Feedstock

Bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging analysis - Support for (EU) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

This report assesses the role of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with a focus on technological development and environmental performance. Although seventeen bio-based polymers are commercially available, they represent only ~1% of the global plastics market and account for just 4–5% of biogenic carbon in the EU chemical sector. Production capacity is concentrated in Asia (55%), followed by North America (17%) and the EU27+3 (14%).

Chemical Feedstocks for Sustainable Industry 2025

The Applied Materials Chemistry Group (AMCG), the Industrial Physical Chemistry Group (IPCG), the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA), and the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) are delighted to announce our third annual seminar on sustainable chemical feedstocks. The event is a collaboration between industry and academia and will focus on three main topics: Small Molecule Feedstocks, Circular Plastics, and Sustainable Chemicals from Underutilised Biomass.

Waterline® CI

Phosphorous-free corrosion inhibitor that protects carbon steel in cooling water by forming a persistent, passivating film on steel surfaces. Traditional phosphorous-based cooling water treatment has suboptimal performance under stressed water conditions, fouling from precipitation with calcium, the need for stabilizers, accelerated corrosion of zinc alloys, and the addition of nutrients that promote bacterial growth. Regulations on the limit of eutrophication of surface water makes cooling water with phosphorous more costly.

Textile Fiber from Wood Pulp

Textile fiber out of pulp used for making paper (micro fibrillated cellulose) with the strength and qualities of cotton and the insulation of lamb's wool. Fiber can be upcycled several times without losing quality. Fiber can be dyed before the spinning phase, reducing water use by 99% and eliminating harmful chemicals in the dyeing process. Reduced CO2 emissions, 100% biodegradable, and free of microplastics. Wood obtained from FSC and/or PEFC-certified tree farms.

Colorifix: Dyes from Agricultural Waste

Converts agricultural waste products into dyes by using microbes. Reduces water consumption by at least 49%, electricity by 35%, and CO2 emissions by 31% compared to conventional dyeing for cotton. Produced using clean, renewable feedstocks (simple sugars, yeast, plant-byproducts) and waste products from the agricultural industry instead of traditional petrochemicals. No heavy metals/organic solvents are used.

EcoWorx® Tile

Premium PVC-free carpet tile backing made from a thermoplastic polyolefin compound. PVC-free. It weighs 25% less, resulting in carbon reductions during transport. Superior tensile strength compared to traditional PVC backing, improving durability. Products are reclaimed and recycled at the end of use.

EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2003 Designing Greener Chemicals Award

Sorona®

Polyester made from a genetically modified microorganism that produces 1,3-propanediol (PDO) from cornstarch. Derived from cornstarch, making it partially plant based. Fermentation of genetically modified cornstarch replaces chemical synthesis, and PDO is naturally produced (Bio-PDO). Less energy compared to petroleum-based traditional processes.

EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2003 Greener Reaction Conditions Award

ECO Range Bio-Based Surfactants

Renewable bio-based surfactants for personal care. These ethylene oxides (EO) are made with bioethanol from biomass sources and are manufactured with renewable energy. Its performance is identical to petro-based options and is 100% renewable.

BioEstolide™ Synthetic Oil

Renewable and biodegradable oils. Estolides are oligomeric fatty acid esters that can be a bio-based alternative to conventional motor oils and industrial lubricants. This alternative avoids permanent damage to water bodies and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Estolides are also biodegradable.

Lactic Acid from Glycerol

Convert glycerol from biodiesel production into lactic acid. Biodiesel and fatty acid production has led to an oversupply of the byproduct, glycerol. AB&CD Innovations has developed a way to converrt glycerol into lactic acid. Lactic acid is used in the chemical industry as ecologically friendly solvents and the textile, leather, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Lactic acid can also beused in the production of bioabsorbable medical devices and biodegradable plastics.

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