Avantium successfully produces polyesters with biobased MEG from its Ray demo plant

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Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.

Avantium has completed the application validation for its biobased glycols produced in the Ray Technology demo plant in Delfzijl. Key applications include polymerisation to PEF and PET polyesters and functional fluids used for de-icing and heat transfer.

Figure 1. Avantium successfully produces polyesters with biobased MEG from its Ray demo plant

Avantium aims to commercialise its proprietary Ray Technology, which is used to produce MEG (monoethylene glycol, brand name: plantMEG) and MPG (monopropylene glycol, brand name: plantMPG). Both plantMEG and plantMPG are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to their fossil-based equivalents.

In 2020, the company successfully commissioned its Ray demonstration plant, allowing for the production of plantMEG and plantMPG samples that are representative of the final product from subsequent commercial-scale plants. Avantium has now produced 100% plant-based PEF by polymerising its monomers FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) and plantMEG. It can also be used to produce bio-PET (30% plantMEG), reducing the environmental footprint versus the fossil-based production routes. Furthermore, relevant functional properties of Ray plantMEG and plantMPG in de-icing fluids have been demonstrated. These fluids are mainly used in airport operations for the de-icing of airplanes.

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