Green materials: Danimer/Total Corbion in PLA supply tie-up; Lummus/Braskem to license green tech for ethylene projects in US, Asia

Danimer Scientific and Total Corbion PLA, both bioplastics companies focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, have entered into a long-term collaborative arrangement for the supply of Luminy PLA, a biobased polymer used to manufacture compostable products. As Danimer continues to scale up the commercial production of Nodax, its signature polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), this agreement enhances Danimer’s ability to fulfill customer needs for resins that require a blend of PLA and PHA-based inputs.

Total Corbion PLA is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion focused on the manufacturing and marketing of Luminy PLA resins.

Stephen E. Croskrey, Chairman/CEO of Danimer, said, “While growing commercial production of PHA remains the focus of our business, PLA is a part of some compounds that we formulate to meet specific customers’ functionality needs for different applications. Teaming with Total Corbion PLA provides an ideal solution to support our long-term growth strategy while ensuring our short-term customer needs remain fulfilled.”

Danimer works with each of its customers to develop customized formulas for biobased resins that meet biodegradability and functionality expectations. Blending various inputs, such as PHA and PLA, enables Danimer to expand the applications of its materials across a number of different industries.

Thomas Philipon, CEO of Total Corbion PLA, said, "The biopolymers market is experiencing strong growth, and customers are requesting innovative solutions tailor-made to their market needs. In today’s dynamic market, strategic arrangements throughout the value chain are key to ensuring security of supply in both product and technology that will allow brand owners and ultimately consumers to be comfortable with selecting bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics."

In other news, technology firm Lummus Technology has executed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Braskem Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Braskem, the largest biopolymer producer in the world for the licensing of Braskem’s green ethylene technology for two ethanol to ethylene conversion projects under development in North America and Asia, signalling a global interest in the technology.

In addition to the MoU, Lummus and Braskem are discussing a long-term agreement for Lummus to license Braskem’s green ethylene technology as a way to accelerate the chemical industry’s use of renewable feedstock.

“Our partnership with Braskem is a very important building block that will strengthen Lummus’ technology leadership in the energy transition,” said Leon de Bruyn, President/CEO of Lummus Technology. “As the world’s largest ethylene technology provider, Lummus is confident in the green solutions we will be able to develop together with Braskem, the world’s largest biopolymer producer and recognised for its role in the circular economy. Our collective expertise, experience and resources will accelerate circularity in our industry and help our customers decarbonize their investments and produce greener products.”

“Braskem and Lummus are joining their expertise to foster the development of the sustainable chemistry,” highlighted Walmir Soller, Braskem’s VP Olefins/Polyolefins for Europe and Asia and Global Leader for the Green PE Business. “Braskem, with more than ten years producing Green Ethylene out of Ethanol from sugar cane, together with Lummus, with its process and technology licensing competences, will provide a solid basis for the growth of this green alternative that allows the use of carbon captured from the atmosphere into plastics and other chemical products, contributing to fight Climate Change.”

This MoU also reflects Lummus’ strategic business direction, through its subsidiary Green Circle, as a leader in commercialising and developing breakthrough solutions to address the key pillars of the energy transition, including end-of-life waste plastics recycling, production of bio-derived sustainable chemicals and decarbonization strategies for existing and new assets.

Lummus has licensed more than 120 ethylene plants around the world, accounting for approximately 40% of global ethylene capacity. Lummus has also completed over 200 ethylene grassroots, revamp and expansion design projects, more than any competing technology licensor.

Braskem has for more than a decade has been producing green PE using ethanol from sustainably sourced sugarcane for its production.

(PRA)

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