09. Aug 2023
Origin Materials and Sustainea partner on biobased materials
Origin Materials (West Sacramento, CA, USA), and Sustainea Bioglycols, a joint venture between Braskem (São Paulo, Brazil) and Sojitz (Tokyo, Japan), recently announced a strategic partnership centered on advanced biobased materials produced using Origin’s technology platform and Sustainea’s biobased glycol products and market expertise.
As part of the partnership, Sustainea signed two multi-year capacity reservation agreements to purchase renewable chemicals from Origin Materials, including bio-based PTA and biobased FDCA. PTA is a fundamental feedstock for a broad variety of market applications, including PET polyester packaging, textiles, clothing, plastics, car parts, tires, carpeting, and toys. FDCA is a raw material whose commercial applications include surfactants, epoxy resins, and the next-gen polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate).
“We are thrilled to partner with Sustainea, a joint venture formed by two innovative global companies: Braskem, the largest thermoplastic resin producer in the Americas and a global pioneer in biopolymers, and Sojitz, a Japan-oriented global trading company with wide-ranging market networks and a strong presence in Asia”, said Origin Materials Co-CEO Rich Riley. “Through Sustainea, Braskem and Sojitz aim to be the global leader in bioMEG production. Since bioMEG and bio-PTA are both necessary for making 100% bio-based PET, we are strongly aligned to create a low-carbon future for polymers, including bio-PET and advanced bio-based polymers integrating FDCA. We are excited about this powerful strategic partnership on the cutting edge of renewable materials”.
Origin expects to produce biobased FDCA and biobased PTA using its patented technology platform, which turns the carbon found in sustainable wood residues into useful products while capturing carbon in the process.
“We are very excited to join forces with Origin on the pathway to a low carbon future”, stated Gustavo Sergi, CEO of Sustainea. “Bringing to the market bioMEG and bioPET has always been our ambition and the partnership with Origin represents an important step towards this goal. The polyester and PET markets grow 3.5 million tonnes every year, so we have an important mission to develop our operation to supply the industry as soon as possible. From textiles to bottles, our bioMEG and bioPET will be there to be quickly absorbed by the market as a drop-in solution. Finally, these biopolymers are not only bio-based but also fully recyclable. This will contribute to a circular economy and to the reduction of CO2 emissions”. AT
www.originmaterials.com
www.sustaineabio.com