Sustainable Manufacture of Molecules and Materials in Singapore (SM₃)

Global supply chains rely heavily on functional molecules for diverse sectors such as healthcare, electronics, agriculture, and construction. Currently, the global manufacture of these molecules is unsustainable and dependent on fossil fuel carbon sources, contributing significantly to CO₂ emissions. In Singapore, the chemical industry is heavily based on conventional petrochemical processes, creating a pressing need for transformation.

SM₃ will aim to shift the chemical manufacturing industry to a more circular, sustainable, and resilient model. This project will address systemic challenges, including the integration of regionally available resources and the development of scalable, flexible technologies for local manufacturing.

Research areas

SM₃ will undertake research in the following areas:

– Identify key ‘hub’ molecules that can be accessed from ‘net-zero’ resources and form the backbone of the new ‘eco-system’ of sustainable manufacture of performance molecules
– Develop new synthetic methods for efficient transformations of ‘hub’ molecules into performance chemicals
– Develop new synthetic technologies that allow easy scalability and support advanced new synthetic methods
– Identify and develop a sufficient set of process technologies using principles of resilience, integration with renewable and waste energy streams, and supporting new business models

SM₃ will leverage the network of other projects within the Decarbonisation programme for synergies. The programme partners will also explore opportunities with various industry partners.

SM₃ projected impacts to Singapore

The project envisions Singapore becoming a global leader in sustainable chemical manufacturing, positioning itself as a competitive base for high-value industries. SM₃ will help decarbonise industries, generate skilled jobs, and reduce reliance on vulnerable global supply chains, contributing to Singapore’s long-term economic resilience.

This research is supported by the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme. This is one of nine projects supported by NRF’s new SGD$90m CREATE Thematic Programme in Decarbonisation announced in July 2024.