Ane Olazabal Abarrategui Successfully Defends Her PhD on Bio-Based Polyols
Ane Olazabal Abarrategui Successfully Defends Her PhD on Bio-Based Polyols
POLYKEY is proud to announce that Ane Olazabal has successfully defended her PhD thesis at The University of the Basque Country (EHU), marking an important milestone in the development of bio-based polyols for the polyurethane industry.
Her doctoral research focused on designing and scaling innovative bio-based polyols and bio-based polyethers as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based raw materials. The work demonstrates how renewable feedstocks can be transformed into high-performance polymer building blocks while supporting the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy.
The successful defense represents years of scientific research and collaboration, but it is also the beginning of a new phase. Following the completion of her PhD, Ane will continue at POLYKEY, where she will lead the scale-up and industrial development of these polyols, helping bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial production.
The development of bio-based polyols is one of POLYKEY’s core technological areas. By replacing conventional petrochemical polyols with renewable alternatives, bio-based polyols can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of polyurethane products while maintaining the performance required for industrial applications.
We would like to thank the thesis committee—Miren Aguirre, Jennifer Garden, and Antxon Martinez —for their valuable evaluation and insightful discussion during the defense.
Special recognition also goes to her supervisors, Coralie Jehanno and Haritz Sardon, whose scientific guidance and continuous support have been essential throughout this research.
At POLYKEY, we believe that innovation in bio-based polyols is key to accelerating the transition towards more sustainable materials and circular manufacturing. We are excited to continue advancing this technology and bringing next-generation polyols to industrial markets.
Congratulations, Ane, on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to continuing the development of innovative polyols for a more sustainable future. Explore our Bio-Based Polyols portfolio to learn more about this technology.