Green tie-ups: ABB/Citroniq target 100% bio-based PP facility in US; Trinseo launches PC recycling project in China

Materials firm Citroniq, which claims to produce the world’s only carbon negative polypropylene (PP), aims to build world’s first 100% biogenic full commercial-scale PP plant, using corn-based ethanol feedstock to advance low-carbon plastics manufacturing. The facility is scheduled to start operating in 2029

Under the supply agreement, automation specialist ABB will provide integrated automation, electrification and digital technologies to enable the operations facility in Nebraska, US.

At full capacity, the three-plant platform is expected to have the potential to decarbonise the US domestic PP production by 20%, according to Citroniq1. The first facility will convert corn-based ethanol into PP, capturing 3 million tonnes of CO2 a year and permanently storing it as solid pellets2.

“Our collaboration with ABB is a critical step to building an advanced world-class manufacturing facility that transforms the plastics industry,” said Mel Badheka, President/Co-Founder of Citroniq.

Upon final investment decision, ABB will deliver its ABB Ability System 800xA® distributed control system, advanced process control, digital simulation, electrical equipment, instrumentation and engineering services to optimiSe design, delivery and operations at the plant.

“We are proud to collaborate on this complex project, bringing our technology and expertise to enable the development of a low-carbon manufacturing infrastructure in the US,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division.

In other news, polymers firm Trinseo signed an agreement to launch its recycling PC project in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone. The project involves a total investment of approximately US$20 million, with Phase I planned to have an annual production capacity of 5,000 tonnes.

Attendees at the ceremony included Han Wei, Secretary of the Zhangjiagang Municipal Party Committee; Frank Bozich, CEO of Trinseo; Han Hendriks, Global Senior Vice President of Trinseo; and Arthas Yang, Global Senior Vice President and President of Trinseo Asia Pacific.

In his speech, Han Wei stated that the newly signed project features advanced technology and significant market potential, aligning closely with Zhangjiagang’s industrial development strategy. He expressed optimism about the broad prospects for cooperation and encouraged Trinseo to take this signing as a new starting point to accelerate construction and production, bringing more cutting-edge technologies, high-end projects, and quality resources to Zhangjiagang. He emphasised that the municipal government will continue to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and international, and will work side by side with Trinseo to create a bright future of high-quality development.

Frank Bozich expressed sincere gratitude to the Zhangjiagang Municipal Party Committee, the municipal government, and the Free Trade Zone Administration for their long-standing support.

Thanks to this continued support, Trinseo says it has achieved rapid and stable growth in Zhangjiagang. With the successful launch of the new project, Trinseo will further expand its footprint in Zhangjiagang and contribute to the development of the local circular economy through technological innovation.

Trinseo was among the first foreign enterprises to settle in the Yangtze River International Chemical Park. Since establishing operations in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone in 1998, Trinseo has invested nearly US$400 million, building its largest production base in the Asia-Pacific region.

The signing of Trinseo’s new project will inject strong momentum into Zhangjiagang’s efforts to build a RMB100 billion-level chemical new materials industrial cluster.

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