Econic Technologies appoints new Head of Process Development

Chemical engineer David Walker will take on responsibility for Econic’s process development programmes and Customer Demonstration Facility


wImage.phpEconic Technologies, the UK-based cleantech pioneer, has announced the appointment of David Walker as the Head of Process Development.

A Cambridge University-educated chemical engineer, Walker will take on responsibility for Econic’s process development programmes and Customer Demonstration Facility, the latter being the first carbon capture polymerisation plant in the UK.

Econic Technologies has developed tailored catalyst systems that enable the utilisation of captured CO2 as a feedstock for manufacturing polyols, a precursor of polyurethanes, on an industrial scale. Walker will be working on Econic Technologies’ technology development projects across both catalyst manufacture and polymerisation as the team transitions the technology to customers.

Having started his career at Davy Process Technologies, the process licensing arm of Johnson Matthey Plc, Walker brings extensive experience in catalyst technology, process design, product delivery and management of multi-disciplinary technical teams. A chartered member of the IChemE, he has been also involved in commissioning global chemical plants in the USA, Egypt and China and has also recently project and technically managed the development of a novel catalyst product using advanced, step change ceramic 3D printing technology.

Walker’s experience in the process, automotive, aerospace, electronics and glass industries will prove valuable as Econic Technologies continues its impressive year of growth that also saw it close a £7m funding round, open its Customer Demonstration Facility and appoint Leigh Taylor Head of Sales and Licensing.

Dr Rowena Sellens, CEO of Econic Technologies, commented: ‘It has already been a strong year for Econic Technologies and David’s appointment is a great addition to the team. He brings the perfect blend of practical know how and industry insight to the role and we really look forward to working with him’.

David Walker added: ‘Econic Technologies is a really exciting company on the grow and I can’t wait to get fully stuck in. I’m looking forward to adding my experience to an incredibly talented team’.


Source: Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2018-07-11.