Novamont opens its Mater-Biopolymer plant in Patrica

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Type of post: NEWS.

On 19th October, Novamont officially opened its Mater-Biopolymer plant located in Patrica (Province of Frosinone, Italian region of Lazio). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was preceded by a conference called "The Regeneration Comes on", which is part of the review of events related to the fiftieth anniversary of the Club of Rome (an organization whose mission is to promote understanding of the global challenges facing humanity and to propose solutions through scientific analysis, communication and advocacy). At the end of the conference, all the guests were guided into the plant to discover its production process.
Press release: “Grand opening for Mater-Biopolymer: the Novamont Group’s site for the production of ORIGO-BI”, 18/10/2018.

The plant produces Origo-Bi, one of the components of Mater-Bi (a family of completely biodegradable and compostable bioplastics which are being used to provide low environmental impact solutions for every day products). Origo-Bi is a trade name of the polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), biodegradable random copolymer, synthesized from 1,4-butanediol, adipic acid and dimethyl terephthalate.

In 2009, the plant belonged to Mossi & Ghisolfi group, had two PET production lines and had stopped production on one of them. From this year, a partnership enabled Novamont to start working on gradually converting this line to its technology. In 2011, the first continuous unit for production of Origo-Bi was inaugurated. Now, with the conversion of the second line completed and taking full advantage of the technological advances made possible by the experience gained from the first line, Novamont will double production capacity of the Origo-Bi biopolyester range, from 50,000 to 100,000 tons per year and achieve a higher content of renewable raw materials.

Figure 1. View of the Mater-Biopolymer plant (extracted from the press release)

Various sections of the plant have been regenerated to allow the use of renewable raw materials and the application of a more sustainable and low-emission process. The Novamont strategy looks for the revitalization of former industrial sites and the enhancement of infrastructure and skills existing. It is a highly efficient plant and is equipped with a complex system of utilities that allows to minimize costs and waste. In 2016, the site started the construction of a waste water distillation section from the process that made it possible to recover the tetrahydrofuran (THF) that is generated during the polymerization reaction. Once distilled, it is destined for chemical and pharmaceuticals industry.

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