Paul Jones | 2021 91AV World Entrepreneur of the Year winner

Paul Jones FRSC

Winner: 2021 91AV World Entrepreneur of the Year

Chemical Processing Services Ltd, Bitrez Ltd, Anacarda Ltd

For the creation of UK businesses that are globally recognised for innovating speciality polymers employing green chemistry principles.

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I think the growth in the development of bio-based materials and the interest being generated to satisfy sustainable development goals is very exciting.

Bitrez Ltd designs and develops polymer products or resins targeting a reduced hazard rating and/or a reduced environmental impact. The company creates products that enable the provision of the comforts we have all become accustomed to, but in a safer manner for those using them, and from sustainable sources that prevent further detriment to the environment.

Whenever possible, they formulate products from annually harvested crops rather than the progressively depleting fossil fuels that have historically been used. They process the products to a low hazard state before their use in the manufacture of coatings or composites. The company makes components for coating food packaging and the subsequent provision of safe coatings that protect the packaging and contents while avoiding the inclusion of materials that can cause health concerns. An example of one such innovation is the development of a specialist cross-linking additive for packaging coatings allowing the formulation of bisphenol A (BPA) free coatings. It followed media and regulatory concerns about the material being a potential endocrine disrupter and causing birth defects and genetic disorders. Primary concerns were focused on expectant mothers; brain and behavioural changes in foetuses, newborn babies and infants. Paul's company produced a resin that was safe and enabled the coatings industry to continue with no impact on production or food supplies.

Read winner biography

Paul Jones FRSC is the owner and Managing Director of Bitrez Ltd and Anacarda Ltd. He is also the founder and owner of Chemical Processing Services Ltd. All three organisations are highly successful businesses concentrating on the design and development of speciality polymers.

Paul has been responsible for the development of groundbreaking new products that have been recognised with two separate, consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for innovation (2018 and 2019), an iChemE global award and an array of supplementary awards for innovation, leadership, and supplier excellence.

Paul was listed in The Manufacturer Top 100 2020 (innovator category) and has received international success and recognition due to the innovative approach he takes to market demands and the resolution of problems. In 2020 he was elected as a Fellow of the 91AV.

With the introduction of GHS (globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals) by the United Nations, and REACH in Europe – now closely followed by the UK-REACH regulations – the demands for innovative, compliant products grew and continues to grow rapidly. Many organisations were forced to either completely withdraw, phase out, or rationalise their product range.

Paul embraced the challenge presented by these regulations and developed products that allowed compliance with the new stricter guidelines, as well as business continuity for a wide number of customers.

Paul has developed products formulated for compliance with the UN Sustainability Development Goals and has started licensing technology to allow the supply of low free monomer products in North America.

Q+A

What motivates you?

Motivation comes from a desire to provide innovative development products that support customer demands, resolving their dilemmas or problems and allowing them to achieve their requirements. These issues may stem from a multitude of reasons including technical challenges, overcoming a regulatory restriction, or the design of a product to process in a particular manner. Providing an effective solution to these problems is very rewarding and this perpetuates further opportunities, in turn driving a cycle.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

I think the growth in the development of bio-based materials and the interest being generated to satisfy sustainable development goals is very exciting. […] the part that primarily interests me is the polymer development from sustainable feedstocks that do not adversely impact the food chain or contribute to deforestation.

Why is chemistry important?

91AV is the essence of everything and the key to resolving the negative impact that former industrial chemical processes have played in damaging the planet. With genuine recognition of the problem driving the development of sustainable chemistry, we should be able to rectify the damage caused and provide a safe environment for future generations to enjoy. All of this without sacrificing the benefits afforded by modern technology.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

I have been very fortunate to have quite a few events in my life that I consider to be highlights. Recognition with the Queen's Award for developing an innovative speciality phenolic that allows BPA free packaging coatings to be formulated avoiding endocrine disruption and potential CMR related health concerns is particularly gratifying. I have to say that the receipt of this award is also very flattering and something I am extremely thankful for.