Borealis scientist honoured with Giulio Natta Award 2012

Dr. Peter Denifl, the mastermind behind Borealis’ groundbreaking new polyolefin catalyst technology, Sirius, has been awarded the prestigious Giulio Natta Award for 2012.

The accolade recognises the significant contribution of Peter Denifl’s scientific activity in catalyst development, in the field of polypropylene products which contribute to enhancing quality of life. Proprietary Sirius catalyst technology from Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, is spearheading the development of polyolefins with cutting edge performance and sustainability benefits. For example, it is supporting the innovation of cast film polypropylene grades which offer step change purity and optical properties, and faster, more energy-efficient processing for recyclable and sterilisable food contact applications.

The Sirius technology platform has been quoted as the biggest change in industrial polyolefin catalyst technology since the development of high yield Ziegler Natta (ZN) catalysts several decades ago. It has raised considerable interest in the global polyolefin community because of its ability to improve control of the active site distribution in ZN polymerization catalysts in a single-step process, resulting in better regulation of polymerisation reactions. Also Single Site catalysts can be made utilising the Sirius technology, with benefits in productivity and homogeneity across the catalyst particle.

The Giulio Natta Prize 2012 was announced by the “G. Natta and N. Copernico” Promoting Committee at its 10th anniversary award ceremony on May 19, 2012 in Ferrara, Italy. The G. Natta award was introduced in 2003 to celebrate the scientific achievements of Prof. Giulio Natta, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1963) for the discovery of Polypropylene.

“Peter Denifl has distinguished himself throughout his professional life by his high scientific capabilities,” comments Alfred Stern, Borealis Senior Vice President for Innovation and Technology. “Value Creation through Innovation is at the core of Borealis’ strategy. Our Sirius technology is fundamental to the development of polyolefins offering advanced differentiation and sustainability advantages to a wide range of end-markets. We are very proud to see both our colleague and our pioneering technology recognised with this esteemed award.”

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For further information please contact:

Virginia Mesicek, External Communications Manager
Tel. +43 (0)1 22 400 772
e-mail: virginia.mesicek@borealisgroup.com