Exactly one week ago, this year’s 4Synth network meeting took place in the historic setting of Freiberg. Two chemical elements were discovered here: indium in 1863 by Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymus Theodor Richter, and germanium in 1886 by Clemens Winkler, arguably Freiberg’s most important chemist.

Representatives of medium-sized chemical companies met for the 23rd time to discuss current developments and options for vertical and horizontal networking.

This year’s host, IBZ-Salzchemie, hosted the event in the “Krügerhaus” at Terra Mineralia and presented its impressive product portfolio during a subsequent factory tour.

Since most of the network’s companies are primarily active in organic chemistry, the excursion into inorganic chemistry was all the more interesting. IBZ Salzchemie impressed with its portfolio of capabilities in the areas of construction chemistry, soil testing, material testing, and proprietary products such as anti-mold agents and restoration materials. Today, IBZ Salzchemie is a sought-after specialist worldwide and also contributes to important final repository testing and is involved in waste/wastewater treatment.

Interesting discussions took place on the topics of “new trends in global trade and chemical production,” “CO2 footprint calculations” in chemistry, the “use of AI” in routing, and laboratory organization with the help of LIMS and other software solutions.

We are pleased about the numerous collaborations within the network and look forward to the next meeting next year at the host Fraunhofer CBP in Merseburg.