Chemist receives WISE award for eco-plastics start-up

A chemist has won an award for women in science, technology, engineering and maths, for founding and leading the eco plastics start-up, Econic.

Professor Charlotte Williams, from London’s Imperial College, was recognised for her work as both a scientist and an entrepreneur with an award in the ‘Tech Start-Up’ category.

Professor Williams founded Econic in 2011 to commercialise her research in Imperial’s Department of Chemistry.

Econic uses catalysts to allow carbon dioxide to be used as a raw material in polymer production, making the process cheaper and more environmentally sustainable. The technology is compatible with existing manufacturing plant infrastructure and can make use of waste carbon dioxide, reducing the need for raw petrochemicals.

Professor Williams was handed her trophy by WISE’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal. “I am delighted by this honour, and it’s a lovely recognition of the work of many people over many years,” she said. “I hope it inspires other women to take the risk of starting a company and commercialising the great science they do.

“I formed Econic because I was still fascinated by the science and wanted to see where it could go. I wanted to take the discovery in the lab forward into something real and commercial,” she added.

Road to success

Professor Williams is the sole founder, chief scientific officer and a director of Econic, which now employs 15 people and has partnerships with several large multinationals looking to exploit the technology.

“Success for Econic means that in a few years’ time you will be sleeping, sitting, driving and running on products made using our technology and that have created value out of waste carbon dioxide,” said Professor Williams.

Econic’s CEO, Rowena Sellens, said she was delighted that Professor Williams had won the award. “This award is a great recognition for Charlotte and the company, and further proof of the interest and impact created by our technology.”

The annual WISE awards celebrate the work of individuals and organisations that are leading the way for women in science, technology, engineering and maths.