Efficient process intensification of fine chemical production: A new classification tool for flow chemistry technologies

The fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry needs to innovate to beat international competition and resolve environmental issues. Process intensification by flow chemistry is the most promising route for this change, as it can reduce raw material and energy consumption, waste production, lead time and time-to-market. However, the sheer number of new technologies that are considered, appears to hinder its progress. Dutch contract research organization TNO has constructed a tool that can help in selecting new technologies, ensuring that only a few new technologies will have to be implemented. This tool can be used for detailing the existing roadmap, aiming to accelerate the implementation of flow chemistry in the fine chemicals sector.