BSEF was formed around a core value of believing in the importance of science based research. This is apparent from the significant investments that BSEF provides into scientific studies by reputable experts. The bromine industry is also required to develop science assessing the environmental and health impact of their substances placed on the market. The bromine industry is also required to develop science assessing the environmental and health impact of their substances placed on the market.
Innovation & Science
The Bromine Science and Environmental Forum (BSEF) was formed around a core value of believing in the importance of science based research. This is apparent from the significant investments that BSEF provides into scientific studies by reputable experts.
In 2013, BSEF member companies invested up to 3% of their net sales into research and development.
The bromine industry is also required to develop science assessing the environmental and health impact of their substances placed on the market.
Since bromine was discovered in 1826, a variety of bromine compounds have been developed, allowing for significant innovation in many different fields such as transport, energy, water treatment and fire safety.
BSEF member companies invest in the research and development that enable these new technological developments to meet the requirements for efficacy, affordability and environmental sustainability.
Besides investing into resarch and development of new products our member companies also invest in developing new recycling solutions of products containg bromine based solutions to achieve the highest possible recycling rate and a more sustainable use of resources.
BSEF member companies, as global leading suppliers of bromine and bromine based products, will continue to explore and develop new ways in which bromine can serve the growing and changing needs of modern society. BSEF member companies are committed to invest in the research and development of new and innovative brominated solutions that provide customers with the best technical options, optimized formulations, functional and attractive solutions. Whether used in fire safety, water treatment, transport or energy applications, bromine-based substances will continue to create possibilities and opportunities.
Bromine in Innovative Technologies
High Molecular Weight Brominated Polymer
Over the years, the BSEF companies have brought to the market high molecular weight brominated polymers. These brominated polymeric materials are designed to deliver the best combination of performance and efficacy while ensuring a solid environmental profile throughout their life cycle.
High molecular weight brominated polymers are advanced fire safety solutions designed to be highly effective in their specific applications and much less likely to interact with living organisms. To find out more about high molecular weight brominated polymers, check out our factsheet.
Zinc-Bromine Battery, allowing efficient energy storage
The ability to store electrical energy offers a valuable solution to energy efficient electricity systems. Batteries allow electrical systems to function without the need for a continuous connection to the grid.
The zinc–bromine flow battery is a type of hybrid flow battery fuelled by the reaction between zinc and bromide. The range of applications where zinc bromide energy storage solutions can achieve energy efficiency and environmental benefits is vast. The battery can be used in stationary storage applications such as in energy storage systems as part of a smart grid for smart cities and mobile applications, such as electric vehicles.
One of the distinct advantages of flow batteries is that they can be recharged rapidly, they can be left fully discharged, without damage. The zinc–bromine flow battery technology is highly carbon efficient during its entire life cycle. Overall, zinc-bromine batteries offer a very efficient and inexpensive method of energy storage and electricity production. To find out more about zinc–bromine flow batteries check the Bromine and Energy section.