Leitat has concluded its participation in Expoquimia 2026, the leading event for the chemical and process industries, following four days of intense activity at Fira Barcelona.
In a particularly significant edition coinciding with the technology centre’s 120th anniversary, Leitat showcased some of its key technologies and capabilities to companies, institutions and industry professionals in areas such as circular economy, sustainable chemistry, advanced materials, electric mobility and industrial digitalisation.
Technologies addressing industrial challenges
From booth 2C19, Leitat presented several demonstrators and technological solutions aimed at addressing today’s major industrial challenges.
Among the technologies on display were the Supported Liquid Membrane (SLM/PIM) system for the selective recovery of critical metals from battery recycling and other industrial streams; the Universwater demonstrator for advanced industrial wastewater treatment using solar photo-Fenton processes; and CoolPrint EV, a 3D-printed smart cooling solution for electric vehicle batteries.
The exhibition also showcased developments in bio-based materials, alternatives to microplastics, 3D printing with liquid additives, and new materials developed under sustainability and circularity principles.
Strong presence in the congress programme
Leitat actively contributed to the official Expoquimia programme through several expert-led sessions.
On the opening day, Francesc Cortés, Senior Robotics Researcher at Leitat, participated as a keynote speaker in the session “Advanced Robotics and AI in the Chemical Industry: What Is Real Today and What Comes Next”, organised by the Association of Industrial Engineers of Catalonia.
On the second day, Ester Calleja, researcher in Leitat’s Advanced Polymers Department, delivered the presentation “Safer and More Circular Materials: Transforming the Future of Polyurethanes”, focused on the development of non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) through Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and Recyclable by Design (RbD) approaches.
Finally, David Amantia, Head of Applied Chemistry and Materials at Leitat, engaged in a dialogue with Fernando Lorenzo, Innovation and Quality Director at Christeyns, entitled “Innovation in Materials and Ingredients: Drivers for Industrial Efficiency and the Circular Economy”, exploring the role of advanced materials in industrial sustainability and competitiveness.
Visits, networking and collaboration
Throughout the week, Leitat’s booth welcomed companies, organisations and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Among them were representatives from Stanpa and ACCIÓ, with whom challenges and opportunities related to innovation and sustainability were discussed.
Expoquimia also provided valuable networking opportunities, including the event held at the Oval Hall of the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), where Leitat participated as a Silver Sponsor, sharing experiences and exploring collaboration opportunities with leading companies from the chemical and process industries.
Recognition of a 120-year legacy
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition awarded to Leitat for its 120-year history by the Expoquimia Organising Committee as part of the exhibition’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Pere Regull, Corporate Director of Leitat, received the award from Xavier Pascual Batalla, Director of Expoquimia, and Carles Navarro Vigo, President of the Organising Committee of Expoquimia, during a ceremony honouring companies, organisations and professionals that have contributed to the development and transformation of the sector over recent decades.
Moving forward
Leitat’s participation in Expoquimia 2026 further strengthened its position as a leading technology partner for industry, demonstrating how applied research and technology transfer can become effective tools for driving sustainability, competitiveness and industrial transformation.
Following a week filled with technology, knowledge exchange and new connections, Leitat remains committed to transforming industrial challenges into innovation opportunities with a positive impact.
