The French chemical producer Rhodia, France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), East China Normal University (ECNU) and Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon), jointly announced the opening of a new laboratory, the International Research Laboratory of Eco-efficient Products and Processes (E2P2L) on Nov 4.

E2P2L, located in the Research Center of Rhodia Shanghai will work as an open laboratory which brings leading researcher and academic from the various fields and countries to work together.

It aims to invent the chemistry of the future that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of existing products or processes and especially greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, it targets to deliver new eco-efficient technologies that can reduce dependence on oil by using renewable feedstock such as biomass.

"It is imperative for the chemical industry to tap new renewable resources that can be processed efficiently into chemicals, which will be the base of many sustainable solutions for the environment," said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, deputy CEO Solvay Group.

"The new lab will establish a strong, visible and original international structure attracting vast research capabilities from scientific community and industry to work on key environmental issues, and quickly produce eco-efficient solutions to concrete problems," he said.

"Because of the rapid development of China's society and economy, the country is in urgent need of developing new clean energy technologies which was named a national priority in China's 12th Five-year Plan. The establishment of the international laboratory will provide an excellent platform for communication between enterprises, the government and institutes of higher education, and contribute to the sustainable development not only in China, but in worldwide market," said Yu Lizhong, president of ECNU.