Globally diversified chemical company Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) today launched an ecosystem called BLUEHERO™ designed to accelerate the world's energy transition to electricity in support of global climate change goals. This ever-expanding ecosystem encompasses a wide range of materials, solutions, expertise and projects. As a first step in the program, SABIC will focus on improving battery structural components through unique flame retardant materials and solutions to support the automotive industry in developing better, safer and more efficient electric vehicles.
The automotive industry is now shifting towards a new and more sustainable way of mobility. One of the key trends is the growing popularity of electric vehicles powered by electricity. Electric vehicles can convert more than 77 percent of electrical energy into kinetic energy, compared with only 12 to 30 percent for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. In addition to high performance, electric vehicles do not emit exhaust pollutants and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while driving, thus making an important contribution to achieving global climate change goals.
Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, Executive Vice President of SABIC’s Polymers Business, said: “Through the BLUEHERO strategic plan, we are actively committed to the investment and development of novel material solutions to support the transition to electric mobility, reduce emissions and combat climate change. The focus is on the automotive sector first, reflecting the urgency of automotive technology advancements, while also leveraging our existing strengths in materials and technology to support an accelerated transition to electric mobility and create a low-carbon future Contribution. The BLUEHERO program aligns with our strategic goals of 'Chemistry for You™' and 'Shaping a More Sustainable Future', and we will further strengthen our market leadership, develop and deliver more impactful industry solutions , working together to achieve a clean air economy as soon as possible.”
SABIC provides cost-effective and technologically advanced thermoplastics with significant advantages over traditional materials (metals), designed to help the automotive industry further improve the performance of electric vehicles. For example, the use of plastics in electric vehicle batteries, electrical and charging accessories can bring many benefits, including weight reduction, reduced system complexity, extended range, increased design freedom, simplified manufacturing, improved recyclability, enhanced thermal Manage and ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
The new BLUEHERO™ electrification program also leverages the company's technical expertise in areas such as large part molding, compression molding, advanced injection molding and polymer flame interaction to help customers meet key performance requirements for efficient production.
Through the BLUEHERO program, SABIC will further expand its investment and strengthen the supply capacity of thermoplastic products to help car manufacturers achieve their electrification goals.
Abdullah S. Al-Otaibi, General Manager of SABIC's ETP and Market Solutions Division, said: "The transition from internal combustion engine to electric drive is not a simple linear process. In fact, the success of this transition means abandoning many traditional materials and entrenched design, engineering and manufacturing methods. Through the BLUEHERO program, our team will follow a holistic systems engineering approach in working with industry – helping customers optimize EV battery systems more efficiently using thermoplastics.”
At the heart of the BLUEHERO ecosystem is SABIC's global team of engineers, researchers and scientists. They leverage their existing and expanding expertise in EV battery and related application design, testing, and data generation to solve problems and overcome current technological limitations. An important part of this work is cooperation with customers, development partners and players throughout the value chain, including OEMs, suppliers at all levels, tooling suppliers and testing institutes.
Given the wide range of applications for power technology, SABIC expects to continue to expand the focus and scope of the BLUEHERO program to support energy storage, charging infrastructure, other modes of transportation, and industrial and consumer equipment.
