Innovations are the precondition for continuous growth

Innovations introduced to the market quickly and efficiently are a key driver for the growth we are aiming for in our successful specialty chemicals business.

Merck is the global market leader and, thanks to long-term investment in research and production, also the technology leader in liquid crystals. In order to maintain this position, we are continuing to focus our research on the further development of the well-established vertical alignment (VA) technology. In Darmstadt, a new reliability laboratory was established to test the long-term stability of displays for various applications.

OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) are another innovative field of work, which is expected to develop long-term into a promising technology for displays.

Merck Chemicals researchers are also innovative in other fields.  Another area of focus are pigments, which are used for example in automotive coatings, plastics and cosmetics. Ronastar® Noble Sparks pigments, which make modern lipsticks and nail polishes sparkle, are one of the latest developments achieved by our pigment researchers.

A large number of test strips and rapid test systems are being developed in our laboratories in Darmstadt to replace time-consuming investigations in the laboratory.

The right environment is a precondition for the successful development of technologically sophisticated, innovative products and solutions. Merck is investing EUR 47 million in a new research and development center to be completed by 2010 at the Darmstadt site for the Chemicals business sector. It will consolidate the major R&D activities under one roof.

In addition, alliances with external partners – for example with the Technical University of Darmstadt (TUD) – are expanding the scientific possibilities of discovering and developing innovations. An interdisciplinary group of research is working in the MerckLab at the TUD. The research being conducted here includes the development of innovative inorganic composite materials that are suitable as printable components for electronic applications.