In a move aimed at expanding its rapidly growing international client portfolio, Norway’s Independent Industrial Polymer Institute Norner (Stathelle; www.norner.no) has set up Norner Verdandi, a subsidiary tasked with commercialising the institute’s latest R&D projects. Specifically, Norner Verdandi “will transform good ideas into profitable business through close cooperation with Norner, their research communities, international customers and other contacts,” says Norner CEO Tine R?rvik.

Arne S?rlien will head the institute’s new commercial arm, which will focus among other things on plastics based in CO₂ or the reduction of odour in plastics recycling. “These are technologies that can make a difference to the industry,” says S?rlien.

The Norwegian think tank also announced that it had set up a fully owned subsidiary in India, Norner Mimir India, whose team is to wrok together with Norner Norway to aid clients in India and drive innovations. Mimir India is headed by Lars Evelusen.