IQE joins the European project ZERO BRINE
The aim of the ZERO BRINE project is to ease the implementation of the Circular Economy in industrial processes. This is a productive system model in which the effluents are reintroduced into the production cycle as raw material, generating new lines of products or services, which means not only a more efficient use of resources but also an opportunity to create businesses initiatives that generate economic, social and environmental benefits. ZERO BRINE basically looks for minimizing the environmental impact, having as main objectives: The project, that includes 22 partners from 10 countries of the European Union, will be developed in 4 pilot plants installed in companies from different sectors: water treatment (Rotterdam), mining (Poland), textile industry (Turkey) and chemical industry (Spain). INDUSTRIAS QUÍMICAS DEL EBRO, S.A. takes part in the development and operation of one of these pilot plants (chemical industry), with the objective of recovering water and minerals that can be reused in several productive processes without affecting their economic viability. ZERO BRINE project is financed by the UE Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. For further information: www.zerobrine.eu.
IQE RENEWS THE SEAL OF EXCELLENCE ARAGÓN EMPRESA
In 2013, IQE obtained the Seal of Excellence Aragón Empresa, which recognizes those organizations that demonstrate a high level of commitment to excellence. This year IQE has been subjected to a new and demanding external review to assess whether during this period of time the company has maintained its level of commitment and therefore if it deserves to keep this award for four more years. This evaluation has been carried out on the 9 criteria that make up the EFQM Model (European Model of Business Excellence). The results have been great and we have revalidated this distinction. Our next goal is to opt for the Gold Seal of Excellence within four years. For this, we will work among others in areas related to HR management, the social involvement of the company or the search for comparison data, benchmarking, which will allow us to compare results with those of other leading companies in our sector.
QUIMIARAGÓN 2017 – Aragonese scientific-business meeting in the field of Chemistry
The Institute of Chemical Synthesis and Homogeneous Catalysis (iSQCH) has organized together with the Federation of Chemical Companies and Plastics of Aragon (FEQPA) and CEOE Aragón Quimiaragón, the first Aragonese scientific-business meeting in the field of Chemistry. This forum aims to share knowledge and experiences that facilitate and promote cooperation between both sectors. In this first meeting, which took place on November 7 in Zaragoza, more than 60 people from both the scientific and business areas of the Aragonese chemical industry met. IQE was present on this forum from a double perspective, on the one hand, as a member of the Organizing Committee on behalf of FEQPA and on the other with the presentation “Advances in our company as a result of collaboration: problems and opportunities” by Jorge Pérez, responsible for R + D of IQE.
IQE organizes the first workshop on prevention and safety for children
On October 11, the first workshop on prevention and safety fort children took place at the IQE factory in Malpica. It was an unforgettable day that combined learning and fun. The kids started the day in the changing rooms where they were surprised with a full kit to move through the plant safely. Then, they gave way to the workshops in which they learned, among other things, how to deal with a faint, a cut and even the CPR technique. The greatest moment came when a small controlled fire was simulated on the outside of the factory and the boys and girls could extinguish the fire themselves, dressed like real firemen. After training, which was conducted by the CEOE and the Government of Aragon, they had to regain strength and for that nothing better than the snack prepared in the canteen of the company. In a few words, a great day for all the participants, both older and small!
IQE participated in the last edition of Expoquimia
IQE, S. A. participated one more year in the last edition of Expoquimia 2017 within Smart Chemistry Smart Future space. The fair took place in Barcelona between the days 2-6 October, and despite the complex political landscape that we had as background, has been a great success of assistance. We want to thank the presence at our stand at customers, agents, distributors and public in general, which welcomed with great interest the proposals of our company. IQE is working with the Smart Chemistry Smart Future initiative, with the participation of leading companies and organizations in the Spanish chemical industry, that focuses its efforts on showcasting the essential role played by chemistry in addressing major global challenges, achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and improving people’s quality of life in their day-to-day lives. SCSF shows the strategic and competitive nature of the Spanish chemical industry in order to attract productive investments to the industry.
IQE promotes research into new materials
Industrias Químicas del Ebro, in line with its responsible development strategy, promotes research into new nanomaterials through the NanoInTech project. This project, developed in the IQE Chair of the University of Zaragoza, aims to develop nanomaterials suitable for application in different sectors in a safe and efficient manner, in order to facilitate their introduction into the market. The new nanomaterials will be graphene, metal oxide nanoparticles, nanostructured silicas or crystalline lamellar silicates, and can be applied in lubricants, conductive inks, reinforced plastics, nano-additivated coatings and reinforced rubbers, all while maintaining safe toxicological and ecotoxicological conditions. An example of silica-reinforced composites is tires. The use of high-dispersion precipitated silica in its formulation has demonstrated improvements in properties such as tire grip on wet and cold pavement, and decreased vehicle fuel consumption. The IQE Chair has facilitated access to the highest level of equipment and highly qualified personnel through different collaboration agreements.
Presence of IQE at the European Coatings Show 2017
IQE wants to thank customers, dealers and distributors for their visit to our stand, as well as attendance at the different meetings carried out during the last edition of the European Coatings Show held in Nürenmberg, Germany, from 4-6 April. As in previous editions, it has been a great opportunity to show the new products presented by our company to customers and collaborators from different countries.
Tire Technology Expo 2017
IQE has attended for the first time at the Tire Technology Expo as part of its firm commitment to the tire industry. The show took place in Hanover from 14 to 16 February. At our stand visitors were able to obtain detailed information on IQE solutions for this sector, in which the company has a recognized experience.
The buyout of IQESIL by Industrias Químicas del Ebro
The acquisition of IQESIL by Industrias Químicas del Ebro was made official on December 1, 2016. The merger’s main objective is to concentrate in a single society centers of production of both societies, so it will not represent any change in the daily life of workers or in the relationship with their customers. Also involves a rationalization and reorganization of the resources of both companies, while simplifying the corporate structure, thus reducing the costs of administration, management and financing.