BioRefineries Blog

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Suntory Group has successfully created a prototype PET bottle made from 100% plant-based materials. It is a crucial step toward its aim to use 100% sustainable PET bottles globally by 2030 and eliminate all petroleum-based virgin plastic from its global PET supply. Press release: “ Suntory Introduces 100% Plant-Based PET Bottle Prototypes ”, 03/12/2021. F igure 1. Orangina 100% plant-based PET bottle prototype, excluding cap and label This announcement marks a breakthrough after a nearly decade-long partnership with the US-based sustainable technology company Anellotech. PET is produced using two raw materials, 70% terephthalic acid (PTA) and 30% mono ethylene glycol (MEG). Suntory’s prototype plant-based bottle is made by combining biobased paraxylene derived from wood chips (which has been converted to biobased PTA) and biobased MEG made from molasses which Suntory has been using in its Suntory Tennensui brand in Japan since 2013...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. The Coca-Cola Company has revealed a next generation prototype bottle made from 100% plant-based plastic (bio-PET), excluding cap and label, using technologies that are now ready to be commercially scaled across the industry (validated at demonstration scale). Press release: “ Coca-Cola Unveils New Prototype Bottle Made From 100% Plant-Based Sources ”, 21/10/2021. Figure 1. Coca-Cola unveils 100% biobased prototype bottle made using technologies validated at demo scale In 2009, Coca-Cola launched PlantBottle, the world’s first recyclable PET plastic bottle made with up to 30% plant-based material. The company continued to invest toward the development of a 100% plant-based solution. In 2015, it unveiled its first prototypes for a 100% biobased PET PlantBottle, excluding cap and label, using laboratory-scale production methods to produce biobased paraxylene, still in early stages of development. The new prototype is the first bever...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Arkema has announced the construction of a biobased polyamide 11 powders plant on its Changshu platform in China. Press release: “ A new bio-based polyamide 11 powders plant in China ”, 11/10/2021. Related post: “ Arkema to begin production at its new biobased polyamide 11 biorefinery in the first half of 2022 ”, 26/04/2021. Figure 1. Arkema to build a new biobased polyamide 11 powders plant in China The plant is scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2023. This investment will further support the growing demand for advanced biocircular materials in Asia. Rilsan® polyamide 11 powders, currently produced in France entirely from castor beans, are used in very demanding applications and provide innovative solutions for fast-growing markets driven by megatrends such as durable home appliances, energy-efficient transport, and advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) primarily for consumer, industrial and aerospace marke...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. ADM and LG Chem have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore US-based production of lactic acid to meet growing demand for a wide variety of plant-based products, including bioplastics. Press release: “ ADM, LG Chem Expand Relationship with MoU For US Production of Lactic Acid and Polylactic Acid for Bioplastics, Other Plant-Based Solutions ”, 14/09/2021. Figure 1. The MoU was signed by ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano and LG Chem Vice Chairman and CEO Hak Cheol Shin at ADM’s global headquarters in Chicago Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies plan to take steps toward launching a joint venture in early 2022 that would build, own and operate a US-based facility to produce high-purity corn-based lactic acid on a commercial scale. Moreover, the companies will collaborate on a second joint venture that would use lactic acid produced by the first joint venture to produce and commercialize polylactic acid. The ...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Braskem (the largest biopolymer producer in the world) has signed a memorandum of understanding with SCG Chemicals (one of the largest integrated petrochemical companies in Thailand) to perform studies to jointly invest in a new bioethanol dehydration plant in Thailand to produce biobased ethylene and polyethylene. Press release: “ Braskem and SCG Chemicals to study joint investment into bio-based ethylene production for bio-based polyethylene in Thailand ”, 09/09/2021. Related posts: “ Biobased polyolefins - Biobased Polyethylene (bio-PE) ”. Figure 1. Green ethylene plant at the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) This Project would allow the combination of Braskem's technology and bioplastics know-how with SCG Chemicals' knowledge of the Asian market and expertise in PE production. If the feasibility studies are approved with mutual agreement between parties, the production facility would be located i...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. LG Chem will partner with biodiesel company Dansuk Industrial to establish a joint HVO plant, in order to secure biobased materials required for the production of more sustainable products. Press release: “ LG Chem to build Korea's first next-generation Hydro-Treated Vegetable Oil plant with Dansuk Industrial ”, 02/09/2021. Figure 1. LG Chem has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the establishment of an HVO joint venture on September 2nd at the Dansuk Industrial headquarters in Siheungin the presence of executives from both companies The two companies will sign the definitive agreement in the first quarter of next year and aim to complete the construction of the production plant by 2024. This is the first time that an HVO plant will be built in Korea, and this plant is one of 10 new plants at the Daesan Complex recently announced by LG Chem. When a joint venture is established, LG Chem will prepare a base for supplying ra...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. lululemon athletica inc. (lululemon) has announced a multi-year collaboration with Genomatica to bring biobased materials into its products. Press release: “ lululemon Partners with Leading Sustainable Materials Innovator Genomatica to Bring Bio-Nylon to Products ”, 18/08/2021. Related posts: - “ Genomatica produces the world’s first ton of renewable nylon intermediate ”, 03/02/2020. - “ Aquafil and Genomatica to build a demo plant to produce 100% renewable nylon-6 ”, 30/11/2020. Figure 1. Genomatica and lululemon join forces to create a renewable nylon to replace conventional nylon This represents lululemon’s first-ever equity investment in a sustainable materials company and Genomatica’s largest partnership within the retail industry. Together, the two companies will create a lower-impact, plant-based nylon to replace conventional nylon, which is the largest volume of synthetic material currently used to make lululemon product...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen, not-for-profit organization that leads Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster) has announced 6 M$ in collaborative funding for a project, coordinated by Genecis Bioindustries Inc. (Genecis, Canadian biotechnology company), to develop, scale and integrate a novel biotechnology platform to transform food waste into sustainable bioplastics. Press release: “ Genecis Receives Funding from NGen to Scale Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Organic Waste ”, 27/07/2021. Figure 1. The demonstration project will occur at the StormFisher Resource Recovery Centre in Drumbo (Ontario) designed to recycle discarded packaged food and municipal green bin waste Genecis, in partnership with StormFisher (a developer and operator of organic waste and clean energy solutions), will integrate a demonstration-scale technology unit with an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant to convert organic waste feedsto...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. De Smet Engineers & Contractors (DSEC) has announced its participation in the implementation of UBQ Materials ’ new facility in the Netherlands to convert Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into climate-positive thermoplastic. Press release: “ UBQ Materials’ new facility to convert MSW into the world’s most climate-positive thermoplastic ”, 05/08/2021. Figure 1. DSEC will participate in the implementation of UBQ plant to convert MSW into thermoplastic Based on UBQ’s patented technology and a pilot plant in Israel, this flagship will turn 95 ktons/year of waste into 72,000 ktons/year of thermoplastic tablets through a clean and efficient conversion process, to create a material that is made of 100% recycled content and carries a substantial climate-positive environmental footprint. DSEC’s mandate is a partial EPCM (Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management) set-up aiming to develop detailed process integration engineering wh...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS. The Spanish startup Venvirotech , focused on the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate-type bioplastics (PHAs) from organic waste, has closed a financing round of 11 M€. The new funds will allow Venvirotech to accelerate its growth plan in Spain and expand its workforce. News in Cinco Días: “ La española Venvirotech capta 11 millones para lanzar en enero un bioplástico biodegradable ”, 13/07/2021. Figure 1. PHA pellets, a type of biodegradable polyesters produced by bacteria (image taken from the Venvirotech website) The operation, one of the largest in the biotechnology sector in Spain so far this year, has been led by an industrial investor, whose name has not been disclosed, and has included the participation of a group of six business angels, the family office of the Gassó family and Giribets 2000. The company, created in 2018, has raised to date 15 M€. The company has a double business model: - Management of organic waste from companies ...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has signed a licensing agreement with Kuraray Co., Ltd. and Kuraray trading Co., Ltd. for the basic patent JP4380654 on biobased polyester and related patents. Press release: “ Mitsubishi Chemical Licenses Patent for Biomass-based Polyester to Kuraray Group ”, 28/06/2021. This licensed product refers to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) derived from biomass and is expected to be used for various purposes including fibre production. The patent owned by MCC is the basic one required for business operations engaged in the manufacture or sale of this material. MCC has already registered the patent not only in Japan but also in the US, EU and China.

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Neste and LyondellBasell have announced a long-term commercial agreement under which LyondellBasell will source Neste RE, a feedstock produced from biobased sources, such as waste and residue oils and fats. Press release: “ Neste and LyondellBasell agree on long-term commercial relationship to make polymers and chemicals from renewable feedstock more widely available to global brands ”, 17/06/2021. Related post: - “ LyondellBasell and Neste announce commercial-scale production of biobased PP and LDPE ”, 20/06/2019. - “ Neste RE – Neste launches a 100% renewable and recycled raw material for plastics and chemicals production ”, 01/12/2020. Figure 1. LyondellBasell’s site in Wesseling (taken from the press release) The feedstock will be processed through the cracker at LyondellBasell’s Wesseling, (Germany) plant into polymers and sold under the CirculenRenew brand name. In April 2021, LyondellBasell launched the Circulen family of...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS. NatureWorks has announced the completion of key milestones in their global manufacturing expansion plan for a new fully integrated Ingeo PLA production facility that is anticipated to open in Thailand by 2024, subject to shareholder approval. Press release: “ NatureWorks Announces Key Milestones for Global Manufacturing Expansion with New 75kTa Facility for Producing Ingeo Biopolymer in Thailand ”, 02/06/2021. Figure 1. NatureWorks PLA plant in Blair. In 2002, NatureWorks became the first company to produce PLA biopolymers at commercial scale. In 2013, expanded its facility to an annual total capacity of 150 ktons. NatureWorks also completed a portfolio of enhancements to the Blair site enabling the plant to establish a new record production level in 2019. When fully operational the new plant will have an annual capacity of 75 ktons of Ingeo biopolymer and will produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. The new manufacturing complex will...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Mitsui Chemicals , Neste and Toyota Tsusho have joined forces to enable Japan’s first industrial-scale production of renewable plastics and chemicals from 100% biobased hydrocarbons. Press release: “ Neste, Mitsui Chemicals and Toyota Tsusho collaborate to start Japan'sfirst production of renewable plastics from 100% bio-based hydrocarbons ”, 20/05/2021. Related post: “ Neste RE – Neste launches a 100% renewable and recycled raw material for plastics and chemicals production ”, 01/12/2020. In this collaboration, Mitsui Chemicals will use Neste RE, 100% biobased hydrocarbons produced by Neste, to replace a part of the fossil feedstock in the production of a variety of plastics and chemicals at its crackers within Osaka Works during 2021. In doing so, Mitsui Chemicals will become Japan’s first company to use biobased feedstock in its crackers. The introduction of Neste-produced biobased hydrocarbons as feedstock will allow Mitsui ...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Total Corbion PLA has kicked off the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage for its new 100 ktons/year Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) plant in Grandpuits (France). Press release: “ Total Corbion PLA enters engineering stage for new 100 kTpa PLA plant in Grandpuits, France ”, 23/04/2021. Related post: “ Total Corbion PLA intends to build the first commercial scale PLA plant in Europe ”, 26/09/2020. The plant, due to be operational in 2024, will be the first of its kind in Europe. Total Corbion PLA awarded the FEED contract to NextChem (subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont S.p.A.). Maire Tecnimont's heritage in polymerization of traditional plastics combined with NextChem's portfolio of innovative solutions for green chemistry ensures the necessary know-how to manage this industrial initiative.

English version Tipo de entrada: NOTICIA BREVE. Arkema avanza para comenzar la producción del monómero amino 11 y el polímero Rilsan (poliamida 11) en la nueva planta de Jurong Island (Singapur) en el primer semestre del próximo año. Esta planta, cuya producción será 100% derivada de semillas de ricino, representa un aumento del 50% en la capacidad global de poliamida 11 de Arkema. Nota de prensa: “ Arkema to start up new bio-based polyamide 11 plant in Singapore in the first half of 2022 ”, 22/04/2021. Integrated bio-factory dedicated to high performance polymers . Figure 1. Arkema on track to begin production at its new biobased polyamide 11 biorefinery in the first half of 2022 Cuando se termine, la instalación será la biofábrica integrada más grande del mundo dedicada a la fabricación de polímeros de alto rendimiento. La inversión total en la región, que también incluye capacidad para procesado de polímeros en China, es de aproximadamente 450 M€. Para financiar esta nueva planta...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Arkema is on track to begin production of the monomer Amino 11 and the polymer Rilsan (polyamide 11) at the new plant on Jurong Island (Singapore) in the first half of next year. This plant, for which production will be 100%-derived from castor beans, represents a 50% increase in Arkema’s global polyamide 11 capacity. Press release: “ Arkema to start up new bio-based polyamide 11 plant in Singapore in the first half of 2022 ”, 22/04/2021. Integrated bio-factory dedicated to high performance polymers . Figure 1. Arkema to begin production at its new biobased polyamide 11 biorefinery in the first half of 2022 When complete, the facility will represent the biggest integrated bio-factory in the world dedicated to high performance polymers. The total investment in the region, which also includes downstream polymer capacities in China, is approximately 450 M€. To finance this new plant in Singapore, Arkema successfully placed its first ev...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Biopolymer producer Danimer Scientific plans to invest 700 M$ in expanding their Bainbridge manufacturing operations, nearly quadrupling their workforce in Decatur County (Georgia, USA). Press release: “ Danimer Scientific Planning $700 Million, 400-Job Expansion in Decatur County ”, 29/03/2021. Related post: “ Bacardi unveils new biobased bottle made from Danimer’s Nodax PHA ”, 03/11/2020. Figure 1. Danimer Scientific is planning 700 M$ expansion in Bainbridge manufacturing operations Headquartered in Bainbridge for over a decade, Danimer currently employs more than 100 people in southwest Georgia. Danimer expects to construct an additional 2,000,000-square-foot facility near their current 25-acre campus, located at 140 Industrial Boulevard in Bainbridge. The company will hire for technical positions and careers in production, maintenance and management. Applications for Danimer’s biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings,...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Avantium Renewable Polymers (Avantium RNP) has signed two additional conditional offtake agreements for the supply of PEF, bringing the total to four. Avantium RNP aims to commercialise its proprietary YXY® technology, which is used to produce FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), the main building block of PEF (polyethylene furanoate, plant-based resin to manufacture bottles and films). Press release: “ Avantium secures new offtake contracts for planned FDCA flagship plant ”, 24/03/2021. Related posts: - “ Avantium redefines its commercialization strategy of PEF ”, 10/06/2019. - “ Worley awarded FEED contract for Avantium FDCA plant in Delfzijl ”, 15/06/2020. - “ Avantium announces 7.5 M€ grant to support the construction of its FDCA flagship plant ”, 09/12/2020. FDCA . The partners involved include chemical company Toyobo (Japan), polyester film producer Terphane (USA), the beverage bottling company Refresco (Netherlands) and a major gl...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. The court of Bologna has announced an auction sale of PHA maker Bio-On's assets. “ Bio-on SpA bankruptcy auction documents ”. Related posts: - “ Bio-on inaugurates its first biopolymers production plant in Italy ”, 25/06/2018. - “ Hard times for Bio-on ”, 04/11/2019. Figure 1. Night shot of Bio-On`s facility in Castel San Pietro Terme near Bologna Bio-on, an Italian company focused on the bioplastic sector, inaugurated its first owned plant designed to produce 100% natural and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in 2018. The production hub is located in Castel San Pietro Terme just outside Bologna in an area of 30,000 m2. On 24 October 2019, Bio-on announced that the headquarters and administrative, operational and secondary units of the company had been subject to searches and probative seizure of documents, as part of an investigation for false corporate communications and manipulation of the market. Its employees made ef...