver will advise on the collection of CO2.

“From our BIOVYN™ launch last year October, we know that there is a growing market for carbon neutral chemicals,” said Dirk.

BIOVYN™ is the latest generation of PVC and is made using a renewable biomass rather than purely gas and oil.

Flemish Minister Philippe Muyters said innovation was always the answer to challenges large and small. “We won't solve the climate problem by taxing entrepreneurs into the  ground,” he said.

“This innovative project shows once again that our companies are very much part of the solution, especially when they come together and collaborate.”

Powerful consortium investigates plan to produce sustainable methanol and cut CO2

‘It would be a first for Belgium’ – Dirk Dupon, Head of Strategy at INOVYN.

Hydrogen Economy

‘Hydrogen is the Heineken of fuels because of all the parts it reaches. We can use it to heat homes and power transport and industry’ – Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change

THIRTY-SIX people perished when the hydrogen-powered airship, The Hindenburg, burst into flames on May 6, 1937. But the loss of Germany’s 804ft-long luxury airship, which had revolutionised trans-Atlantic travel, did not just kill 13 passengers and 22 crew members that fateful evening. It also brought an end to the airship era and destroyed hydrogen’s reputation as a safe source of energy.

“There’s no doubt that hydrogen has got a PR problem because many still remember what happened to The Hindenburg,” said Chris Stark, CEO of The Committee on Climate Change.

“It’s got a bad safety record but it’s undeserved.” Hydrogen Europe is the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.

It says, in many cases, hydrogen is safer than the fuel we currently use to power our cars.

“Hydrogen is highly flammable but when hydrogen, as the lightest element in the world, leaks, it ascends rapidly into the atmosphere so it has less time to burn,” a spokesman said. “But carbon-based fuels tend to spread as liquids.” The association says hydrogen was wrongly blamed for The Hindenburg disaster.

“What happened was that an electrical discharge from the clouds, while docking during an electrical storm, ignited the skin of the airship,” the spokesman said.

“The hydrogen burned quickly and safely, above the occupants. It was the diesel fuel that burned for up to 10 hours after the airship caught fire.”

Chris believes it’s now time for governments – whose countries are all waking up after months of lockdown – to give hydrogen a chance and build a hydrogen-powered, low carbon economy.

“This cannot just be about restarting the economy,” he said. “This is an opportunity to reset it.”

In 2015 challenging climate change goals were agreed in Paris by 184 countries.“If we go back to growth based on using cheap fossil fuels, we will not meet those targets set by Paris,” he said. “And we will lock in a set of lifestyle choices that will ultimately be bad for the economy and bad for the environment.”

Chris is not blind, though, to the needs of the chemical industry and views it as part of the solution, not the problem.

“We will need fossil fuels in the future,” he said. “They will be part of the mix. But hydrogen is the missing part of the equation.”

In 2050, the committee wants a third of Britain’s energy to be provided by hydrogen – the equivalent to the amount of energy generated by electricity today.

“Hydrogen is the Heineken of fuels because of all the parts it reaches,” said Chris.

“We can use it to heat homes and power transport and industry.”

What’s really refreshing is that the committee understands how INEOS can help to create an economy run on hydrogen.

“INEOS will be with us on this journey,” he said. “It just needs to make sure it explains its role in the climate change debate so the public understands too.”

INEOS-owned INOVYN produces thousands of tonnes of hydrogen a year as a co-product, and INEOS sites in the UK, Germany and Belgium are all involved in hydrogen projects.

The company is also a member of the North West Hydrogen Alliance, which believes hydrogen is a workable, economically-viable alternative to fossil fuels.

INEOS is keen to invest in the infrastructure so hydrogen can be captured and stored but it needs to know there is a market for it.

The committee, which advises the government on what it needs to do to achieve its climate change goals, said government investment in companies like INEOS and the public’s buy-in were vital.

“In the UK we already have the building blocks to do this,” he said. “But everyone will have a part to play in this. We need government to lead the way.”

Ironically COVID-19 may have given hydrogen – which produces zero emissions when used as a fuel in cars - a brighter future.

Nationwide lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19 have drastically reduced air pollution in many cities across the world.

Without cars on the streets, the smog has given way to clean air.

“We really are on the cusp of something really important and some interesting transport choices,” he said.

With social distancing, more and more people are being told to avoid public transport.

“If we go back to cars we are going to have very congested roads,” said Chris. “But if we start cycling and walking more and working remotely, we could make an enormous difference.”

What hydrogen lacks, he says, is a champion. “Unfortunately, we haven’t got a charismatic promoter of hydrogen,” he said.

Chris suspects most cars in the future will be electric, rather than driven by hydrogen, but he believes the opportunities for HGVs and buses and planes are enormous.

“Hydrogen looks increasingly like the best answer for HGVs,” he said.

Next year the UK will host the UN climate change conference and will be president of the G7 summit.

“We will need global co-operation and it will be interesting, post COVID-19, to see what happens then,” he said. “But I think the collective penny has dropped. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and we cannot achieve net zero emissions without it.”

F1 IS SAFELY BACK ON TRACK

Formula One is back in the driving seat. And the best F1 team in the world, Mercedes-AMG Petronas, have started as they mean to go on – out in front.

Valtteri Bottas won the opening race at The Austrian Grand Prix, teammate Lewis Hamilton, who narrowly missed out on a place on the podium in the first race, won the second – and they showed no holding back in the following races.

The two drivers are racing in cars with a new colour scheme throughout this delayed 2020 F1 season to show their support against racism all forms of discrimination. They are also wearing black.

“We’ve always been clear that racism and any form of discrimination have no place in our team and in our society,” said a team spokesman.

At The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a new name was added to their F1 cars – INEOS Hygienics.

The launch of the new business was announced at the event by INEOS, which is the team’s Principal Partner.

The Hygienics business was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to supply thousands of hospitals with des-perately-needed hand sanitiser.

Since then it has grown and is now supporting all INEOS’ elite sports teams – in motor racing, cycling, sailing and football.

“It is fantastic that we’re back racing and it’s only possible due to the stringent protocol measures that are in place across sport, including team members prioritising hygiene,” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes F1

“The INEOS Hygienics range of hospital grade sanitisers is helping to protect the team, and has given us the confidence to get the job done at the factory and on the track.”

Other elite performance sports teams using INEOS Hygienics products include Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team, OGC Nice, and Sir Dave Brailsford’s newly-renamed Tour de France team, the INEOS Grenadiers.

“Hygiene is a top priority because it ensures we lose no training time or competition due to sickness,” said Sir Dave.

“It is fantastic that we’re back racing and it’s only possible due to the stringent protocol measures that are in place across sport, including team members prioritising hygiene,” – Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Track And Race

INEOS TEAM UK, Britain’s challenger for sailing’s coveted America’s Cup, is now in New Zealand after one of the best summers of sailing ever as a team in the UK. The team have now finished sailing in the UK. The first AC75, Britannia I, is on her way on a ship, and Britannia II has now been flown to Auckland on an Antonov cargo plane.

The COVID pandemic has thrown a number of challenges the team’s way over the past six months. “It forced the team to slow down and think about its priorities,” said skipper Sir Ben Ainslie. “In particular how to make the most of the time we had before the 36th America’s Cup.” From May through to August, however, the team had a brilliant sailing period.

“Getting out on the water regularly has been so valuable because the learning curve on these brand new AC75 boats is so steep that every time they sail, we learnt a huge amount,” said Ben. To achieve as many sailing hours as possible meant keeping the team fit and healthy. Britannia had to be modified so that the team could train safely while complying with the rules around social distancing to avoid the transmission of COVID-19.

An electric grinder did the work of two men so that the team could cut down on the numbers on board. But that wasn’t all. The team – on and off shore – wore Henri-Lloyd face masks, used INEOS hand sanitisers, and were fitted with devices that monitored where they were at all times.

“We could monitor our personnel, look at our practices and make changes to ensure everyone was as safe as possible,” said Ben. The Safeguard devices, developed by Mafic, are part of INEOS TEAM UK’S new ZERO COVID Days strategy which focuses on hygiene at home and at work. “Mafic adapted their technology and devices to our working environment within a matter of weeks,” said Ben.

The devices were worn on the team’s arms, inside their pockets or hard hats. “From the movement of someone’s head we can understand what that person is doing, whether it is welding, grinding, or operating machinery, and we can know their exact location,” said CEO Will Woodhead. “That gave us a second-by-second position, which we could then use to map any social distancing breaches.” Those breaches can then be reviewed and assessed to understand where improvements can be made.

Mafic was founded with the mission of making workplaces safer. “I’d seen accidents happen too many times,” said Will. Ben described the devices as a game changer for the team. “It has been a difficult time but very productive time for the team,” he said. The team has worked well on the water and on the drawing board.

INEOS TEAM UK and team software design partner Coderus have also developed new software that can take a design, add it to a model of the whole boat and then test it to see whether design change will make the boat faster or not. If it’s faster, Chimera can then prepare the model for a full simulation run across many different boat designs Chief designer Nick Holroyd said ideas could be tested quickly and accurately – and encouraged rather than limited innovation. “The America’s Cup has always been a design and technology contest as much as a sailboat race,” he said. “So this is even more important, given the rules have banned testing in wind tunnels and towing tanks.”

Teams have also been banned from sailing more than one boat at a time. “In doing so they have banned all the normal ‘real’, as opposed to virtual, methods of development,” said Nick. “The previous gold standard of development, two-boat testing, is no longer possible.” But Coderus CEO Mark Thomas was not fazed. “The system improves efficiencies and capabilities and allows the team to be able to push the boundaries even more,” he said. The team will be on the water in Auckland in their new AC75, Britannia II, in October.

“That will give us a two-month period of productive sailing before we head into the Christmas regatta, which will be the first time all these teams have lined up together,” said Ben. “It will be a fascinating period. Given this is such a new class of boat, there may well be some big differences between the teams.” INEOS TEAM UK cannot wait to set sail in the Waitemata Harbour. Beautiful as New Zealand is, they know that they are there for only one reason – to win the America’s Cup for Britain.

Discover more: INEOSTEAMUK.COM

High Fliers

 

BRITANNIA II has been built to fly. But on September 28, 2020, it wasn’t the might of skipper Sir Ben Ainslie’s men lifting the 75ft race boat out of the water during a training run for next year’s America’s Cup challenge.

This time, it was the job of a 33-year-old Ukrainian cargo plane to fly the team’s second race boat, RB2, to the starting line in New Zealand.

“This was a real milestone moment for us,” said Grant Simmer, CEO of INEOS TEAM UK. “We are on the home stretch now.”

Britannia II had been helped on to the Antonov cargo plane for the start of its four-day, 12,200-mile journey to New Zealand by The Grenadier, INEOS’ purpose-built 4 x 4.

Grant was full of praise for project director Dave Endean and his team for building the boat and safely transporting it from the team’s UK HQ in Portsmouth via truck to on to New Zea-land via plane – and all on schedule.

“It’s been an incredible effort from the entire team,” said Grant. “We are all very proud to have been able to get this boat built on time while navigating our way through COVID restrictions.”

The 24-hour flight from Stansted Airport in the UK had included two stopovers in Dubai and Indonesia.

After the boat landed at Auckland Airport on October 1, the team’s second race boat was taken by road to their newly-constructed base on Wynyard Point to be finished and commissioned.

“RB2 is a huge development on our first boat,” said Grant.

Dave said it had been a huge operation. “The logistics of moving an entire America’s Cup team, including two AC75 boats, to New Zealand are not insignificant and it has taken a lot of time and hard work to make it hap-pen,” he said.

The fruits of their labours will hopefully be borne next year when Britannia II takes to the water to win The America’s Cup.

As far INEOS TEAM UK is concerned, there is no second.

The Grenadier helps Britannia II aboard the 33-year-old Ukrainian cargo plane for the start of the boat’s 12,200-mile journey to New Zealand

“It’s been an incredible effort from the entire team. We are all very proud to have been able to get this boat built on time while navigating our way through COVID restrictions.” – Grant Simmer, CEO of INEOS Team UK

The Grass Professor.

INEOS Football invests in three new pitches to help OGC Nice raise its game in training

ONE of the oldest football clubs in French history has rebuilt its three pitches from scratch with the help of a British groundsman known as The Grass Professor.

Scott Brooks, who has worked at the national centre of the English Football Association, arrived at OGC Nice in January with high expectations for himself and also the club, which finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season.

“The grass was not very healthy at all,” he said. “And two of the three pitches couldn’t meet the performance level that I felt was required for a professional athlete.”

By performance level, Scott means a pitch that allows players to train and play without getting injured.

“A poor pitch is probably more than half of the reason why a player would get injured,” he said. “And the injury rates here were very high.”

Today all three pitches have been replaced with surfaces that allow the club’s talented players to train harder, for longer.

“We should now start seeing fewer injuries and fitter, healthier players,” he said. “Players need to come off the pitch tired after giving it everything, but without any pain.”

In doing so, OGC, which was founded in 1904, has also become the first French club to use a hybrid pitch - part synthetic, part real grass.

The grass is built on a layer of gravel and two layers of sand, each one levelled with a laser.

The top level of fine sand is mixed with an organic product that is derived from animal dung to provide the grass with the nutrients it needs to grow.

It is also the first French club to adopt a new, more efficient watering system, which uses 30% less water.

“They use the system to watermelons in Brail which has a similar, dry climate, so I am hoping it will work well here,” he said.

What Scott had discovered on his arrival at OGC Nice was a very basic irrigation system fed from the mountains.

“It doesn’t rain very often here but when it does, we get a month’s rain in a day,” he said.

Today, holding water tanks have been installed.

“If there is a problem with water in the city, we will have enough water stored on site to keep the pitches alive,” he said.

That matters in a part of the world where growing grass isn’t easy.

“I actually think the South of France is one of the most difficult climates for growing grass because we never really have perfect weather for a prolonged period,” he said.

“The pitches might be very, very good in April or May, or again in October, but they're not perfect every month for the season. My biggest challenge is creating a pitch that's good for every month of the season.”

Scott has also increased the pressure of the water so that it covers the whole surface of the pitch evenly.

“I can put the sprinklers on just five minutes before training and everything will be perfect,” he said.

In the past, the pitch needed to be watered for about 45 minutes before the players came out and often during training.

Bob Ratcliffe, CEO of club owners INEOS Football, described Scott as meticulous, dedicated and determined. “He has a wealth of expertise which should help the team at OGC Nice,” he said. And that’s Scott’s goal too.

“If you think the team performed very well this season, just think what they can now do next season,” he said.

OGC Nice is one of the founding members of the French football league and has four league titles to its name. But the club’s last cup triumph was in 1997.

Patrick Vieira, who has played for Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal, is head coach.

Scott said Patrick, who is considered one of the best players of his generation, would also struggle to achieve results on a poor pitch.

“The pitch is critical if you want a player to achieve his potential,” he said. “A good quality can give a player the confidence to try new things in training.”

Today there is very little difference between the training ground and the pitch inside the stadium at Allianz Rivera. And that’s how it should be, says Scott.

“Consistency is key in the pitches that you train on and the pitches that you play on,” he said. “That's the whole point of home advantage. If you train on the pitch all week and you go and play on the same pitch at Allianz Riviera, then you'll adapt very quickly and your performance level will be higher.

“If you trained here on a very good pitch and then went to a stadium and the pitch wasn't at the level of the training pitch, then it takes you 10, 15 minutes to adapt to it and that could be the difference between winning a game and losing the game.”
www.ogcnice.com

Football kicks off again

INEOS’ two top football teams are now back in action. But for now, FC Lausanne-Sport and OGC Nice are playing all their matches behind closed doors due to COVID-19.

“We have missed being on the pitch so it’s brilliant to be playing again,” said OGC Nice coach Patrick Vieira.

“But we do feel that lack of atmosphere. It’s tough to play in these conditions.”

Later this year FC Lausanne-Sport, one of the oldest football clubs in the world, will move from its home of 66 years to a new 12,000-seater stadium.

INEOS Football, which bought the Swiss club in 2017, said it had created an exciting atmosphere for both players and fans.

The Tuiliere complex boasts nine pitches – two grass and seven synthetic.

These extra pitches provide training and match facilities not only for Lausanne Sport, but also for other local Lausanne teams.

INEOS Grenadiers look to the future

THE INEOS Grenadiers may have missed out on victory in this year’s Tour de France. But the riders, who had become accustomed to winning, continued to show incredible grit and determination after team leader and defending champion Egan Bernal was forced to abandon the race after 16 stages.

“They immediately went on the offensive,” said Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford. That persistence ultimately paid off with an emotional victory on stage 18 as Michal Kwiatkowski and Richard Carapaz took a 1-2 finish.

But sadly, this year, it was not meant to be, with the glory going to Slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) instead.

“The Grenadiers will be back to target that yellow jersey again in 2021,” he said.

Dave, whose team have won seven of the past eight Tours, went on to praise Egan Bernal who became the first Columbian to ever win the race last year.

“In victory and defeat he showed us what a true champion looks like,” he said. “He is determined to come back even stronger in 2021.”

Team INEOS had been renamed The INEOS Grenadiers at the start of the Tour following the unveiling of INEOS’ no- frills, unbreakable 4 x 4, The Grenadier.

The team’s four Grand Tour winning champions, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal and Richard Carapaz, unveiled the new team kit from Castelli and newly-branded Pinarello DOGMA F12 at the Allianz Riviera, alongside two prototypes of the Grenadier vehicle which gives the team its new name.

The Grenadier is the rugged 4 x 4 utility vehicle engineered and manufactured by INEOS Automotive, designed on purpose to be a highly capable, go-anywhere, hard-working vehicle.

“The INEOS Grenadiers is a new name but one that sums up who we have always been,” said Sir Dave. “It is a new partnership but one that epitomises our existing team values – ambition, grit, determination, resourcefulness, tenacity and passion.”

He added:  “This is a deepening of our relationship with INEOS and a brilliant example of how being a part of the INEOS group presents so many opportunities for us to be greater together.

“Just like the Grenadier, we are a team built on purpose. We know what we need to do and have the right team to get the job done.

We are here with a clear ambition and are going all in to make it happen.”

INEOS’ lifeline to charities

SMALL charities, supporting those hardest hit by the global pandemic, have recently been thrown a lifeline by INEOS.

Over the past few months, employees at INEOS’ sites across the world have been tasked with finding out which local charities and community groups near them are most in need of emergency funding.

“Often a small donation can make a huge difference to these organisations, which are doing vital work in our communities,” said Ursula Heath, who has been co-ordinating the INEOS Community Fund. “So we decided to create a £1million charitable support fund, administered through several targeted grants of up to £10,000, to organisations where this would allow.”

As INCH went to press, 159 organisations in 15 countries, including the UK, America, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Singapore, China and Canada had all been helped following requests from 67 INEOS sites.

“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of our employees and the volume and quality of grant applications,” said Ursula.The £1m international INEOS Community Fund was established by INEOS owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Andy Currie and John Reece as the world began to lock down in response to COVID-19.

Among those to benefit have been food banks, care homes, domestic violence shelters and poorer families needing help to pay their basic bills.

One food bank charity – the Restos Du Coeur branch based near Tavaux in France – said its charitable donations had fallen from €8,000 in March 2019 to just €80 in March 2020.

“We are delighted to be able to help them,” said Thibault Pagnot, Communications manager at INOVYN at Tavaux. The Food Bank in Singapore was given £10,000 by INEOS Styrolution to support its ‘Feed the City – Takeaway’ scheme.

“We have seen a surge of people in need with a daily request of more than 12,000 cooked meals,” said Ms Nichol Ng, co-founder of The Food Bank Singapore which sources its food from local restaurants.For Steve Harrington, President Global Styrene Monomer and Asia-Pacific, that was also important.

“We are not only providing some relief to the communities who are struggling, but we are also providing some support to the local businesses who are at risk of shutting permanently,” he said.

And at INEOS Composites’ site in Dublin, Ohio, officer manager Susan Drye said INEOS’ $10,000 would allow the Mid-Ohio Food Bank to provide $90,000 worth of food for the community.

“This has been very much appreciated by our communities,” said Susan.

Other causes supported by the fund have included elderly and disabled care homes, mental health support lines, and organisations providing educational materials to disadvantaged children so that they could continue learning with schools closed.

“We want to provide hope, and INEOS giving us this money will help us to do
it sooner” – Deanna Frey, executive director,

Charity offers hope of a better life for single parent families

Mother Seton Housing

America
mothersetonhouse.com

SINGLE parents, who desperately need the time and the courage to change their lives for the better, have found a friend in INEOS. But Deanna Frey, who runs the charity Mother Seton Housing, says INEOS’ decision to help financially means so much more than that.

“What it has done more than anything is to show them that someone believes in their future,” she said. “It would not have mattered if they gave us just $1.” Seton House provides single mothers – and fathers – with more than just a home.

“That’s what it was in the early days,” said executive director Deanna.  “But we realised we needed to do more to break the cycle of poverty by providing hope, resources and a plan.” An INEOS Community Fund donation of £5,000, organised by INEOS’ WL Plastics Mills Production Facility in Wyoming, USA, has helped them to speed up the launch of a new course that seeks to understand what every parent wants to achieve in their work and personal life, what’s stopping them and, more importantly, what they need to do to make it happen.

“We want to provide hope, and INEOS giving us this money will help us to do it sooner,” she said. “There is no way we could have got this far without INEOS’ help.” Seton House will use the curriculum developed by Kansas City’s Connections to Success, which has helped to create a more vibrant and inclusive economy.

Lessons learned in Kansas City will help Seton House in Casper, Wyoming, enormously – even though the two cities are radically different. The thinking is that fundamentally people’s basic needs don’t change.

Seton House is not just talking to its residents about they want. It also visits local employers to ask them what skills they are looking for in potential staff. The three-week course will explore all aspects of life, including relationships, education, health and parenting. The hope is that the course will allow residents to become more independent and take back control over their own lives. But the support does not end when the course ends.

“We tell them that we will always be here for them,” said Deanna. “If they need mentors, we are here.” Most of those who seek Seton House’s help are homeless, single-parent families. “They may have been staying with friends,” said Deanna. “But we have also had people living in cars with their children.” Many may also have suffered physical or mental abuse. “They are at rock bottom when they come to us,” said Deanna.  Shanell Mullen was one of them. She was homeless, jobless, pregnant and had a 10-year-old daughter when she sought help.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. Today, she no longer lives at Seton House. She has a full-time job, a car and lives in a three-bedroomed apartment with her three children, having regained custody of her second son. “I have hope, goals and dreams,” she said. “I see a future.”

When the charity was founded 31 years ago by Brother Raymond Phillips, there were just three apartments. Single parents were allowed to stay for just 30 days.  “It was later extended to 90 days but it just wasn’t enough time to help them,” said Deanna.

Today the charity, which relies almost entirely on the public’s generosity, offers homes to 30 single-parent families for two years. But the charity’s support does not end after two years thanks to a unique partnership with a local housing association to provide rentable homes.

“What’s wonderful is that our families are accepted for who they are,” said Deanna. “Many are those we help may have been told that they are stupid and won’t amount to anything. By INEOS helping us, they are also telling our residents that they are worth it.” For Michelle Xikes, a single mother who works at INEOS-owned WL Plastics, that matters enormously. She first heard about Seton House in 1997 when she left a potentially physically abusive relationship.

“I was pregnant at the time,” she said. “Luckily I never had to go there as a resident but I knew how important it was.” Over the years, she thought about what she could do to help.  She had recently started donating items and then heard about the planned course.

“Seton House relies on donations which have been badly affected by COVID-19,” she said. “When I heard that INEOS was asking for nominations for a grant, it was perfect timing.  The grant will ensure the mentor programme gets started.”

Care homes’ call for help answered

The Rotary Club of Sarreguemines

France
rotary-club-sarreguemines.org

AS the COVID-19 crisis swept through France, staff at INEOS Polymers in Sarralbe were keen to help.

“We rapidly knew the needs in our region were huge,” said  Georges Scherrer, who works at the site.

Hospitals were desperately short of PPE for doctors, nurses, midwives, radiologists.

But it wasn’t just hospitals. Care homes were struggling to get hold of PPE too to protect themselves – and their residents – against the virus.

“Mortality rates in care homes had increased by 30% in parts of our region,” said Georges.

Nursing homes especially needed facemasks that met World Health Organisation specifications but they weren’t cheap.

As soon as the INEOS Community Fund was launched, the team at Sarralbe had a charity in mind to support.

The Rotary Club of Sarreguemines, which was coordinating the relief effort, were invited to make an application, and the INEOS Community Fund responded with a €10,000 donation.

“The only protection these homes had were the visors the rotary club had already distributed to them,” said Georges.

Since then, INEOS has also donated thousands of bottles of INEOS hand sanitiser to places where it was needed.

“We now see some children going to school with our hand gels,” he said.

“We rapidly knew the needs in our region were huge” – Georges Scherrer

Food bank serves over 520K meals

Restos Du Coeur

France
restosducoeur.org

A FOOD bank charity is counting its blessings after the INEOS Community Fund came to its aid. The Restos du Cœur for the Jura area had feared it might struggle to feed people after it managed to raise just €80 in charitable donations in March 2020 compared to €8,000 in March 2019.

“The constraints of the lockdown due to COVID-19 meant we just couldn’t raise any more money,” said Georges Leneez, Président of The Restos du Cœur for the Jura area in France.

But the need for food was still there.Sébastien Demontrond, a shift manager at INOVYN Tavaux site, had previously worked for the charity as a volunteer – and was aware that the charity would logistically struggle to meet the growing number of people in need.

He suggested, to his management, that an INEOS Community Fund grant could help to pay for a refrigerated truck, which would allow fresh food to be delivered. A €10,000 grant was approved and quickly paid.

Marc Hanquet, Opérations Manager at Tavaux, said the site, as the largest private employer in the area, knew it could make the difference.

 “We were aware that many people could be economically impacted because of COVID-19 so they too would be relying on the charity,” he said.

Last year The Restos du Cœur’s 462 volunteers served more than 520,000 meals to 4,320 people; this year it is expected to be much higher.

It is not the first time, though, that INOVYN has helped the local community to cope with the effects of COVID-19.

“We have donated face masks, bleach solution specially made by INOVYN Tavaux, and INEOS hand gel to local medical staff, but it makes us especially proud to do more,” said Marc.

“The constraints of the lockdown due to COVID-19 meant we just couldn’t raise any more money”

– Georges Leneez, Président of The Restos du Cœur for the Jura area in France

“The coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented challenges for everyone, we saw a 35% increase in demand for meals. Each day, we were serving approximately 400 meals to the community.”

– Doug Smith, Light of Life Ministries director of development

INEOS helps to feed city’s poorest people

Light of Life Ministries

America
lightoflife.org

A CHARITY struggling to feed hundreds of homeless and poor people in Pittsburgh, America,  built a makeshift restaurant with the help of the INEOS Community Fund. Light of Life Ministries erected a 40ft by 40ft tent – and also extended meal times – so that it had enough room for people to eat their breakfast, lunch and dinner while keeping their distance from others.

“We took every precaution to keep people safe,” said Doug Smith, the charity’s director of development. Demand for the charity’s help had increased because so many other services in the city were closed.

“We knew that if we were not here, those in need did not have an option,” said Doug. “Many of the people had encountered addiction, abuse and mental illness. We were here to help those who lives literally hang in the balance.”

But the charity, which also operates a food bank and an emergency shelter where men can shower and sleep, took safety precautions.

It bought disposable cutlery, latex gloves,  portion-sized condiments to reduce handling and cross-contamination and basic cleaning materials.

It also rented portable hand washing stations and ensured that the dining areas were thoroughly cleaned after each shift. “The coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented challenges for everyone,” said Doug.

“We saw a 35% increase in demand for meals. Each day, we were serving approximately 400 meals to the community.”

Demand for the charity’s food bank had also increased greatly.

“At one stage about 40 community organisations were coming to us to get food for the hundreds of men, women, and families that they serve,” he said.

In April alone, the charity gave away 50,000lbs (22,600kgs) of food. Food was also distributed to those living in high-rise flats or who were unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19 symptoms.

Its emergency shelter for men remained open throughout the pandemic – and was full every night. Vitamin C-supplemented electrolyte drinks were offered to boost their immune systems – and they were provided with a portable potty.

“Many people would not have thought how the closure of all public toilets would affect those living on the streets,” said Doug. All this, though, cost money.

And it was money the charity did not have. To help ease that burden, INEOS Composites on Neville Island co-ordinated a $10,000 donation through the INEOS Community Fund.

“We thought about Light of Life as a potential grant recipient immediately during the pandemic,” said Melissa Morgan, a material handler at the site.

“They aim to meet the needs of the most vulnerable every day and additional COVID-19 precautions have certainly made it more challenging.”

The charity said it would do whatever was needed to help those most in need. “We believe this is going to be our finest hour at the mission,” said Doug.

Helping hand for children with cancer

Oncology Physiotherapist

Germany

THE INEOS Community Fund has offered to pay the lion’s share of a physiotherapist’s salary so she can continue to help children with cancer.

Over the past three years, parents, doctors and friends have raised about £15,000 a year to ensure she can regularly visit the children on the paediatric oncology ward in Mannheim, Germany.

“She motivates the sick children to get out of their beds to do playful activities,” said Dr Gregor von Komorowski, CEO of The German Leukaemia Research Aid Campaign for Children with Cancer.

“These exercises help the children to fight against their illness and reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy.”

But COVID-19 has taken its toll on fund-raising and cut her funding. “The pandemic has affected our work substantially,” said Dr Komorowski.

To help with the charity’s challenges, the local INEOS Styrolution in Ludwigshafen worked with them to apply to the INEOS Community Fund for a grant.

The INEOS Community Fund offered €10,000 towards the physiotherapist’s salary – and will also contribute towards new furniture in the children’s playroom. “We are so grateful to INEOS,” said Dr Komorowski.

The charity group was founded in 1979 by parents whose children had cancer. “Throughout all these years, our aims have remained the same,” he said. “We want to support research and help families cope but our work is exclusively financed through donations.”

Manuela Bleiziffer, from INEOS Styrolution who helped to apply for the grants, said she felt incredibly proud of her employer.  “In times of crisis, it is easy to forget how well you are doing when your family and friends are healthy and you have work yourself,” she said.

“But INEOS hasn’t. It is actively working to help organisations that are struggling to survive.”

Together until death do part

Winchester Hospice Charity

United Kingdom
winchesterhospice.com

THE INEOS Lyndhurst site has donated £15,200 through the INEOS Community Fund to buy a specialist double, hospital bed that will allow loved ones in hospice care to spend their final nights together.

It has given Winchester Hospice Charity in the UK the money to provide what is known as a “cuddle bed” – a standard-sized hospital ward bed that can be transformed into a double bed at the touch of a button. “It will make such a difference to so many families,” said clinical matron Maddy Thomson.

“And it’s lovely to have such positive news in the current climate.” The bed, which was bought with a grant from INEOS’ £1 million community fund, is currently at Royal Hampshire County Hospice in Winchester. 

But it will transferred to the new 10-bed Winchester Hospice when the two-storey Burrell House is fully restored next spring. “We greatly appreciate INEOS’ support,” said Malcolm Ace, Chief Financial Officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The importance of cuddle beds emerged in June when a couple, who had been married for 75 years, were being treated at separate hospitals and facing death apart. “They both needed end of life care but the family could not visit either of them because of very restricted visiting due to COVID-19,” said a spokesman for The Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover, Hampshire.  The hospice, though, was able to transfer them both to Brecknock where they are now being cared for in a spacious room with a cuddle bed.

“She motivates the sick children to get out of their beds to do playful activities”

– Dr Gregor von Komorowski, CEO of The German Leukaemia Research Aid Campaign for Children with Cancer

Birth of a new business

INEOS thrives on making decisions quickly. But one made in March, to tackle the critical shortage of hand sanitiser to hospitals and the NHS in the UK, has led to the birth of another INEOS business – INEOS Hygienics

AFTER supplying millions of bottles to thousands of hospitals free of charge through the spring and summer, INEOS is shifting its focus. As economies try to get back on track, businesses try to reopen and people try to get back to normal, INEOS is to supply its new hospital grade hand sanitiser product range to the public through Amazon, supermarkets, pharmacies and shops.

It is the first time in the company’s history that INEOS has sold its products directly to the public. It’s a crowded marketplace already but INEOS Hygienics is confident it can make an impact with its no-frills, high purity hand sanitisers, sanitiser wipes, and sprays.

“There will be many people outside the industry who have never heard of us so that will be a challenge,” said chief operating officer George Ratcliffe.

“But INEOS does not want its packaging to be fluffy.  It essentially says ‘we are here to do a job and we will do it’.”

INEOS says its hand sanitisers and sanitiser wipes are superior because they contain 75% high purity, hospital-grade synthetic ethanol – a proven and effective virus-killer. “We are making hand sanitiser because INEOS is the world’s largest producer of high purity synthetic ethanol which adheres to EU pharmacopeia standards,” he said.

INEOS manufactures Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), the other active ingredient commonly used in sanitiser products. INEOS’ aim is to build a brand that the public trusts and associates with quality. For the past 20 years, INEOS has supplied the products to manufacturers for materials that are used to make everything from iPads, to pharmaceuticals, to cars to clothing.

But few have perhaps been unaware of INEOS’ role in the manufacturing process. COVID-19, however, changed that and highlighted the chemical industry’s vital role in helping the world to defeat this unseen enemy.

As the distress call went out to industry to help slow the spread of COVID-19, INEOS responded by ramping up production to meet the unprecedented global demand for chemicals at its sites.

It built six new manufacturing plants – one in the UK, two in France, one in Germany and two in the USA – each taking under 10 days to build from scratch to help tackle the global shortage of hand sanitiser.

Each plant was designed to produce one million bottles of hand sanitiser every month – and all of it was being delivered free to hospitals where it was needed the most. The majority were 50ml bottles which nurses and doctors could keep in their pockets.

In all, INEOS gave away millions of bottles of hand sanitiser to thousands of hospitals in the UK, Germany and France and the USA – all produced to World Health Organisation specifications.

One of two French plants has increased capacity and all production has moved from the Lavera sanitiser plant to Etain.

“At the time we established the Lavera plant, France had a huge problem with COVID-19 and especially in the South,” said George. “It was one of the hotspots.”

The plant was set up solely to manufacture hand sanitiser on an industrial scale for two months for hospitals. “It was a charitable effort by INEOS because we had the resources,” said George. In the US, INEOS Hygienics worked with Healthcare Ready to identify the American hot-spot hospitals that had the greatest need.

“What was incredible about this donation was that it was not just a stop-gap or short-term solution,” said Programme Director Sarah Baker.

“INEOS set them up permanently, which meant they weren’t worried about where the next round of hand sanitiser was going to come from when they showed up for work.”

George said the beauty about the new business was that it meant people in Europe could now rely on a secure supply from the UK, Germany or France to meet their needs rather than China or Turkey.

“COVID-19 has made everyone more aware of the importance of hygiene and the need for effective sanitising products,” he said. “INEOS Hygienics is determined to ensure our products are available to meet the increased demand around the world.”

for more information visit:
www.ineoshygienics.com

‘We will supply hospital-grade sanitiser products to the public. We can make the best quality wipes, sprays and hand sanitiser because INEOS manufactures 100% of the pharmaceutical grade ethanol in Europe’ – George Ratcliffe, Chief Operating Officer

INEOS builds plants in 10 days

INEOS is now manufacturing hand sanitiser on an industrial scale to help with the critical shortage across Europe. It has built new plants in Newton Aycliffe in the UK, Herne in Germany, Etain and Lavera in France as well as the USA. At full rates, each of them will be churning out one million bottles a month.

“INEOS is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills,” said Chairman sir Jim Ratcliffe. “If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part.”

The hand sanitisers will be provided free to NHS and hospitals to help fight COVID-19.

The public will be able to buy the ­INEOS-branded product from pharmacies and supermarkets.

INEOS, which built each of the plants in under 10 days, is Europe’s largest producer of the two core ingredients needed for hospital grade hand sanitiser. Its sites in Grangemouth, Scotland, and in northern Germany and Southern France normally produce almost one million tonnes of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and ethanol every year. And has been diverting more production to the new hand sanitiser plants.

It is hoped these new plants – built in record time – will help to meet the shortfall.

INEOS intends to produce both standard and the increasingly popular ‘pocket-sized’ hand sanitisers.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease and is most often spread when people, with unwashed hands, touch their own faces, especially their mouth, nose and eyes. Hand sanitisers can stop this.

The INEOS hand gel website is now open and taking orders from hospitals, national supermarket chains and wholesalers: www.ineoshandgel.com

Essential Chemistry

Delivering the goods

Millions of bottles of INEOS' new hand sanitiser have started being delivered free to hospitals across Europe. Warrington & Halton Hospital in England was the first UK hospital to receive 450 litres to help keep its frontline workers safe in the fight against COVID-19.

“It's absolutely fantastic that British manufacturers have stepped up to fight against coronavirus,” said Deputy Chief Nurse John Goodenough.

The INEOS hand sanitiser project, initiated by Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has enlisted the support of Sir Dave Brailsford and his winning Tour de France cycling team.

“This major initiative has brought together the very best of all INEOS and its teams in a race against the clock,” said Sir Jim.

As team principal of Team INEOS, Sir Dave is more used to managing the world’s best cycling team.

His logistics team is highly efficient at moving lots of cycling equipment, supplies and support crews around the world.

Now Dave and his team are liaising directly with NHS trusts and hospitals across Europe, co-ordinating shipments to where they are needed most.

“Usually it’s the sports stars who everyone comes to watch and support,” he said. “But the tables have turned. Now the performers are the health workers and the frontline hospital staff and they are the ones who everyone is admiring at the minute. We are the fans.”

Working closely with NHS Trusts, INEOS hand sanitisers will be delivered to 28 hospitals across the UK including Grangemouth, Halton, Teesside, Derby and London.

Wider distribution will follow as the production plant at Newton Aycliffe in the North East of England reaches full capacity.

Similar plants in Herne, Germany, and Lavera in France are also delivering free vital supplies directly to hospitals.

The three plants were built in less than 10 days. A fourth - at Étain, France – will start production imminently.

INEOS’ initial priority is to meet the needs of frontline medical and care services before supplying pocket-sized hand sanitisers for the public.

All will be produced to World Health Organisation specifications.

Hand-to-mouth contamination is one of the main ways that the virus spreads and there is a critical shortage of hand sanitisers across the UK and mainland Europe.

“We knew speed was crucial in addressing this shortage,” said Sir Jim. “That said, getting the hand sanitiser into production in just 10 days was a huge team effort and Team INEOS, led by Sir Dave Brailsford, have made a great contribution alongside the rest of the INEOS family.”

INEOS produces chemicals that go into anti-biotics, paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, anti-virals and aspirin, and the re-agent chemicals that go into testing kits.

It also produces the plastics that go into medical equipment, face masks, sterile gloves and eye visors. The list goes on and on and on.

The US Department of Homeland Security has described many as being ‘critical to national resilience’ from basic sanitation through to the search for a vaccine.

The latest project combines INEOS’ know-how in engineering, chemical production and safety, with Team INEOS’ logistical expertise.

“If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we remain absolutely committed to playing our part,” said Sir Jim.

WWW.INEOSHANDGEL.COM

Three of the greatest racing teams in the world are now working together to become unbeatable

Great minds from INEOS' British challenger for The America's Cup, TEAM INEOS and Mercedes' F1 team are now working together to become unbeatable.

What appealed to INEOS, in signing the technical partnership, was Mercedes’ grit and determination to redefine what is humanly possible.

What Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team likes about INEOS is its dynamism and entrepreneurial flair.

“What unites us is the ambition and the competitiveness,” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. “We are very excited about this agreement’s potential.”

At the heart of these three teams is a shared passion to drive, sail and pedal faster than anyone else in the world. And work has already started.

Eighteen technical engineers from Mercedes’ applied science division are now working full-time at INEOS TEAM UK’s headquarters in Portsmouth to help INEOS build a race boat to win next year’s America’s Cup for the first time in the competition’s 170-year history.

They are pooling their expertise and showing they work almost as quickly off the track as they do on it.

“The rate of development is astonishing for the top teams,” said Graham Miller, who is leading the partnership from Mercedes’ side. “One of the things we can offer is the ability to fast-track developments.”

At Brackley, Mercedes has an enormous manufacturing capability with some of the world’s best manufacturing tools and the ability to fit 170 aerodynamicists around a 16ft x 5ft car.

“The benefit back to the team is the rate of development,” said Graham. “Some of it is reactionary if the team faces issues, but some is proactive and planned development.”

Mercedes’ team will be looking at aerodynamics, simulation and the planning precision and processes needed from concept to design to manufacturing.

“You can have the best design in the world but if you don’t leave enough time to produce it, it’s no good to anyone,” said Graham. “You have to strike that balance between the point you have to release that concept to detail design, to the point you have to release that detailed design drawing to manufacturing and then release it from manufacturing to assembly.”

Late last year The America’s Cup team launched their first AC75 race boat – a foiling monohull that flies on wings.

“Our boat really shouldn’t sail because it is effectively a 10-storey building sailing on a coffee table,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It has, he said, been a technical challenge. Graham said his team from Mercedes would be able to learn valuable lessons from that.

“Formula 1 is all about minimising weight and maximising stiffness,” he said. “But the hydrodynamic loads in the boat are just enormous. Just to be able to help design in that environment with such extreme loads is potentially useful for us in the future because you get exposed to different materials.”

A second race boat will be launched this year. It will be the most technical ever built with an estimated 30,000 component parts needed to work in perfect symmetry to allow the 75ft boat and 11-man crew to fly’ during the race itself.

The crossover between aviation and F1 racing already exists. “We sometimes describe our cars as low-flying aircraft,” said Graham.

Simulation will also be critical, said Graham, so that the British sailing crew can test what works and ultimately learn how to sail, or rather fly, the boat.

“It’s a platform that has never been sailed before so simulation is a critical developmental tool,” said Graham. “The more they use the simulator and develop it, the more that will lead to performance development on the water and speed.”

Aerodynamics have been the focus of F1 teams for years in the drive for efficiency and performance. “A 2004 Formula 1 car looks like a complete brick compared to modern day cars,” said Graham.

Over the years the changes have come down to minute, microscopic developments. “Because of the limited resource we have always had, we have tended to look at the big rocks in the field and how we can manipulate those,” said INEOS TEAM UK’s chief designer Nick Holroyd.

“Mercedes have allowed us, both by helping us with the resource and by mindset, to drill down into a fine level and shown that when you get a lot of those details right, they can actually add up to quite a significant gain.” Although the focus is primarily on The America’s Cup team, Mercedes will also be working with TEAM INEOS, formerly TEAM SKY, which has dominated The Tour de France for years.

“We cannot wait to get started,” said team principal Sir Dave Brailsford. “Our unrelenting determination to outwit the ever-improving competition will benefit hugely from this partnership.”

Meanwhile, Sir Ben Ainslie, who will skipper the 75ft monohull in next year’s America’s Cup race, said Mercedes’ involvement had been a huge boost to his team.

“There’s an incredible amount of synergy across all the sports, Formula 1, cycling and the America’s Cup,” he said. “It’s a fascinating mixture of pushing the boundaries of technical innovation alongside sporting prowess.”

What has surprised Graham most, though, so far, is how the rules change from one America’s Cup race to the next.

“In one, the crew may race in a catamaran, the next in a 75ft monohull,” he said. “We may have big rule changes in F1, but ultimately you’ve always got four wheels, a front wing and a back wing. It would be like us going from a motorbike to a car to a truck.”

INEOS signs as Principal partner with Formula 1 Team

The best Formula One team in the world also has a new partner in the driving seat. INEOS is now sponsoring Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. INEOS Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe said it was a fantastic engineering company. “They have consistently shown that they are at the forefront of technological innovation and human performance,” he said.

INEOS, which already owns the world’s most successful cycling team and is the British challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, believes the two companies can learn from each other to help improve performances on the race track, the road and in the water.

Lewis Hamilton is a six-time Formula One champion and is one of Mercedes’ drivers, alongside teammate Valterri Bottas.

At a press conference to announce the partnership, Sir Jim said he had only met Lewis – and his dog – for about five minutes.

“I don’t know him, but I am a great admirer,” he said. “I think he is one of the finest drivers who has ever strode the earth,” he said.

Sir Jim and Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, began discussing a potential partnership when they met at a pre-season F1 testing in Barcelona last year.

The F1 team’s new car, with INEOS’ logo, was unveiled at the press conference.

INEOS’ name appears on the airbox above the driver’s head, the front and rear wing, as well as on the team’s clothing and drivers’ overalls.

Mercedes F1 team come to the aid of NHS

Engineers from Mercedes' F1 team have - in less than 100 hours - helped to develop a breathing aid that can keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care. The team worked around-the-clock with engineers from University College London and clinicians at UCL Hospital to further improve an existing respiratory device that has been used in Chinese and Italian hospitals.

The result is a state-of-the-art version, which has been approved for use by the UK’s NHS, and adapted so it can be mass-produced.

“We were privileged to be able to call on the capability of Formula 1,” said Professor Tim Baker of UCL’s mechanical engineering department. “We were able to reduce a process that could take years down to a matter of days.”

The device, which pushes oxygen into the lungs to keep them open, reduces the effort needed to breathe in, especially when the air sacs in the lungs have collapsed due to COVID-19.

It will help coronavirus patients with serious lung infections to breathe and negates the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, which requires patients to be heavily sedated.

“From being given the brief, we worked all hours of the day, disassembling and analysing an off-patent device,” said Tim. “Using computer simulations, we improved the device further to create a state-of-the-art version suited to mass production.”

Mercedes-AMG-HPP will soon be producing up to 1,000 per day.

The new device will help to save lives by ensuring that ventilators, which are in short supply, are used to treat only the worst-affected patients.

It is thought the UK alone could need 20,000 extra ventilators to deal with the pandemic. Mercedes has also been working with the six other UK-based F1 teams, as part of Project Pitlane, to bolster the UK’s efforts to treat COVID-19 patients with severe breathing difficulties.

They are using their engineering expertise to manufacture other medical equipment, which is urgently needed in intensive care units.

“The Formula 1 community has shown an impressive response to the call for support,” said Andy Cowell, Mercedes HPP’s Managing Director.

What sets all F1 teams apart is their ability to rapidly design and manufacture complex products quickly.

Meanwhile, INEOS TEAM UK, who had been focused on building their racing boat for next year’s America’s Cup challenge at their base in Portsmouth, have also joined in the fight to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“In these circumstances, preventing the spread of COVID-19 has to be everyone’s top priority,” said skipper Sir Ben Ainslie. “Everyone has a part to play.”

There is a nationwide initiative to ease the pressure on hospitals by creating ‘red zone’ surgeries where low-risk patients, showing COVID-19 symptoms, can be examined.

INEOS TEAM UK will be supplying personal protective equipment through their suppliers including respirators, gloves and safety goggles, to their local ‘red zone’ surgery.

The team are also using their manufacturing capacity and 3D printer at their base in Portsmouth to produce 50 PPE re-useable masks per week which will be sent to the same surgery.

In addition, the team’s design co-ordinator, Jonathan Nichols, and James Roche, head of simulation, have been supporting a team at Imperial College London in designing new ventilators.

“Although their project wasn’t chosen by the UK government, Imperial College will continue to look into developing the ventilator,” said a team spokesman. “And we have put them in touch with a long list of suppliers and experts to help them.”

MERCEDESAMGF1.COM

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INEOS TEAM UK manufacture PPE face shields to support fight against COVID-19

INEOS TEAM UK is supporting the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing PPE face shields for key workers in the local area around their team base in Portsmouth.

Utilising the manufacturing capacity and resource within the team base, including 3D printers and sailmakers, together with additional resource from the existing team partnership with Mercedes-Benz Applied Science (MBAS), INEOS TEAM UK and MBAS will together be producing an initial total of over 100 PPE face shields a day.

A climate of change

Our climate is changing - and we are all to blame. Global demand for fresh food and water, clothes, electronics, medicines, cars, planes and construction materials all ensures the continual burning of fossil fuels.

It's easy to say ban them; it's harder to achieve.

“We cannot just turn off the tap,” says Dr Peter Williams, INEOS’ Group Technical Director. “Many of our products, which are made with gas and oil, are being used to build wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable technologies.”

That doesn’t mean ­INEOS is blind to the problems of global warming which threaten the planet. Far from it.

It understands what’s at stake. “As a business, INEOS is driven by innovation and the need to find alternative raw materials and fuel,” said Dr Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS' Group head of Energy and Innovation Policy and lead of CEN, INEOS' Carbon and Energy Network. “And staff are not doing it because they have to. They are doing it because they want to.”

At INEOS’ Zwijndrecht site – the birthplace of INEOS - staff have, for years, been cutting greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide to be reused in other on-site processes. That work goes on.

But INEOS is also: WORKING with pioneering recycling companies so it can use fewer resources – gas and oil – to make its products.

STARTING to replace gas and oil, where it can, with renewable raw materials and REINVESTING its profits in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants to improve their efficiency – and cut greenhouse gas emissions. On that score, it is proud of its record.

“Optimising our sites to make them more efficient is something we are really good at,” said Greet.

But INEOS is not just focusing on what it has done. What matters is what it intends to do now and in the future.

It has set itself clear targets to use more recycled plastics to make its products by 2025.

And it’s making good progress already with many new products now on sale.

“All this is moving us to a circular economy which will increase resource efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide an outlet for plastic waste,” said Peter.

As it looks to the future, it believes hydrogen will be the answer to many people’s prayers for cleaner air and its businesses in the UK, Germany and Belgium are all now involved in projects.

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Cutting Usage

At INEOS’ Zwijndrecht site – the birthplace of INEOS - staff have, for years, been capturing carbon dioxide to be reused in other on-site processes.

Investment

It is reinvesting its profits in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants to improve their efficiency – and, as a result, cut greenhouse gas emissions.

More Renewables

­INEOS has started replacing gas and oil, where it can, with renewable raw materials to make its products.

New Technologies

­INEOS is working in partnership with pioneering recycling companies so it can use fewer resources to make its products.

Target-driven

­INEOS has set itself clear targets to use more recycled plastics to make its products by 2025. And it’s making good progress already with many new products now on sale.

Alternative Energy

­INEOS’ businesses in the UK, Germany and Belgium are all now involved in projects to smooth the road to an economy fuelled by hydrogen which produces zero emissions.

Closing the loop

Coronavirus may have given single-use plastics a reprieve as we all realise the value they bring to public health by preventing the spread of the virus. But when the crisis is over, what then? INEOS hopes people will see that not all plastic is the problem, it’s how we treat plastic waste. For years now, INEOS has been calling for a change in mind - set - and trying to explain its thinking.

Now it is forging partnerships with recycling companies in America, the UK, Italy and Austria.

PLASTIC ENERGY, Forever Plast, Viridor, Agilyx, Pyrowave and GreenMantra – all leaders in their own fields – are all now working with INEOS to close the loop and create a circular economy where nothing goes to waste.

As a result, plastic waste, much of which was once destined for landfill, is now being turned into a raw material that INEOS can use.

INEOS has also found a way to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by making a new generation of bio-based plastics from a residue from the pulp industry.

Instead of 100% gas and oil, it is using that renewable raw material from Finland instead. And the plastic that is made from this bio-attributed raw material has a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastic.

And it is on the brink of a partnership in a plant that will take the plastic no one wants – and using a UK company’s patented technology – turn it into a recycled raw material that can make virgin plastics. And crucially, interest in all these newly-engineered high quality, plastic products is flooding in from all corners of the globe. As part of its own commitment to a new circular economy, INEOS set itself four ambitious targets to meet by 2025. One promised to use 325,000 tonnes of recycled polymer in its products. It is now doing that. Another pledged to offer products containing at least 50% of recycled content. That too is happening.

“We don’t wait to see what happens,” said ­INEOS Communications Director Tom Crotty. “We make it happen.”

The solution to end pollution

INEOS is now working with a visionary company that has developed and currently operates a unique process to recycle plastic that no one else can.

It has signed an agreement with PLASTIC ENERGY to develop a recycling plant to convert difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into clean, recycled plastics, with production due to start in 2023.

The two companies, who share a vision of a world where plastic is valued, will use their expertise and industry knowledge to decide on the best location.

“This really will help us to make a difference to a world where using plastic is no longer a threat,” said Carlos Monreal, founder and CEO of PLASTIC ENERGY.

His company has spent the past 10 years developing the patented recycling technology which turns plastics, traditionally destined for landfill or incineration sites, into TACOIL.

TACOIL is a recycled oil which can be used in petrochemical plants to make ethylene and propylene – the key building blocks for plastics.

Currently chemical companies, like INEOS, make those building blocks with gas and oil and then convert those into polyolefins.

PLASTIC ENERGY already owns and operates two plants in Spain where the technology is in use 24 hours a day, 330 days a year.

“It is not science fiction or a project or a dream,” said Carlos. “It is a reality and something we would like to share with the world.”

Rob Ingram, CEO INEOS Olefins & Polymers, said the agreement to build an advanced recycling plant marked another important milestone in INEOS’ sustainability strategy.

“To take plastic waste back to virgin plastic is the ultimate definition of recycling and helps us to move towards a circular future for plastics,” he said.

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PLASTIC ENERGY

TACOIL is a recycled oil which can be used in petrochemical plants to make ethylene and propylene – the key building blocks for plastics.

Thermal Anaerobic Conversion (TAC)
Patented TAC technology converts end-of-life plastic waste into a TACOIL to create clean recycled plastics or alternative low-carbon fuels.

TAC Process
Plastic waste is heated in the absence of oxygen until it melts and the polymer molecules break down to form a rich saturated hydrocarbon vapour.

As a result of this TAC process, the condensable gases are converted to hydrocarbon products while the non-condensable gases are collected separately and combusted to process energy.

TACOIL
For every tonne of end-of-life plastic waste processed, 850 litres of chemical feedstock TACOIL are produced.

Pulp Power

INEOS is planning to make a new range of plastics out of residue from the pulp industry. It has signed a long-term agreement with a company in Finland for its biofuel, which will be used as a raw material instead of purely gas and oil to make plastic food packaging, medical supplies and pipes.

UPM Biofuels’ wood-based residue is already being used by INEOS O&P to produce raw materials for their colleagues at INOVYN, who recently unveiled the world’s first commercially available PVC, partly made with the residue that would otherwise be burned as a fuel.

This latest deal is seen as another great stride along the road to a greener economy.

“INEOS is interested in delivering a low carbon, circular economy,” said Gabriella Isidro, Business Development Manager at INEOS O&P Europe North. “The carbon footprint of our products has got huge scrutiny at the moment so we are really looking at how we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and have a more positive impact on the environment.”

The new range of ‘bio-attributed’ polyolefins will be produced at INEOS’ site in Köln, Germany.

And they have already received the blessing of the globally-respected Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.

It has certified each step in the process, starting from UPM Biofuels converting the wood-based residue into hydrocarbons, through to the final polymer.

“INEOS has really raised the bar for the plastics industry,” said Nicola Noponen, technical advisor for The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.

“By selecting the most stringent sustainability system for their certification, they can demonstrate that their products carry high levels of sustainability, they result in greenhouse gas emissions’ reductions and displace fossil resources.”

The result are products which have a proven positive impact on the environment without sacrificing any product performance.

 The other beauty of UPM’s biofuel is that it is not only renewable but it also does not compete with the food chain.

The biofuel will be shipped by barge to O&P’s plant in Köln where it will be turned into bio-ethylene in its existing cracker.

“By replacing fossil-based raw materials in the cracker, our products will be contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions,” said Rob Ingram, CEO INEOS O&P Europe North. UPM, which has been making products from wood at its site in Lappeenranta for more than 100 years, is excited to be working with INEOS.

“INEOS’ and our commitment to RSB certification creates a strong common ground to build on,” said Maiju Helin, Head of Sustainability and Market Development at UPM Biofuels.

As a company, it was forced to transform itself in a bold way and look for new business in 2008 as the demand for news print began to fall.

In 2012 it built the world’s first bio-refinery producing wood-based, renewable diesel and hasn’t looked back.

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UPMBIOFUELS

The renewable raw material for UPM BioVerno naphtha is crude tall oil, a residue of the pulp making process.

UPM climate positive farming
Our feedstocks are cultivated within existing agricultural systems and requires no additional farmland for their cultivation. These feedstocks are introduced as an additional high biomass cover crop within an existing main crop rotation during seasons where land is not typically in productive use.

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If you would like further information on this range or need discuss any matter relating to these products please contact us at: sustainability.opeurope@ineos.com

Top Priority

Billions of caps from plastic drinks bottles - destined for landfill - are now being recycled into perfectly-formed, colourful new ones. INEOS, which is behind the move, says it has never been done before.

“It is a step change but it is what was needed,” said Bruce Debell, business director of ­INEOS Olefins & Polymers South. “We have proven to the world that you can use recycled products to create high quality ones.”

Over the next five years, 6.5 billion bottle caps will be recycled.

O&P is working in partnership with a privately-owned Italian company which specialises in recycling high density polyethylene and has developed a system that allows the different coloured bottle tops to be separated and cleaned.

In the past, this highly-versatile plastic, which can be moulded into almost any shape, was either sent to landfill or turned into such things as plant pots and garden furniture. But Bruce said that was a waste of a highly-engineered plastic that deserved better. “Other, lower grade plastics can be used for those things,” he said.

­INEOS and Forever Plast in Milan already have popular brands lined up, wanting to buy the new bottle tops.

The changes are in direct response to consumers, demanding recycled products from companies amid concern for the environment.

“In doing this we are using fewer fossil fuels to make our products,” said Bruce.

Forever Plast blends 50% of the recycled bottle tops with highly-engineered speciality chemicals, which have been developed at ­INEOS’ plant in Tuscany.

The end result mirrors ­INEOS’ virgin grades of high density polyethylene.

Currently, the new tops, which will be made with 50% of recycled material, cannot be used on food containers or drink bottles due to regulations. But that’s the ultimate goal. “It’s difficult, but we are not ruling it out,” said Bruce.

“We are now working towards being able to use these products so they can be in contact with food again because, if we can do that, there’s a huge market out there.”

Over the years bottle caps have got lighter without losing any of their qualities.

It may seem trivial but with billions of bottle tops being produced every year, using fewer resources to make them, can make a huge difference.

“All that has been achieved through science,” said Bruce.

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Forever Plast

Over the next five years, 6.5 billion bottle caps will be recycled Recycling Process

1. PET recyclers collect bottles.
2. The plastic bottles are sorted and crushed into huge bales.
3. The plastic is shredded and placed in water.
4. The former bottles, which are made of PET, sink.
5. The former bottle caps, which are made from high density polyethylene, float.
6. The multi-coloured flakes (the former bottle top caps) can then be skimmed off the surface.
7. Those flakes are sent to Forever Plast where they are put in a machine which can sort the the flakes into different colours.
8. They are then cleaned, ground into pellets and finally blended with highly-engineered virgin chemicals from ­INEOS.

Gathering Steam

Hydrogen has the power to change the world in ways we can only imagine. It already powers the sun, which, in turn, powers the world. But it can also power transport, businesses, even homes - and slash harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

“Most people agree that if society is to achieve net-zero emissions, the hydrogen economy must be given a huge boost,” said Dr Peter Williams, ­INEOS’ Group Technology Director. “And ­INEOS has the skills, capabilities and desire to help achieve this.”

­INEOS’ businesses in the UK, Germany and Belgium are all now involved in hydrogen projects.

In the UK, ­INEOS-owned INOVYN, which produces thousands of tonnes of hydrogen a year as a co-product, is looking at how the gas could be used to run buses, cars and lorries and significantly improve the air quality in towns and cities.

­INEOS could reuse the hydrogen it co-produces more widely, and also link its electrolysis technology to renewable energy to produce greater amounts of green hydrogen for transport, industry and homes.

INOVYN is a member of the UK-based North West Hydrogen Alliance which believes hydrogen is a workable, economically-viable alternative to fossil fuels. “Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen will never run out,” said a spokesman. Hydrogen can be made from electrolysis of water, which produces the hydrogen as well as oxygen as a co-product.

The alliance’s aim is to have 25 hydrogen-powered buses, producing zero emissions, on the streets of Liverpool by the end of this year.

A number of INOVYN sites, including Runcorn, already have co-fired (hydrogen) boilers and have been using hydrogen that way to make steam for decades.

At ­INEOS’ Koln site in Germany, the power plant is also co-fired with hydrogen next to natural gas, and staff are looking at how they could feed hydrogen into the region’s power network so that it could be used to run inner-city public transport.

 That all fits with Germany’s desire to build an economy based on hydrogen instead of fossil fuels so it can meet its Paris Agreement goals.

The UK is also looking at whether it can make hydrogen from natural gas. Unlike hydrogen produced from water, this would result in some carbon that would need to be captured directly then stored deep underground. “That could enable us to halve the emissions at our Grangemouth site in Scotland,” said Peter.

Carbon capture and storage is not always necessary with hydrogen production but, where it is, ­INEOS is well placed.

At the Port of Antwerp in Belgium, ­INEOS is working with a host of firms, including BASF, Total and ExxonMobil, on plans for carbon capture and storage. “­INEOS can bring its experience because it is already capturing half of the Oxide process emissions in Antwerp,” said Dr Greet Van Eetvelde, ­INEOS' Group head of Energy and Innovation Policy and lead of CEN, ­INEOS' Carbon and Energy Network.

The technology to capture carbon is evolving rapidly and is on the verge of becoming economically viable. ­INEOS is also working on storage.

The Danish Council on Climate Change believes carbon capture could begin in 2025 and that storage could have a real influence in 2030.

“That's also our target,” said Johan Byskov Svendsen, ­INEOS Denmark Developing Assets Manager. “We're working from the assumption that it will be possible to store CO2 from the second half of this decade.” He added: “No other company operating in the country has made it as far with a CCS project as ­INEOS.”

So ­INEOS, which is planning to build the most energy-efficient ethylene cracker in Europe, will be well prepared. Once built, ­INEOS’ €3 billion ethylene cracker and world-scale PDH unit in Antwerp will emit half the CO2 emissions of similar-sized, ageing plants elsewhere in Europe because co-produced hydrogen will be used as fuel instead of natural gas. “This will be a pioneer in terms of technologies used, environmental impact and efficiency,” said Peter.

Building the Grenadier - Frame and Axles

INEOS is building a super-strong 4x4 that's capable of getting the job done no matter how punishing the conditions. The world now knows that.

What it doesn’t know is what the new Grenadier will look like. That burning question, though, is one which ­INEOS will seek to answer this year.

Over the next 12 months, it will be revealing sections of the 4x4 for the very first time - bit by bit.

­INEOS is creating the ladder frame in partnership with a highly-experienced vehicle manufacturing company that has a proven pedigree of making ladder frames that can tackle the toughest environments.

And it has partnered with Carraro, which has a long history in building tough 4x4 vehicles, to develop the front and rear axles.

View Video: ineosgrenadier.com/reveal/frame-axles

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LADDER FRAME

A proper off-road 4X4, made to tackle the toughest terrain, needs a box-section ladder frame. So why would we choose anything else? Super strong, rugged, simple and stable.

SERIOUS TOWING CAPABILITY
A stable platform. Balanced load distribution. 3.5 tonne capacity.

MULTI-LAYERED ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION
Able to withstand water, snow, road salt or sand.

PURE STRENGTH
Trees, rocks, or termite mounds. Contact that might stop a unibody SUV shouldn't stop the Grenadier.

SUPERB RIGIDITY
High-tensile steel for torsional strength. Up to 4mm wall thickness. Able to withstand high levels of stress under load.

BEAM AXLES

Beam axles belong on the Grenadier. And there are lots of reasons why. Since the first ever 4X4s appeared, beam axles have proven to offer better ground clearance, articulation and load carrying ability than independent suspension. They’re simpler and easier to fix. With the greatest strength and all round off-road capability.

IMPROVED RIDE COMFORT
In combination with the suspension, beam axles offer better ride comfort on the harshest terrain.

TRACTION YOU CAN TRUST
When one end or side goes up, the opposite pushes into the ground for greater grip.

LOAD CARRYING
Traction, braking and tyre wear don’t change as suspension is compressed, compared to independent. Great when carrying heavy loads.

HIGHER GROUND CLEARANCE
Easily clears larger objects when driving across rocky, off-road terrain.

FITTED FRONT AND REAR
Even greater articulation and strength. Robust constant velocity joints.

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The road to a new future?

­INEOS is determined to one day build a hydrogen-powered 4x4 that can cope with life in the great outdoors. It has spent the past nine months exploring the best ways to do it without affecting The Grenadier’s ability to survive in the harshest conditions.

“All the work we have done re-affirms our belief that a hydrogen-powered vehicle represents the best solution for developing a zero emission version of a rugged 4x4,” said Antony Walker, Head of Finance at ­INEOS Automotive.

“We fully intend to press ahead with our developments.”

The feasibility study was funded with a £124,000 grant from Innovate UK.

“It still remains a very long journey from this feasibility study to a fully-fledged, and costed, development programme for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle,” said Mark Tennant, Commercial Director at ­INEOS Automotive.

The project began in July last year and has involved engineers from Germany, UK-based procurement, commercial and finance staff and technical experts from project partners AVL Powertrain UK.

­INEOS Automotive is uniquely positioned to help develop the infrastructure needed to support hydrogen-fuelled vehicles as currently there are only 16 hydrogen stations in the UK.

It is working closely with ­INEOS’ chemical businesses, which produce about 250,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year in the UK and Europe from making chlorine and cracking gas and oil.

­INEOS currently uses most of it but believes hydrogen could be more widely used to help clean up the air in towns and cities where pollution is a problem.

“There has been a significant global shift towards a low carbon economy, and the automotive sector presents a major opportunity to reduce emissions,” said Antony.

The beauty of hydrogen is that when used as a fuel, it produces only water that’s so pure you could drink it.

And filling a tank is almost as quick as refilling it with petrol and diesel.

Electric vehicles are currently being presented as alternatives to petrol and diesel. But they are heavy, the batteries don’t last long and they take hours to recharge.

“These technological shortcomings mean battery-powered vehicles are not currently practical for heavy haulage, construction, and off-road usage,” said Antony.

A meeting of minds – Saving the Atlantic Salmon

World experts agree that they must work together if the wild North Atlantic salmon is to survive. At an international conference in Iceland, hosted by INEOS, the importance of sharing knowledge was laid bare as they discussed the alarming decline in salmon and efforts to bring this iconic fish back from the brink of extinction.

Scientists, academics and conservationists from Iceland, the UK, Norway, Ireland and Canada realised it is only when they get together that real change can happen.

“They are all doing amazing things, so what we wanted to do was bring them all together,” said Dr Peter Williams, INEOS Group Technical Director.

“By having a forum to share what we, and other researchers, are doing, we can help each other and create a bigger picture that adds to our understanding and allows us to focus our work and communicate it much more effectively.”

The numbers of North Atlantic salmon have fallen by 70% over the past 30 years and it is now endangered.

During the summit, Dr Colin Bull, from The Missing Salmon Alliance, said there was a ‘crying need’ for an initiative to collate all the information that was already out there.

“I believe there is a way we can pull everything together across disciplines, to turn the plethora of research and management data on salmon and its environment into a cohesive resource to focus and drive forward our collective efforts,” he said.

Gudni Gudbergsson, head of the freshwater division at The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Iceland, said there was already extensive co-operation between ICIS and NASCO, but both organisations had specific remits.

“As a backbone organisation that is okay, but new thinking and co-operation is needed and that is what we are doing here today,” he said.

Dr James Rosindell, a reader in biodiversity theory at Imperial College London, said academic and practical research data needed to be shared. “The research is often carried out by different groups who sometimes don’t want to give it up,” he said. He called for an overhaul of the traditional, academic system. “It is stressful and inefficient to be fighting against others to get funding, then reinventing the wheel, and then publishing papers that sit on the shelf collecting dust,” he said.

January’s summit in Reykjavik ended with a pledge to rapidly establish new conservation strategies to reverse the decline.

Many of those strategies are already being tested in Iceland, home of The Six Rivers Conservation Project founded by ­INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “It’s a holistic programme, backed by science,” said Peter.

As part of the project, botanists have been planting trees to enrich the soil around the rivers because healthier vegetation leads to a healthier environment for the organisms that live in the rivers.

About 1,000 smolts – maturing salmon – have been tagged so that scientists can track and monitor their behaviour.

And millions of salmon eggs have been planted into the gravel in rivers further upstream to help breed a healthier and stronger stock.

In addition, PhD students from The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute and Imperial College London have been comparing new data and the old data, gathered by the institute over the past 75 years. “We believe the Six Rivers project will help inform conservation in other countries,” said Peter.

Gisli Asgeirsson, CEO Strengur Angling Club, said the work was vital to help understand why the Atlantic salmon were disappearing – and what needed to be done to stop it. “Once we have this information, we can start to put in place measures that will help the salmon not only survive but thrive,” he said.

Sir Jim, who is an expert fly-fisherman, has been working with Strengur for years.

All profits from Strengur, which provides the best quality fly-fishing in the world, are now being reinvested back into salmon conservation in North East Iceland.

For more information and photos from the symposium go to: sixrivers.is/en/symposium

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Symposium Key Speakers

January 23rd, The Hilton Nordica, Reykjavik, Iceland

Peter S. Williams, B.A., D.Phil
INEOS Group Technical Director

Dr Colin Bull
The Missing Salmon Alliance

Prof Guy Woodward
Professor of Ecology and the Deputy Head of Life Sciences at Imperial College London

Dr Rasmus Lauridsen
Head of Fisheries Research at Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Else Möller
Forester MSc at Austurbru

Prof Nikolai Friberg
Research Director for Biodiversity at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research NIVA in Oslo, Norway

Gudni Gudbergsson
Freshwater division of the Marine and Freshwater Research in Reykjavik

James Rvosindell
Reader in Biodiversity Theory at Imperial College London

Mark Saunders
Director, International Year of the Salmon – North Pacific Region

Philip McGinnity
Research Professor with the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork

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Academics
PhD students from The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute and Imperial College London have been comparing new data against old data, gathered by the institute over the past 75 years.

Conservationists
Millions of salmon eggs have been planted into the gravel in rivers further upstream to help breed a healthier and stronger stock. And salmon ladders have been built to allow salmon to reach new spawning grounds further up the rivers.

Scientists
About 1,000 smolts – maturing salmon – have been tagged so that scientists can track and monitor their behaviour.

Botanists
Biologists, who specialise in plants, have been planting trees to enrich the soil around the rivers because healthier vegetation leads to a healthier environment for the organisms that live in the rivers.

Strengur Angling Club
All profits from the club, which provides the best-quality fly-fishing in the world, are now being reinvested back into salmon conservation in North East Iceland.

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The Six Rivers Project, now in year 4 of development, is making good progress

Our aim: to protect the North Atlantic Salmon, now endangered.

The means: a self-funding entity undertaking long-term conservation initiatives.

The actions: annual salmon egg planting, revegetation/tree planting, salmon ladder building, at a scale never attempted before.

The underpin: world-leading research. These initiatives will provide a real boost to the salmon population in North East Iceland. Nature will take her time, but we are already seeing positive signs.

Lots more to come - Bill Reid, Six Rivers & Strengur Board

Safe Hands

INEOS used to look to the very best in the chemical industry for inspiration. Those companies helped it to focus on where it wanted - and needed - to be when it came to its safety record. Today, it looks to itself.

“We cannot look to others anymore because we are now right up there with the best,” said Simon Laker, INEOS Group Operations Director.

The OSHA figures show that INEOS last year recorded its best-ever performance, falling from 0.91 in 2009 to 0.16.

“We don’t like to say we are the world’s best, but we are world class,” said Simon.

Top of the class for INEOS was the Oil & Gas UK business which recorded zero.

What the figures don’t show is what it took for INEOS to achieve that level of excellence. Over the years it has developed numerous systems to address each problem as it has arisen.

There are few group-wide systems in INEOS, but safety is one of them. All sites are regularly audited against the 20 Principles, which cover everything from how to control work to how to control change.

Staff, seeking solutions, can find the best performing sites and hence the answers easily. “That really is the power of INEOS,” said Simon.

There is a bonus structure that is inextricably linked to a site’s safety performance, including how tidy it is and how well maintained. “The gate to the bonus won’t open if the site’s housekeeping is not in order,” said Simon.

That changed after INEOS introduced the AsCare audit system following a poor standard of housekeeping and maintenance on one of its French assets.

“Today if you go on to any site, you can tell which parts are owned by INEOS because they are spotless,” he said.

There are few group-wide systems in ­INEOS, but safety is one of them. All sites are regularly audited against the 20 Principles, which cover everything from how to control work to how to control change.

Sites that perform badly – in terms of such things as injuries, leaks and environmental breaches – are placed on a RED list. “We deem a RED list site as having an unacceptable risk for INEOS,” said Simon. Each RED site is given two years to fix the problems. If it cannot be brought up to the required standard, the site is shut down and closed.

“We don’t want to close sites but we just cannot run a site that can potentially hurt people,” said Simon. “It could lead to a catastrophe and that’s abhorrent. It is those sort of things that really do keep us awake at night.”

In 2012 INEOS introduced 20 basic safety principles covering processes and staff’s behaviour.

Those messages have helped to drive down reportable incidents and produce INEOS’ best-ever safety performance.

But not everyone always follows them.

“Every time there is an incident, it is reviewed to see if any one of the 20 principles has been broken,” he said.

“I have yet to find one incident where that’s not happened. If we always followed those principles, we would never have another incident in INEOS.”

Huge improvements have been made over the years, as can be seen by the safety performance, but there are a few critical activities that are so important that any breach will result in instant dismissal. These are the life-saving rules.

“Other companies may give them more chances, but why would we allow people a second chance to kill themselves or one of their colleagues?” said Simon. “We cannot have people like that in our organisation.”

INEOS has achieved its best-ever OSHA performance, despite acquiring more businesses whose procedures and rules on safety and standards often differ.

“We do assess the risk when we are looking to buy new companies,” said Simon. “Most have a worse safety performance than us. The first priority when they join us is to get their safety levels to where INEOS’ are.”

But that mixed heritage – and there are people working in INEOS who have come from BP, BASF, ICI and many others – does bring certain advantages.

“Others may see it as a weakness,” said Simon. “But we see it that somewhere amongst all these heritages is the answer to any problem.”

Each month INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe is given a detailed report, showing the number of such things as safety critical alarms or overdue inspections.

It has been known for some sites, acquired by INEOS, to report hundreds of such alarms and missed inspections in just a month. “Within one or two years they are back to what we expect in INEOS,” said Simon.

For INEOS, though, the work never stops. “When a business’ performance improves, we move the goalposts to encourage it to do even better,” he said. “It all comes back down to the fear of complacency. As soon as you think you’re there, you’re not.”

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20 Principles

Behavioural Safety

01 - We believe all incidents and injuries can be prevented

02 - Everyone's first responsibility is to ensure they work safely

03 - Everyone has the duty to stop work if they feel the situation in unsafe

04 - The expectations and standards are the same for everyone on the site

05 - Rules and procedures must be observed and respected

06 - We should look out for each other’s safety and unsafe situations

07 - All injuries and incident / near misses must be reported and investigated

08 - Risk assessment must be carried out prior to, during and on completion of work

09 - All team leaders have a special responsibility for promoting and upholding these principles

10 - We must always work within the limit of our competency and training

Process Safety

01 - The asset operating manager is responsible for its overall integrity

02 - The asset engineers are responsible for maintaining the asset and protective systems integrity

03 - The responsibilities in the organisation for defining and maintaining the correct operating envelopes must be clear

04 - Operating procedures and envelopes must be observed. Deviations must be reported and investigated

05 - Any changes must be properly risk assessed and subjected to MOC procedures

06 - Process hazards are systematically identified, risk assesses, reviewed and managed

07 - All assets must be subject to periodic inspection designed to ensure their integrity and the reliability of their protective systems

08 - Operations must always place the safe operation or shutdown of the asset ahead of production

09 - When in doubt the asset must always be taken to its safest state

10 - We have emergency plans based on assessed risks which are regularly tested

NHS and INEOS

"For almost 28 years I’ve worked as a maintenance technician at the Newton Aycliffe compounds site in the North East of England.

It is also the site of one of INEOS' new hand sanitiser plants, producing one million bottles of hospital-grade hand gel every month.

My partner is a nurse in the A&E department at Darlington Hospital in the UK and is now working harder than ever to keep people safe from the COVID-19 virus.

Yesterday my 15-year-old daughter painted me a picture to display in my window to show her support for everyone – and demonstrate how proud she is of what the NHS and INEOS are doing to help fight COVID-19."

Shaun James - INEOS Maintenance Technician

A 4X4 BUILT ON PURPOSE – an uncompromising off-roader that works for the world

As INEOS gears up to build its no frills Grenadier in the UK, engineers put it through its paces

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INEOS’ new, no frills 4x4 will be built in Britain – and it will be named after the London pub where the idea was born. The long-awaited announcement followed months of soul searching for the best possible location.

“We looked long and hard at possible manufacturing locations across the world,” said INEOS Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. But Bridgend in South Wales beat the lot.

“The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what INEOS stands for,” said Jim.

As INCH went to press, work was well underway to build its manufacturing and assembly plant in the small Welsh market town.

Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said the Welsh Government had worked closely with INEOS to make it happen.

“This is great news for Wales,” he said. “And Bridgend has a long history of skilled manufacturing expertise.”

The new manufacturing plant is being built on a 14-acre plot of land close to Ford Bridgend’s 40-year-old plant, which is due to close in 2020, with the loss of 1,700 jobs.

Production of The Grenadier – named after a poll of INEOS Automotive’s online followers – is due to start in 2021, and is expected to create up to 500 jobs.

Key parts for the 4x4, including the body and chassis, will be built at a second, sub-assembly factory in Estarreja, Portugal, before being brought to Bridgend for assembly.

BMW will supply the engines, and another German company, MBTech, a former subsidiary of Mercedes Benz, has been awarded the engineering contract.

The Grenadier has been described as the spiritual successor to the Land Rover Defender, which ceased production in January 2016.

“That left a serious hole in the marketplace and we are going to plug that gap,” said Jim.

The Grenadier will be rugged, capable, durable and functional – and easy to repair in a field.

“It will be a working tool to get the job done,” said Dirk Heilmann, CEO INEOS Automotive. “No frills. No fuss.

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Pushing to the extreme

The Grenadier is being designed to withstand the toughest conditions in the world. For the past 12 months, the development team has been running a chassis and suspension “mule” to test the durability of these critical components. And so far it is faring well.

And the team have been trying their hardest to find The Grenadier’s weak spots – for months. “Believe me, we’re looking for them,” said Alex. In fact, they have been pushing The Grenadier, INEOS’ no frills 4 x 4, to the extreme.

It has already covered several thousand kilometres on and off-road.

Most of the tests have been carried out at Austria’s Graz Magna proving grounds – a favoured place to test military trucks and tanks.

“It was the ideal environment for us because we were able to push the vehicle beyond expectations,” he said.

The prototype has also been put through its paces at Germany’s Boxberg testing ground, which is used by all major European car manufacturers.

But its most recent test took it to the 4,593ft summit of Austria’s Schoeckl Mountain, which is seen as the place where 4x4s can let themselves go as they tackle the punishing climb over sharp limestone rocks to the top.

“Historically it has been used by Daimler for the G-class,” said Alex. “But The Grenadier handled it extremely well.”

Discover more at: www.ineosgrenadier.com

We Made History Today

Second to none

JUST 26 seconds had stood between Eliud Kipchoge and history. But in the end, the greatest marathon runner of all time didn’t need them. In a seemingly effortless performance, he ran 26.2 miles in 1:59:40 – beating his own personal best by 45 seconds – to become the first man on earth to comfortably run a marathon in under two hours.

As he crossed the finish line in Vienna, he declared: “We all made history today.”

The 34-year-old Kenyan was referring to the INEOS-backed supporting cast who had worked round-the-clock, and behind the scenes, to help make it happen.

The team of scientists, researchers, his coach, his manager, his nutritionist, his physiotherapist, the driver of the electric car who had controlled the speed of the race – and the 41, world-class pacemakers whose job had been to shield Eliud from any wind.

“Today is Eliud’s day but everyone can come out to celebrate this moment,” said two-time Olympian Lopez Lomo, who was one of the pacemakers.” We are all part of history. We all did this together as a running community.”

But there were others too.

The 120,000 spectators, who had lined the route to cheer him on, included INEOS’ Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a keen sportsman who has run more than 30 marathons himself.

“For that last half a kilometre, it didn’t look like Eliud’s feet were touching the ground,” said Jim. “He looked so calm and tranquil.”

Together that winning team had ensured that no stone was left unturned to help Eliud achieve his goal.

His performance on the day encapsulated Eliud the man – calm, consistent, patient and totally unflappable.

And there to see him race, for the first time, was his wife Grace and their three children.

She had telephoned him the night before his marathon attempt with a few words of advice.

“I told him he just needed to relax,” she said.

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Man and machines in perfect harmony

The Car

An electric car controlled the pace of the race to ensure Eliud ran at the same speed for the entire 26.2 miles. But during testing, the team discovered that cruise control systems on cars are not 100% accurate. In short, they realised if the pace car ran 0.1kph too slow over two hours, Eliud would finish the race in 2:00:34.3. The RML Group, a high performance automotive engineering company in the UK, were hired to ensure that didn’t happen.

Lasers

The car was also fitted with lasers that shone a pattern on the road to help the pacemakers hold their formation – and a digital LED board so the runners could keep track of the time.

Transponder

The runners and the car carried a transponder chip, which was read by each of the one kilometre markers, providing accurate feedback on split times and speeds.

The crowd

Eliud Kipchoge wanted a big crowd because the bigger the crowds, the better he performs. About 120,000 spectators lined the entire, tree-lined route to cheer on Eliud.

Man on bike

Valentijn Trouw, Eliud’s manager, handed Eliud Kipchoge a bottle of 215 millilitres of energy drink Maurten every 5km.

The second car

To ensure nothing was left to chance, a second car – equipped with the same software as the first – was on standby should the team encounter a problem.

Pacemakers

Eliud’s pacemakers were primarily there to shield him – as much as possible – from the wind. They ran in a never-seen-before formation, which created a little pocket of air around him. Every few kilometres, a new team of pacemakers took over because no other athlete in the world can run at the same pace as Eliud without resting.

Vienna

Vienna was chosen to host INEOS’ 1:59 Challenge because it was within a three-hour time difference of Eliud’s training camp in Kenya, it had a long, flat, sheltered, straight course, where spectators could watch the race, and the weather was likely to be good.

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The world was watching

INEOS 1:59 - The challenge in numbers

120,000 spectators lined the route on the streets of Vienna

500+ million people watched the challenge through global broadcasters & online via YouTube

12,500 online press articles

2.9 BILLION cumulative readership

17 BILLION impressions across all social channels

No Human Is Limited - The campaign in numbers

850,000 global followers - #NoHumanIsLimited became the third top trending topic on twitter on the day of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge (behind two other INEOS 1:59 related hashtags)

13 BILLION - The campaign reached 13 billion on twitter alone with 215,000 #NoHumanIsLimited posts on twitter and 30,000 posts on Instagram

8 of the Best - 8 ambassadors each with their own story of breaking through barriers to achieve the remarkable:

1. Chris Froome
2. Patrick Vieira
3. Sir Ben Ainslie
4. Hermann Maier
5. Abdi Nageeye
6. Elaine Wyllie
7. Robby Ketchell
8. Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson

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#No Human Is Limited

ELIUD Kipchoge didn’t just want to make history on the streets of Vienna. In running a marathon in under two hours, he wanted to show the world something else. That no human is limited. As he crossed the finish line in 1:59:40, he said: “I expect more people all over the world to run under two hours after today.”

For years experts had insisted that the human body was simply not capable of running 26.2 miles in under two hours. But they had said that before. About the four-minute mile. In the 1940s, that was not only considered impossible, but also dangerous. But on May 4, 1954, Roger Bannister believed he could do it – just as Eliud believed he could become the first man of earth to run a sub, two-hour marathon on October 12, 2019.

Sixty-five years separated these two historic events but both men prepared to meet their destiny by visualising victory. Sadly Roger Bannister wasn’t alive to witness Eliud’s incredible achievement in Austria. He died of Parkinson’s disease in March 2018, aged 88. And Eliud, at just 34, wasn’t alive when 25-year-old Roger Bannister famously ran a mile in 3:59.4 at the Iffley Road track in Oxford. But they shared a common bond. Neither man believed in setting limits.

Eliud – and the team who helped to stage the INEOS 1:59 Challenge – now hope that others will be inspired to push boundaries and challenge themselves in a way they may never have dared.

“Any human being can go beyond their limits,” said Eliud. “Any human being can go beyond their thoughts. But self-belief is crucial.”

Roger Bannister’s record stood for just 46 days. And over the past 50 years, more than 1,000 athletes have run a mile in under four minutes. “The runners of the past had been held back by a mindset that said they could not surpass the four-minute mile,” said Bill Taylor, author of Simply Brilliant: How Great Organisations Do Ordinary Things in Extraordinary Ways.

Eliud’s legacy may be one for the history books, but he is now focused on running a campaign to inspire the world. His No Human Is Limited campaign has already won an army of high-profile supporters from the world of sport and business.

Among them is four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome. “To see Eliud break the two-hour record proved that limits can be defied and actually that limits should never be set in sport,” he said.

Rule Britannia

The British challenger for The America’s Cup looks to the past as it endeavours to shape the future

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ELEANOR Roosevelt said the future belonged to those who believed in the beauty of their dreams.

At INEOS TEAM UK’s base in Portsmouth, those dreams – sketched out on paper about 18 months ago – have just become a reality.

INEOS’ involvement in The America’s Cup challenge was always going to produce something spectacular. And it has. In the shape of a futuristic racing yacht that can ‘fly’. “This is unlike anything ever seen on the water before,” said Chief Designer Nick Holroyd.

The boat, with its torpedo-style hull, has been christened Britannia in memory of the Royal Family’s famous racing yacht which notched up an enviable 231 wins during its lifetime. Back then, Britannia, built for King Edward in 1893, really did rule the waves. The INEOS boat – the team’s first – was officially unveiled in October.

Sir Ben Ainslie, who hopes to lead the first-ever British team to victory in The America’s Cup 168-year history, spoke before INEOS Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his daughter Julia named her Britannia.

“I am biased of course but I think Britannia is a wonderful acknowledgement of our maritime history,” said Ben.

The 75ft AC75 is now being put through its paces on the waters of the Solent, the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England. It then moves to Italy to make best use of the winter wind and weather off the coast of Sardinia. How it performs at sea will determine what changes are made to the second boat, which will be launched in February 2020.

“This is a really critical period in the campaign,” said Ben. “The learnings will go into our second race boat and into the America’s Cup itself in 2021.”

Despite many attempts, no British crew has ever managed to land sailing’s most coveted trophy. “The quest to win has required a fresh approach, a new strategy and serious support from INEOS to focus entirely on the mission in hand,” said Ben.

The first opportunity the British team will get to test their design against their four main rivals will be in Cagliari, Sardinia, in April 2020, when all the yachts will compete in the first of the America’s Cup World Series races. The 2021 America’s Cup Match itself will be contested in March 2021.

Although the team has “a reasonable idea” of what to expect from its AC75, thanks to simulators which the design and sailing team use ashore, the dynamics are hard to predict.

“They are likely to present new challenges to the sailors,” said Ben.

Lessons are already being learned by the crew who will be bidding to rewrite history in 2021. Exactly what, is being kept under wraps, but the design of the INEOS Team UK’s second boat will be refined.

“We already know many things we would do differently for our second boat,” said CEO Grant Simmer.

The clock has now really started ticking for all teams, who are due to compete for the coveted America’s Cup.

Grant said Sir Ben Ainslie’s British crew wanted to launch a test boat early.

“Our first test boat T5 was really good because it gave us a programme and project to work on early in the campaign,” he said.

“It was good getting the shore team and sailing team together and getting some systems in place. We learnt from just getting out and sailing a boat in this configuration.”

Their aim now is to maximise their time on the water with their first AC75 ‘Britannia’ and study the designs of the other teams’ boats.

“Those two areas will lead to the design of our second AC75,” he said.

One boat they were not able to study performing on the water until very recently was Emirates Team New Zealand as they didn’t build a test boat, and instead launched straight into their AC75 programme.

“Since the last Cup they’ve relied a lot on their simulator - like all the other teams – but I don’t think their strategy was that risky,” said Grant.

Grant said New Zealand’s deck layout was very simple with a strong emphasis on energy production. But with potential speeds reaching above 50 knots, the competition is wide open.

“We could very easily see failures because these boats are very light and can capsize,” he said. “A major structural problem close to the cup could definitely lose it for anyone.”

AC75 Britannia

Construction hours: 50,000 +

Design hours: 90,000 +

CNC Machine hours: 45,000+

Individual parts: 25,000

Estimated top speed: 50knots /57.5mph /92.6km/h

Length: 22.76m with bowsprit (20.7m without)

Max Beam: 5m beam

Weight: 6,450 tonnes

Hull and rig construction: Carbon fibre

Rig: Double-skinned soft-wingsail

Crew: 11

Crew weight: Max 990kg

#ThereIsNoSecond | www.ineosteamuk.com

Proud to be British

IN the first collection of its kind, Belstaff has designed on-shore clothing for the British team.

It has drawn inspiration from the garments worn by America’s Cup teams throughout the competition’s 168-year history.

“Just wearing Belstaff makes me feel proud because it’s such an iconic British brand that’s adventurous and always pushing the boundaries,” said skipper Sir Ben Ainslie.

The 23-piece collection, which merges iconic Belstaff pieces with high-performance materials designed to last, will go on sale to the public from April next year.

INEOS bought Belstaff in October 2017.

Belstaff

The Road Less Travelled

BELSTAFF is drawn to risk-takers, those who thrive on adventure and are not afraid to veer off the beaten path. So too is INEOS.

That’s why the two are a perfect fit. INEOS, which bought the iconic British clothing brand in 2017, and Belstaff understand each other.

Now members of the public have been given an opportunity to listen to an original podcast series from Belstaff, exploring the lives of five different talented souls, who have taken unfamiliar roads in life by challenging both who they were ‘meant to be’ and the wider status quo.

Their stories are shared in the podcast series, entitled The Road Less Travelled, which has been described by GQ Magazine as the perfect antidote to a miserable morning commute.

In the first series, host Reggie Yates – no stranger to hard work and going his own way – interviews actors Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada), Raleigh Ritchie (Game of Thrones), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Andrew Scott (Fleabag) and Emma Mackey (Sex Education).

Hosted by Reggie Yates

EPISODE ONE - STANLEY TUCCI

In this episode, actor, writer and director Stanley Tucci discusses his creative path from working-class New York, to a shy radio-voice on Frasier, before playing an Oscar-nominated role in the critically acclaimed Spotlight.

Stanley’s life, the characters he has portrayed and the stories he has told, have become reflections of his own remarkable journey - he regards this as a paramount part of his creative process.

EPISODE TWO - RALEIGH RITCHIE

In this episode we meet actor and musician Jacob Anderson AKA Raleigh Ritchie. Raleigh left his family in Bristol to live in a hostel in London - where he auditioned all day, recorded his next album at night and eventually landed the monumental role of ‘Grey Worm’ in Game of Thrones propelling his career into the Hollywood stratosphere.

Raleigh’s personal struggles with identity, new-found fame and his mixed heritage give him a unique view on the world - one that fuels his desire to be authentic - in his performances, music and life.

EPISODE THREE - NAOMIE HARRIS

In this episode we meet Naomie Harris, multi-award winning actress and the star of Oscar winning film, Moonlight. Naomie discusses her community drama school in North London, being an outlier at Cambridge University, and how stepping out of her culture and standing apart - eventually led to her cinematic success.

Naomie’s devotion to playing powerful female characters, from Eve Moneypenny to Winnie Mandela, are re-defining the scripts of history and giving humanity, complexity and personality to icons of popular culture.

EPISODE FOUR - ANDREW SCOTT

In this episode we meet Andrew Scott, who discusses coming out in Catholic Ireland, forgiving the church and how his latest role in the highly acclaimed series Fleabag will potentially alter Britain’s perception of priests today.

Andrew’s deep love for human nature, whether it’s playfulness, insecurities or a desire for success - have been truly influential on his life as an actor, as a friend and as Britain’s most infamous characters in Spectre and Sherlock.

EPISODE FIVE - EMMA MACKEY

In this episode we meet Emma Mackey, actress and star of Netflix series Sex Education. Emma discusses growing up in rural France, trying to fit in at school, and what it’s really like to shoot a sex scene.

Emma’s own character, and the character that she’s risen to fame playing, all embody a sense of individuality. A feature she feels is desired by all of modern society.

WWW.BELSTAFF.CO.UK/PODCAST-AW19.HTML

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Location Location Location

Belstaff’s appetite for change shows no signs of flagging as it moves its flagship London store to a better site

BELSTAFF’S adventure into the High Street continues. Since INEOS took over the iconic British clothing brand in October 2017, it has reopened and relocated stores. The latest decision saw a new flagship store open in London’s Regent Street, which attracts more than 50 million visitors a year to its eclectic mix of iconic British and international brands.

For the past six years the company’s flagship store had been based in New Bond Street, but with a new vision for store design and a community building focus, it was time for a move.

The new shop is close to Soho, one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods which will be reflected in the store.

“The space can be transformed from a retail environment into a community hub very easily because all fixtures are on castors,” said CEO Helen Wright. And Belstaff intends to do that.

It wants to host an ongoing series of curated events with guest hosts along with special screenings, panel discussions and podcast recordings.

And key figures from the Soho community were involved in the official opening event, curating the food, music and entertainment.

As with many of Belstaff’s revamped stores, there’s plenty of room for customers to enjoy a coffee or G&T while their old jackets are given a new lease of life at the in-house waxing station.

Classes will also be run to show customers how to care for their Belstaff waxed cotton and leather jackets.

Those classes will be filmed and shared on Belstaff channels.

“They will also highlight the importance of sustainably-designed products that are built for life,” said Helen.

For almost 100 years, Belstaff has kitted out some of the most daring people the world has ever seen, including aviator Amy Johnson, adventurer TE Lawrence and revolutionary Che Guevara. “The jackets they wore are still made by Belstaff today,” said Helen.These are exciting times for Belstaff.

In March, INEOS reopened its Spitalfields store in London.

In May it relocated the Munich store to Residenzstrasse, the vibrant heart of the German city.

And in July Glasgow’s Belstaff branch was moved from Princes Square to a much bigger site in Ingram Street.

But there is one constant: the customer must always come first.

Innovators not imitators

Sustainability through innovation

INEOS are investing in hundreds of active projects on carbon, hydrogen, heat & power, renewables, resources and waste

Renewable raw materials, made from sustainable wood-based waste are being used to replace traditional raw materials originating from oil and gas based products. The resulting polymer products from INEOS contribute to measurable Greenhouse Gas (GHG) savings.

Innovation is not just about having ideas. It’s about making ideas happen...

THOMAS Edison – arguably the greatest inventor in history – had some sound advice for those wanting to follow in his footsteps. "The value of an idea," he said, "lies in the using of it." As a company, INEOS excels when it comes to making great things happen. Every day.

Pete Williams, INEOS’ Group Technology Director, is in no doubt about that.

“INEOS continues to improve its sustainability, and its products help to improve the sustainability of many things we all take for granted in our day to day lives,” he said. “We want to be delivering valuable products to customers not just today but also in 10, 20, 30 years and beyond. So as a growing world sets its target to move towards net zero carbon emissions, INEOS will adapt and move with it to meet its needs, to overcome its challenges and seize new opportunities.”

To do this, innovation is key. At INEOS Innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked.

INEOS products already makes a powerful contribution to a more sustainable world by making possible a wide range of products for various industries, including automotive, healthcare, medicine, aerospace, renewable technologies, construction, electronics, electrical and household goods, and packaging.

Independent reports calculate that if polymers were to be replaced to the maximum level by the next best alternatives, greenhouse gas emissions would more than double.

“Looking forward, we are innovating to make an even stronger contribution,” said Pete.

Every day the company is focused on improving the efficiency of its sites and reducing emissions.

More efficiently-run plants are not only better for the environment, but they can create savings which can then be reinvested elsewhere.

The polymers INEOS produces contain mainly carbon. “We see our job as looking after the carbon,” said Pete. “We see it as using it as efficiently as possible, and recovering and re-using it as much as possible.”

INEOS has already launched a range of new polymers containing recycled plastics.

It is also looking at how to use bio-sourced carbon – carbon from natural sources rather than oil and gas – and has launched new bio-products, such as Biovyn. “All these reduce emissions further,” said Pete.

But to be truly sustainable INEOS must make sufficient profit so it can re-invest in new state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and equipment.

“The analogy is that we need to be able to replace the old, inefficient car of 30 years ago with a new, much more efficient version,” said Pete. And that’s what INEOS is now doing.

In January this year INEOS announced it planned to spend €3 billion on a new cracker and propane dehydrogenation complex in Antwerp.

The investment, described by Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the largest of its kind in Europe for more than a generation, will enable a step change reduction in emissions associated with the manufacture of olefins, the key intermediate for a broad range of products used in automotive, construction, transportation and medical applications.

In summary, INEOS intends to remain sustainable and meet the challenges of the changing environment through innovation.

And it doesn’t matter where the ideas come from. “Good ideas can come from anywhere,” said Pete. “Our staff, our customers, our supplies.”

Those ideas can be quickly shared through efficiently-run networks, such as the Carbon and Energy Network.

Greet Van Eetvelde, INEOS’ head of energy and innovation policy, said INEOS is involved in hundreds of active projects on carbon, hydrogen, heat & power, renewables, resources and waste.

“Many of them are innovation projects linked to universities and other organisations as we seek to harness expertise and work with cross-sector businesses to optimise the significant benefits from our industry and beyond,” she said.

Those in-the-know are already aware of what the chemical industry has done to make cars and planes lighter and more fuel efficient.

They understand that without the chemical industry, there would be no wind turbines and solar panels.

They recognise the important role the chemical industry has played in bringing water to some of the poorest parts of the world.

“We know what we have done, what we are doing and what we can do to create a low carbon economy,” said Pete. “The difficulty, as always, is changing the public’s perception of what we do.”

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Innovations in plastic recycling

INEOS is at the heart of many, new innovative products thanks to its forward-thinking and dynamic approach.

INOVYN fuels new, greener generation of PVC

SINCE its invention more than 100 years ago, PVC has been made predominantly from fossil fuels. Some countries, including Brazil, have used sugar instead as a starting material but that’s also not been without controversy.

“Europe is especially sensitive to using land for anything other than growing crops to feed people,” said Dr Jason Leadbitter, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at ­INOVYN.

But times are changing – and ­INOVYN is at the heart of one monumental change.

 Instead of purely gas and oil, the INEOS-owned company has starting using biomass to make its latest generation of PVC. The beauty of this, as a raw material, is that it is not only renewable but it also does not compete with the food chain.

“No one else has done this yet,” said Filipe Constant, Business Director ­INOVYN. “It’s a world first, and it also delivers a greenhouse gas saving of more than 90% compared to conventionally-produced PVC.”

The new product is BIOVYN™ – and interest is now flooding in from all corners of the globe, including Australia, America and Turkey.

“We have had lots of requests and from lots of different sectors, including the car industry, medical suppliers and window and pipe manufacturers,” said Inna Jeschke, marketing manager for General Purpose Vinyls at ­INOVYN.

Biomass PVC delivers a greenhouse gas saving of more than 90% compared to conventionally-produced PVC

To make it happen several key pieces of the jigsaw first needed to come together.

INEOS O&P in Köln, Germany, has been instrumental in securing the biomass – the raw material – to ensure it could satisfactorily be converted to bio-ethylene.

And converting this bio-ethylene to produce BIOVYN has only been made possible through a robust and transparent standard developed by the globally-respected Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). Once the jigsaw was complete, ­INOVYN needed customers.

“You can produce something but you need customers who are prepared to buy it because it is more expensive,” said Inna.

Tarkett, a flooring company with offices all over the world, liked what it saw.

“We believe in doing good together,” said President Fabrice Barthélemy. “And we are convinced there is an urgency to shift models to preserve the world's finite natural resources.”

Tarkett plans to use BIOVYN™ to manufacture a new flooring collection due to be marketed in Europe next year.

“Thankfully countries in Scandinavia are really driving the renewable agenda,” said Inna.

The biomass-derived raw material is shipped by barge to INEOS O&P’s plant at Köln where it is turned into bio-ethylene in its existing cracker. That is then piped directly to ­INOVYN’s plant at Rheinberg in Germany.

“We cannot say it is bio-based because the bio-ethylene will still be mixed with fossil-ethylene,” said Jason. “But that is where the RSB standard plays a fundamental role by ensuring that the bio-ethylene is attributed to the BIOVYN product.”

He described it as a major step forward in ­INOVYN’s journey towards sustainability.

“It clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative solutions that address society’s needs,” he said.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, whose global mission is to support best practice for sustainable bio-material production, is full of praise for ­INOVYN.

“This product is a true leader in the emerging circular bio-economy,” said executive director Rolf Hogan.

Recycled plastic gets a fresh start

PLASTIC waste, once destined for landfill or burning, is now being recycled into a range of high quality plastics. INEOS has spent a lot of money researching ways to use these recycled plastics with their customers.

“We don’t like to make a big fuss until we know we have something to show,” said David Kirkwood, Polymer Business Manager. “But using 50% or more recycled plastic in our products is a big achievement.”

INEOS hopes its long-term agreements with recycling companies, including Viridor, will show the public that plastic waste is a valuable resource that should be brought back to life, not used once and thrown away. And together they have hatched a plan to do that.

The household rubbish is collected, sorted and cleaned before being turned back into recycled plastic pellets, which INEOS then processes with a better quality plastic at its own sites to make a product that is as good as the original.

“INEOS has applied extensive material science and process expertise to design and produce this completely new range,” said CEO Rob Ingram. INEOS customers have been hugely positive about the Recycl-IN product range.

In the past, brand owners or consumers were not keen on recycled plastic because it lost some of its quality during the recycling process and the end product was just not as good. But Recycl-IN has overcome that obstacle. Recycl-IN can be used to make many household products in just the same way as normal plastics. “You would not notice the difference in a laundry detergent bottle, for example,” said David.

Using 50% or more recycled plastic in our products is a big achievement

For it to run smoothly, INEOS will need a steady supply of recycled plastic pellets and next year Viridor is opening a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Avonmouth to cope with the demand.

“The difficulty for INEOS is that we need to rely on others in the value chain for our raw materials and that starts with every one of us recycling their plastic in the first place,” said Gabriella Isidro, Business Development Manager. “Everyone in the value chain needs to work together on this. We are just one of the cogs in this wheel.”

Like any other process, what comes out at the end is dependent on what you put in at the start. “Therefore if you start with a lot of different colours then the end product will be grey,” said Gabriella.

As industry cannot 100% control, or be sure, how these products have been used, the European Union says they cannot come into contact with food.

Liz Rittweger, Business Director for INEOS Olefins & Polymers, said there was no point in recycling plastic, if society doesn’t use recycled products.

“This is not a PR exercise,” she said. “Recycl-IN provides excellent uses for large amounts of recycled plastics.”

Bright sparks make the grade

TWO innovative companies, with a shared vision of a circular economy, are now commercially producing high quality plastics, using up to 70% recycled content.

INEOS Styrolution and Austrian recycling company bage plastic have developed the perfect recipes for very first recycled ABS grades that are just as good as those made with fossil fuels.

“This partnership combines their recyclates and first-class sorting technology with our manufacturing expertise and innovative capabilities,” said a spokesman for INEOS Styrolution.INEOS Styrolution will be using recycled electrical and electronic waste to make the new grade, which is known as TERLURAN® ECO GP-22.

“This collaboration will also take us closer to meeting INEOS’ target to incorporate at least at least 325 kilotonnes per annum of recycled material into its products,” said Sven Riechers, Vice President, Business Management, Standard Products EMEA.

Up to 70% recycled content is now being used to produce high quality plastics

Bage plastics, which converts post-consumer plastic waste into high-value plastic granules and compounds, said both companies wanted to recover and recycle as many materials as possible.

“We both want to minimise waste and reduce our impact on the environment,” said general manager Philipp Baum.

INEOS Styrolution employs about 3,500 people and operates 20 production sites in 10 countries.

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Global Thinking - Global Action

Innovation is hard at work in INEOS and is reaping all sorts of rewards

Cleaner Fuels

The North West Hydrogen Alliance is currently looking to exploit various funds set aside to decarbonise the UK. INEOS business ­INOVYN has been working with the British Government in an attempt to ensure that hydrogen is the path to a low carbon future. INOVYN, which has been making hydrogen as a co-product for over 100 years, is prepared to invest if local and central government and other companies get onboard to help develop the infrastructure.

Industrial Symbiosis

Final tweaks are being made to a INEOS-driven plan to share resources with different industries in Hull in the UK. By sharing resources, they will be able to cut carbon emissions by about 4,100 tonnes a year. The four-year EU-funded EPOS project looked at ways for five, energy-intensive industries – chemical, steel, cement, minerals and engineering – to improve efficiency, cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Partnerships

INEOS is now using 50% or more recycled plastic to produce a range of high specification polymers. To ensure it has a steady stream of plastic waste for its Recycl-IN range, it has signed long-term agreements with recycling companies, including Viridor. Together they hope to show the public that plastic waste is a valuable resource that should be brought back to life, not used once and thrown away.

Sustainable Chemistry Awards

INEOS encourages innovation from the next generation of engineers through its Sustainable Innovation Awards. Building on its Research and Innovation contacts and projects with universities INEOS has launched an Awards programme for Master theses in engineering faculties. Many of the students, who win the award, end up working for INEOS.

Biomass

INOVYN has started using biomass – in addition to purely gas and oil – to make its latest generation of PVC. No one else has done this yet. It’s a world first, and it also delivers a greenhouse gas saving of more than 90% compared to conventionally-produced PVC. The new product is BIOVYN™ – and interest is now flooding in from all corners of the globe.

Networking

INEOS’ group-wide network, CEN (Carbon & Energy Network), operates across all its businesses, supporting on-site best practices, initiating new business opportunities and fuelling innovation.

Full Steam Ahead

As part of a project known as ECLUSE, INEOS Phenol in Antwerp helped to finance a 5km pipeline to help others businesses. INEOS could already pipe steam to its own site from INDAVER/SLECO’s waste and energy plant at Doel but other chemical companies couldn’t. Now they can thanks to the pipeline, which links them all to INDAVER/SLECO. The pipeline will also reduce greenhouse gases by 100,000 tonnes a year.

Investment

INEOS’ ground-breaking decision to ship competitive US gas to Europe paved the way for further investment in new, more environmentally and economically sound infrastructure at Antwerp.

---

Global Thinking - Global Promises

As part of its own commitment to a new circular economy, INEOS has set itself four ambitious targets to meet by 2025

325,000 - INEOS wants to incorporate at least 325,000 tonnes of recycled material into its products

30% - Use, on average, 30% recycled content in products destined for polystyrene packaging in Europe

50% - Offer a range of polyolefin products for packaging applications in Europe containing 50% or more recycled content

100% - Ensure 100% of polymer products can be recycled

To discover more of the innovative and sustainable work INEOS are doing please visit: www.ineos.com/sustainability

The Right Chemistry

AFTER 20 years of investment and innovation, INEOS has not only become a major manufacturer of chemicals and oil products, but a company committed to the circular economy, tackling plastic waste, applying best practice and ensuring the well-being and potential of future generations.

Through new technologies, processes and partnerships, INEOS has grown exponentially, acquiring unloved businesses, building world-scale facilities and rejuvenating existing assets.

It has made bold moves beyond its conventional markets in recent years, breaking into the automotive sector, leading major sports teams and encouraging young talent to fulfil their potential.

INEOS' conviction, commitment and strong team ethic has proven a winning formula and remains the cornerstone of its strategy moving forward.

Six rivers project

Iceland. Wild. Beautiful. Untouched. And home to one of the last safe havens of the Atlantic salmon.

But in recent years their numbers have been rapidly declining across the world – and it is now on the verge of becoming endangered.

Rather than give up hope, a small group of people in Iceland, where the species still thrives, have been investing their time and money in trying to reverse the decline, before it is too late.

INEOS’ Chairman and Founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a keen fly fisherman, is among them.

---

RESEARCHERS from Iceland and the UK are now pooling their expertise as part of a wider plan to help save the Atlantic salmon. The teams from Imperial College London and The Marine & Freshwater Research Institute in Iceland have been brought together by INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Over the next four years, they will devote their time and energy to find out what threatens the salmon’s survival once they leave the safe haven of the Selá, Hofsa, Miðfjarðará and Sunnudalsá rivers in Iceland and migrate to the sea.

“The cause of their decline globally is not entirely known,” said Professor Guy Woodward, the lead academic working on the project.

INEOS-sponsored PhD student Olivia Morris, who will be analysing the new and old data alongside a PhD student from Iceland, said there were a number of possible reasons, including climate change, pollution, and the destruction of their habitats.

But she said, in Iceland, increased fish farming and pelagic fishing were more likely to blame.

“Iceland still has relatively healthy populations because many of the challenges salmon face elsewhere are not a major concern there,” said Guy. “But that means the likely causes in Iceland should be easier to identify and to model so we can predict future changes before they happen.”

Strengur Angling Club, which recently began leasing the fishing rights to the Miðfjarðará and the Sunnudalsá rivers, has been protecting the Selá and Hofsa for decades.

In 2004 the club reduced the equipment that fishermen could use and in 2012 introduced catch and release. Most recently they have banned the use of large hooks on the Selá river.

Over the years salmon ladders have also been built to allow the salmon to reach new spawning grounds further up the river.

The most recent - the Miðfjarðará ladder - opened in 2017 thanks to investment from Sir Jim.

“Without him we would not have been able to do this,” said club director Gísli Ásgeirsson, who said there were plans to open two more salmon ladders.

But more needs to be done.

The latest research by Imperial College and the institute in Iceland will build on Strengur’s work and inform ongoing conservation efforts.

So far, as part of the project, botanists have been planting larches, birch and willow to enrich the soil around the rivers.

“This project is very new and hasn’t been tried before in Iceland,” said botanist Else Muller. “But when you get heathier vegetation around the rivers, then you get a healthier environment for the organisms that live in the rivers. It is all connected.”

Up to one million eggs from native fish will also be planted further upstream in five rivers. The first batch were dug into the gravel in temperatures of minus 10°C.

“By planting eggs in the river, hopefully in the next five or 10 years, we will have a healthier and stronger stock,” said Jon Magnus Siguroarson, chairman of the Hofsa River Association.

The team has also tagged 1,000 smolts (maturing salmon) to discover where they go.

Together the scientific and academic teams will be trying to understand what is causing the salmon’s decline and what they need to do to reverse it.

Guðni Guðbergsson, head of the freshwater division at the Marine & Freshwater Institute, said the INEOS-funded research project would greatly help the plight of salmon in North East Iceland.

“We have been monitoring the rivers in North East Iceland for the past 40 years and that will continue alongside this project, which will give us the opportunity to further analyse existing and new data,” he said.

One miraculous fish

What all those involved in the project share is a huge admiration for the Atlantic salmon – and the struggles it has to overcome.

These incredible fish migrate thousands of miles in their lifetime but return to the same freshwater river, where they were born, to spawn.

“Sometimes they may have spent two years maturing at sea but they use their sense of smell to find their way home,” said Professor Guy Woodward from Imperial College London.

They can not only swim fast but they can jump up to 12ft.

Jim gets involved

In collaboration with the Strengur Fishing Club, which provides the best quality fly-fishing in the world, INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has initiated a string of investments to help protect the land, rivers, and salmon in North East Iceland.

Egg planting

Eggs have been planted into the gravel in rivers further upstream to help breed a healthier and stronger stock. The salmon will spend their early life in the freshwater rivers before heading out to sea. After a few years, they will return to the place, where they were born, to spawn.

Planting

Botanists have been planting larches, birch and willow to enrich the soil around the rivers. Healthier vegetation around the rivers leads to a healthier environment for the organisms that live in the rivers.

Smolts

1,000 smolts (maturing salmon) have been tagged so that scientists can track them and monitor their behaviour.

Salmon ladders

So far three salmon ladders have been built to allow the salmon to reach new spawning grounds further up the rivers. There are plans for two more.

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The long-term goal for salmon fishing in Iceland

ICELANDIC rivers are world renown for their salmon fishing - and attract enthusiasts from all over the world every year.

Former US President George W Bush, who died about a year ago, was among those who fished the Selá river.

“It is impossible to describe the wonders of fishing the Selá,” he said. “It is an astoundingly beautiful river. The fish, fresh from the sea, are strong fighters and remarkably beautiful.”

But if Iceland’s salmon disappear in the same numbers as those in Norway, Scotland and Ireland, money for farmers living in remote parts of North East Iceland, where the fish currently thrive, could dry up.

For sports fishing, done respectfully – where all fish must be released carefully back into the river – brings them a good income.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is an expert fly-fisherman, has been working with Strengur Angling Club, which provides the best quality fly-fishing in the world, for years.

Together they hope to see more money flowing into the club’s coffers from world-class salmon fishing, so that Strengur can expand its own business – and fund more conservation work.

OGC’s new keeper

ONE of the oldest football clubs in French history is now in INEOS’ hands. INEOS Football has acquired OGC Nice, one of the founding members of the French football league.

“It has got all the attributes we were looking for in a good football club,” said CEO Bob Ratcliffe. “Good players. A good squad. Real enthusiasm. And if we apply the INEOS values we will get to the right place.”

With four league titles to their name, the club also has a rich history. But their last cup triumph was in 1997.

INEOS will be looking to instil some of their trademark grit and determination to make them European contenders once again.

“We have looked at a lot of clubs in the manner we look at businesses in INEOS - for value and potential - and Nice fulfils that criteria,” said INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Solange Claude, President of CDS 1947, Nice Supporters Club, said the city strongly identified with its football club and had high hopes following INEOS’ takeover.

“We are hopeful for this season,” she said. “Even though we didn’t start very well, we know with INEOS coming, we will overcome any obstacles and win, little by little.”

Jean-Pierre Rivere, President of OGC Nice, said everyone was feeling positive.

“What is happening right now at the stadium is something unbelievable,” said assistant coach Frederic Gioria. “I never thought that one day INEOS would own our club.”

Success is something familiar to Patrick Viera, who has been head coach since last season.

He has played for Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal.

“INEOS coming to our football club is a massive step forward, not just for us but for the French league as well,” he said. “The INEOS brand is so well known. It will make us more ambitious. We have people who are experienced and have been successful in business.”

OGC, which was founded in 1904, currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Its stadium, the state-of-the-art Allianz Riviera, can accommodate 35,000 fans. Earlier this year it hosted matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The decision to buy OGC Nice follows the acquisition of Lausanne Sports Football Club in November 2017.

“We made some mistakes at Lausanne, but we are fast learners,” said Jim. “Those mistakes have been rectified and we are already seeing the benefits.”

He said clubs needed to be successful off the pitch, as well as on it. “OGC Nice will be no different,” he said. “We have a plan in place and we will follow it.”

Patrick Vieira

Head Coach at OGC Nice and considered one of the best players of his generation. He has achieved major honours for both club and country.

Arsenal:

• 3 x Premier League.
• 3 x FA Cup.
• 3x FA Community Shield.

Inter Milan:

• 4 x Siere A.
• 2 x Supercoppa Italiana.

Manchester City:

• 1 x FA Cup.

France:

• 1 x FIFA World Cup.
• 1 x UEFA European Championship
• 1 x FIFA Confederations Cup.

 

OGC Nice  Remaing fixtures: 2019-2020

LYON	V	NICE	Nov, Sat 23
NICE	V	ANGERS	Nov, Sat 30
ST ETIENNE	V	NICE	Dec, Wed 4
NICE	V	METZ	Dec, Sat 7
BREST	V	NICE	Dec, Sat 14
NICE	V	TOULOUSE	Dec, Sat 21
ANGERS	V	NICE	Jan, Sat 11
NICE	V	RENNES	Jan, Sat 25
NICE	V	LYON	Feb, Sat 1
REIMS	V	NICE	Feb, Wed 5
NICE	V	NÎMES	Feb, Sat 8
TOULOUSE	V	NICE	Feb, Sat 15
NICE	V	BREST	Feb, Sat 22
BORDEAUX	V	NICE	Feb, Sat 29
NICE	V	MONACO	Mar, Sat 7
PSG	V	NICE	Mar, Sat 14
NICE	V	MONTPELLIER	Mar, Sat 21
DIJON	V	NICE	Apr, Sat 5
NICE	V	STRASBOURG	Apr, Sat 11
LILLE	V	NICE	Apr, Sat 18
MARSEILLE	V	NICE	Apr, Sun 26
NICE	V	NANTES	May, Sat 2
METZ	V	NICE	May, Sat 9
NICE	V	ST ETIENNE	May, Sat 16
AMIENS	V	NICE	May, Sat 23

 

FC Lausanne-Sport Remaing fixtures: 2019-2020

LAUSANNE SPORT	V	WIL	Nov, FRI 22
KRIENS	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	Nov, Sat 30
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	VADUZ	Dec, SUN 8
GRASSHOPPER	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	Dec, FRI 13
FC SCHAFFHAUSEN	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	JAN, THUR 23
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	KRIENS	FEB, Sat 1
CHIASSO	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	FEB, Sat 8
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	AARAU	FEB, Sat 15
WINTERTHUR	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	Feb, Sat 22
WIL	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	Feb, SAT 29
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	BASEL	MAR, MON 2
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	VADUZ	MAR, SAT 7
GRASSHOPPER	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	MAR, Sat 14
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	FC SLO	MAR, Sat 21
AARAU	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	APR, Sat 4
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	CHIASSO	Mar, SUN 12
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	FC SCHAFFHAUSEN	Mar, Sat 18
KRIENS	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	Apr, Sat 25
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	GRASSHOPPER	MAY, Sat 2
VADUZ	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	MAY, Sat 9
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	WINTERTHUR	MAY, TUE 12
FC SLO	V	LAUSANNE SPORT	May, FRI 15
LAUSANNE SPORT	V	WIL	May, TUE 19

 

Air Quality Monitoring- INEOS Offices

A growing body of scientific evidence points to the negative human health impacts of air pollution, both outdoors and indoors. As engineers and manufacturers, we are aware of the importance of mitigating emissions from our sites; however recent studies have shown the necessity and efficiency of ensuring healthy air quality for employees in our office environments too.

There are two forms of pollutant. Gaseous such as Volatile Organic Compounds, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, ozone, methane, carbon monoxide/dioxide and nitrogen oxides (including NO₂). The second is from particulates- fine particles suspended in the air that are for example emitted from cars.

With research ongoing, legal authorities and international bodies such as the EU 2008 EU Air Quality Directive and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have set guidelines and recommendations for healthy limits of these pollutants in the air we breathe. These are still being refined as the body of research into harmful impacts of air pollution grows.

POLLUTED AIR IS BAD FOR HUMAN HEALTH

• Numerous studies show a direct causal relationship between air pollution (especially particulate matter of 2.5 micrograms or below) and cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancers.
• In the WHO European Region alone, exposure to particulate matter (PM) decreases the life expectancy of every person by an average of almost 1 year, mostly due to increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and lung cancer ^[1].
• Numerous studies show a link between air pollution and several other non-communicable diseases including kidney failure and septicemia ^[2], as well as depression and common mental health issues ^[3].
• Air pollutants of varying sizes (those of less than 1 microgram being most pernicious) have been found in the lungs, circulatory system and major organs such as the heart and brain, and are known to be linked to inflammation causing several other health problems ^[4]. 

MANAGING INDOOR AIR

In 2018, when INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe first raised the issue of monitoring office air in London as a trial, INEOS Group Operations Director Simon Laker approached the solution from an engineering background. They were aware that working in a congested and polluted capital city such as London was bound to mean higher levels of pollutants would make their way into Hans Crescent air system and potentially impact the hundreds of employees that work there. Jim wanted a state of the art solution to the air quality issue, this meant using the best and leading edge technology available.

Simon engaged the National Physics Laboratory to conduct the air quality analysis and Dr. Melanie Williams as project consultant. To ensure the data gathered was thorough and accurate, monitors were set up on the pedestrian area outside the Hans Crescent office, on the roof 24m above ground where the office air intake is drawn, and inside the office on the third floor. Data was also collected from the various monitors around the city of London required by EU regulations.

A number of pollutants were monitored: nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds and particulates in the two regulated sizes 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and 10 micrometers (PM10). In addition, analysis was deduced on even smaller particles at 1 micrometer (PM1). While the smallest particulates aren’t formally regulated by the EU, this was done, as growing research shows that the smaller the particulates, the greater their potential damage to human health ^[5].

It is known that pollutant levels across London are higher on many days than the EU recommended limits ^[6], and the INEOS monitoring confirmed this- with peak readings on some days reaching several multiples of the recommended maximum pollutant volume. The study also showed, as suspected, that levels of some pollutants were unfavourably high in the Hans Crescent internal office air system, regularly fluctuating in line with outside levels.

After several months of careful monitoring and analysis, it was determined that the prominent pollutants to be addressed inside the office were nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particulates, usually generated by vehicles. Simon Laker points out that although the EU limits set a helpful baseline, the growing body of research is continually reviewing these limits downwards as more data becomes available. “We should see these as helpful markers but not definitive levels of 'safe' operation,” he says.

While the long term emission limit of NO₂ is recommended by the EU to be no more than 40 micrograms (μg)per m³, with the short term limits being no more than 200μg/m³ in a single hour, in Knightsbridge outside the Hans Crescent office both these limits were regularly breached. The inside of Hans Crescent did not see these breaches but levels were still thought to be too high. Interestingly, levels improved during the night and at weekends when the air conditioning is turned off to save power: further proof of the poor air quality being pulled inside the building.

The table below summarises the key findings of the analysis:

Engineering and technology specialist AECOM, known for their world class expertise in environmental technology and design solutions, were engaged to help develop the solution for the Hans Crescent air quality issue. Working with Simon and Melanie, AECOM determined that filters of two different technologies were required- an EPM1 particle filter which removes PM10 (with 98% efficiency), PM2.5 (92% efficiency) and PM1 (80% efficiency) particles from internal circulation, and an activated carbon filter. These were added to the existing air conditioning system.

Post installation analysis showed a significant improvement in both NO₂ and Particulate levels (see table above). In addition, the carbon filters reduced other lower level pollutants such as sulphur oxides and ozone.

The internal monitoring work also showed that levels of CO₂ (emitted by people breathing) were higher than expected in an office environment, with regular internal levels sitting at 1000-1200 parts per million (ppm) and peaks of 1400ppm. With ideal office levels sitting at 450-1000ppm, and 1000ppm commonly seen as the watershed between quality air and complaints of drowsiness, the air turnover rate was optimized to bring levels back below 1000ppm. The positive effects of this adjustment on employee concentration and decision-making are likely to be significant, according to a recent study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health and the Global Environment ^[7].

With success of the air quality improvement project in Hans Crescent evident, the same changes have now been rolled out to the London sister office at Anchor House and the Swiss office in Rolle with similar positive results. A request has been made by INEOS Capital for all INEOS businesses to analyse and improve the air quality across their offices. “This work is at the cutting edge of office air quality improvement”, says Dr. Melanie Williams, and should make a significant impact on staff health and wellbeing.”

Simon considers the success of this project as a ‘bridge to clean air’. ‘’Whilst we all work to improve emissions and air quality around the world, the system we have developed and installed is ensuring that our people work in a safe and healthy environment’’.

As Jim points out, monitoring is not expensive, and where pollutant levels are high, the issues can be easily addressed with modest cost.  “The welfare of our staff is hugely important to INEOS and we want to tackle the issue of air pollution, which is particularly serious in big cities”, he says. “It’s great news that our London staff can now breathe the cleanest air in the area and we are committed to making sure staff in other locations can enjoy the same benefit”.

LINK REFERENCES

1. http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/air-quality/data-and-statistics
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/367/bmj.l6258
3. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/isesisee.2018.O02.04.31
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29519450
5. https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanplh/PIIS2542-5196(17)30095-5.pdf
6. https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/two-million-londoners-live-with-illegal-toxic-air
7. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510037

Tour de France challenge

More than 1,300 INEOS staff from its sites around the world cycled 625,387km – and raised €104,000 for a host of charities.

Their combined efforts in the company’s Tour de France Challenge equated to cycling around the world more than 15 times.

In recognition of their efforts, INEOS donated €2,000 to the local charity chosen by each of the 52 teams.

Each team was challenged to complete each stage of the world famous Tour de France race – and once again they did, squeezing in their mileage before, during or after work.

1. 625,387 km Covered
2. 15 x around the globe
3. 1300+ people in 52 teams
4. €2000 donated per team

Stay Safe

EVERY year hundreds of people are lured into the ‘death zone’ on Mount Everest. A handful will be prepared to die. Others will willingly lose fingers and toes to frostbite if it means they have conquered the world’s highest mountain.

“That may be their measure of success,” said Rhys Jones, who stood on the 29,035ft summit of Mount Everest on his 20th birthday. “But it’s not mine.”

Rhys today runs a company that specialises in guiding people to some of the most inhospitable places on earth. He is prepared to take risks. But only calculated ones.

And as someone who has faced unimaginable dangers, he regularly briefs companies on the importance of safety, risks and teamwork.

“There are many parallels between what happens in a company, like INEOS, and on a mountain,” he said. “But they work in a hazardous place all the time. I am only at risk in the mountains.”

Rhys, now 33, was recently invited to address INEOS O&P USA’ annual safety training event at the Chocolate Bayou site in Texas.

“When we are planning the event, we encourage everyone to think creatively about our safety messages,” said Michael Brocato, environmental engineer. “By adopting a fresh approach, we hope to inspire and motivate our employees to be safe. It doesn’t matter whether you work on an INEOS site or are standing on the summit of Everest, safety is safety.”

During his talk to the US team, Rhys explored attitudes to risk and how safety must always be the top priority.

 “A successful mountaineering expedition, in my view, is always one where no one is injured,” he said. But he said, for that to work, everyone on the team had to share that vision. “As a team, you need to define your measure of success,” he said. “And mine, like INEOS’, is zero injuries.”

INEOS staff were told how he had recently guided an Everest expedition.

“Our aim was to get as high as we could without getting frostbite or injured,” he said. “We were prepared to turn back if necessary and half of the team did.”

A second expedition team, who were also planning to climb Everest that day, though, had a different view. Among them was a surgeon, who said he was willing to lose fingers and toes to frostbite. That group all made it to the summit but two thirds of them got frostbite and one climber lost all his toes.

“Everest can make intelligent people take stupid risks,” said Rhys.

On another expedition – to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America – a fellow climber’s eyeballs started to freeze because he forgot to wear his goggles once the sun started rising. “It was a preventable injury but it became a big issue for him and the whole team,” said Rhys. “Yet a bystander could have helped him and told him he needed to put his goggles on.”Teamwork, he said, was critical.

At INEOS, watching out for others in the team is essential. It is known as Brother’s Keeper. Rhys, who lives in a world of ropes, crampons and ice axes, said there was also no room for complacency.

“When you first start climbing you check your harness, then check and check again,” he said. “But after you have done it 1,000 times, it’s easy to become complacent. The secret is to treat every day like your first day when it comes to safety.”

Michael said the team at INEOS O&P USA had felt inspired and empowered by Rhys’ talk.

“We often use the message that our definition of a successful project is one where there are no injuries first, then business objectives second,” he said. “Rhys was able to echo that sentiment.”

 He said several members of staff were also inspired to learn that it was INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe who had sponsored Rhys in 2006 to help him become the youngest person in the world to climb the seven highest summits on the world’s seven continents.

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Rhys Jones

An English mountaineer who was the youngest person to climb the the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents. He reached the summit of his final mountain, Mount Everest, on his 20th birthday in 2006. He and his business partner now run Monix Adventures, which specialises in luxury adventure travel.

monixadventures.com

Trash-4-Treats

INEOS challenged pupils from 10 primary schools in the Western Cape to collect the most plastic, glass, cans and paper for a chance to win about €3,000.

“The idea was to turn what is perceived as a chore into a fun habit,” said Caroline Hughes, INEOS SA spokeswoman. “And also to show the children that waste has value.”

The schools, which were initially chosen to take part in the Trash 4 Treats competition, were first briefed by a local recycling company, Waste Want, which would help to weigh and collect the rubbish.

Prior to the competition, INEOS hosted a litter clean-up day at each school. Starter kits were issued to each child so he or she knew what could – and couldn’t – be recycled. Each pupil was also given four different coloured bin bags so they could sort the rubbish.

After the competition ended, the 13,094 children had collected 5328kg of waste in just seven weeks. The total included 1110 kg of plastic.

But for Caroline and the team at INEOS, the biggest benefit has been a change in mindset.

“Many of them simply didn’t know why rubbish was a problem,” said Caroline. “But the hope is that the children – having seen the financial and environmental benefits – will continue to keep their neighbourhoods tidy.”

The winning school was Mitchells Heights Primary, which amassed 1519kg of recyclable waste. “I have noticed a big difference in our learners since we started Trash 4 Treats,” said a teacher.

“They now take pride in their school grounds and berate others who litter. It has been wonderful to witness children take an active interest in caring for their environment. We have started a clean revolution at Mitchells.”

All the schools, though, plan to continue their involvement with the recycling centre, which pays for the rubbish.

Caroline said the recycled plastic was especially in demand locally. “Many of the teachers and children were amazed to discover what happens to plastic bottles that are recycled,” she said.

Next year, INEOS plans to take Trash 4 Treats and its popular mascot Trashy to more schools in South Africa.

Trashy

With a new mascot to inspire the children, things are looking up.

1519kg

The winning school was Mitchells Heights Primary, which amassed 1519kg of recyclable waste.

3.75 Black Rhinos

After the competition ended, the 13,094 children had collected 5328kg of waste in just seven weeks. The total included 1110 kg of plastic. That’s the same weight as 3.75 black rhinos!

For more details log on to: trashfortreats.webtestsite.co.za

Two million children

AN INITIATIVE to get children fit for life has taken a giant leap since its launch in 2012. The Daily Mile has now spread to 10,000 schools in 71 countries – and it is still growing.

“Children really love it and that’s why it works,” said Daily Mile founder Elaine Wyllie, whose passion for children’s health and wellbeing has helped to drive the global campaign.

The 10,000th school joined the movement in October, bringing the total number of children, now running or walking every day for 15 minutes, to more than two million.

Next year’s focus for The Daily Mile Foundation, which is financed by INEOS, will be to increase the number of schools participating in America.

“At the moment, we’ve got at least one school signed up in half the states, with over 100 schools signed up across the country,” said John Mayock, Director of The Daily Mile project.

Bill Russell, a member of the foundation team, is based in INEOS O&P’s Houston office, and is leading the US campaign. His aim is to find partners, willing to help implement the scheme across the country.

“One such partner already involved is the University of Washington’s Sports Institute in Seattle,” said John.

The Daily Mile Foundation is also working with its super-human ambassador Eliud Kipchoge. who made history on the streets of Vienna by running a marathon in under two hours.

The foundation hopes he will spread the word to Kenya where he lives and trains.

“It would also be wonderful if his international pacemakers, many of whom are also ambassadors for The Daily Mile, took it to their home countries,” said John.

And with all eyes expected to be focused on The America’s Cup in New Zealand in 2021 – when Britain hopes to win the trophy for the first time in the competition’s history with INEOS’ financial muscle – the foundation will be exploring ways to sign up schools in Australia and New Zealand ahead of the race.

“It is going to quite a year,” said John. “We are aiming for world domination.”

330,629 children. 11 countries

FOUR new countries will host GO Run For Fun events in 2020. Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Brazil will all be championing the INEOS campaign which was launched by chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe to encourage children to be more healthy and active.

Since 2013, more than 330,629 children from 11 countries have taken part in 439 showcase events.

“We celebrate every child who takes part, whether they are first, last or somewhere in between,” said Amy Tayler, manager of the INEOS GO Run For Fun project.

She said all the events were only made possible, though, thanks to an army of volunteers who helped to stage them.

Sir Jim, who is deeply passionate about running, said it had never been more important to inspire children to exercise more and eat healthier food.

The World Health Organization said the latest figures showed 41 million children, aged 0 to 5, were classed as overweight or obese in 2016.

“That has increased from 32 million globally in 1990,” said a spokesman.

At least six new GO Run For Fun events will be staged next year in new locations close to INEOS sites.

Breaking the mold

INEOS celebrates innovation – wherever it springs from. Every three years INEOS-owned INOVYN seeks to reward those who strive the push the boundaries with vinyl, with businesses, architects, academics, research organisations and students from all over the world bidding for a slice of that recognition.

This year a record 93 projects from more than 19 countries were submitted for the INOVYN Awards 2019, which were held in Düsseldorf to coincide with ‘K2019’, the flagship international plastics fair, thereby bringing together a range of industry leaders.

The four, independent judges were looking for excellence in four areas – sustainability, design, process and new product. And they were not disappointed.

“The projects that won this year stood out as real exemplars of innovation with vinyl,” said Leanne Taylor, INOVYN Awards judge.

AGPU, Bilcare Research and Perlen Packaging won gold in the sustainability section for their project to recycle pharmaceutical packaging.

Coperion emerged as a winner for finding a process to significantly reduce dust during the cutting of PVC pellets.

The Instituto Brasiliero do PVC won gold for designing lightweight furniture, such as shower chairs, walkers and tables, for children with neuromotor conditions.And Eurocell earned a gold award for creating a highly-durable, cladding system for coastal properties, which can often bear the brunt of bad weather. The product is 100% recyclable and needs little maintenance.

“All these products will help to deliver significant benefits,” said Leanne.

Filipe Constant, Business Director INOVYN, said innovation was the lifeblood of the vinyl industry.

 “I would like to congratulate all those who entered for continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with vinyl,” he said. “It is such innovation that makes vinyl one of the most versatile products in modern society.”

More information can be found on the dedicated INOVYN Awards website at

www.inovynawards.com

My dream is to make this world a running world

SELF-BELIEF drives Eliud Kipchoge. He says that’s where his inner strength comes from. "If you have that belief that you want to be successful, then you can talk to your mind and your mind will control you to be successful,” he says.

Eliud was just 16 when he began his journey to becoming the greatest marathon runner of all time. His coach Patrick Sang remembers him as a young boy who was hungry to learn.

“I didn’t know his name,” he said. “But he kept coming up to me and asking for training programmes.” Eliud is now a household name.

But fame and fortune have never been the motivation. He simply wants to use his status to encourage others to run.

"My dream is to make this world a running world,” he said. “A running world is a healthy world. A running world is a wealthy world. A running world is a peaceful world. A running world is a joyful world.”

In achieving the seemingly impossible by running a marathon in under two hours, he wants to show the world that no human is limited. And that with self-belief, anything is possible.

Before the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, Eliud said he hoped it would inspire at least three billion people. That’s half the world. Those closest to him may have secretly thought he was being a tad ambitious. But when the final viewing figures of his historic run in Vienna were revealed, he was on his way to achieving his goal.

Not only that but the challenge had also inspired one Kenyan woman to name her newborn baby girl, INEOS.

1:59 Employee Challenge

In the lead up to the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna INEOS employees took part in their own 1:59 challenge. Teams of eight would run a combined distance of at least 42 Kms (26.2 miles) a day for eight days. Here is how they performed. 

2419 Marathons covered

2.5x around the globe

1405 people in 192 teams

8 days

142/192 teams completed the INEOS 1:59 Challenge

Teams that:

• covered 150km+ 92%
• covered 250km+ 89%
• covered 350km+ 86%
• covered 500km+ 63%

Top 10 Teams (by distance covered):

1. Lavera Double M – 1233km
2. ALTAMIRA 1 – 1128km
3. Lavera Reliability Team 917km
4. ALTAMIRA 5 – 913km
5. Trading & Shipping 1 – 868km
6. INEOS Compounds 2 – 863km
7. GAS/SPEC – 860km
8. Rolle One – 846km
9. ALTAMIRA 8 – 811km
10. Köln u5 - 794km

Winner of the Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Challenge Inspiring Award Cindy Gutierrez - Altamira 1, Mexico

Members of the 2:50 Club

1. Pieter Verhees (2:40) Antwerp
2. Weston Caceres (2:45) Chocolate Bayou
3. Matt Robinson (2:45) ITUK, Portsmouth
4. Florian Zunino (2:48) Lavera
5. Fabio Robbiati (2:50) Rolle

Elevation mini-challenge winner Sebastien Fontaine - Lavera 1.672km

CHALLENGE STATS

• Runs 6296
• Men 953
• Avg. distance 531km
• Steps 89,196,319
• Women 452
• Elevation gain 374,156m
• Energy 7,252,151,578 KCAL BURNED