Feedstock

Improved synthesis of Prevymis™, a prescription medicine that helps prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in adults who have received bone marrow transplants. This antiviral drug uses an improved chemical catalyst, increases the overall yield by 60%, reduces the PMI by 73%, reduces raw material costs by 93%, and reduces water usage by 90%. Merk claims this synthesis will result in the elimination of over 15,000 MT of waste over its lifetime. It should also decrease the product's carbon footprint and water usage by 89% and 90%, respectively.

Plant-based hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon-based chemicals and fuels are traditionally petroleum-based. This company produces hydrocarbon-based chemical commodities from plant biomass. This process is renewable and works with most carbohydrate feedstock. More specifically, the company uses sustainably raised corn. Corn is used because it draws a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbohydrate content and protein content in plant biomass are separated. The protein can be used in other industries.

Low-carbon and formaldehyde-free adhesives. Traditional adhesives are phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formladehyde-based, which are derived from petroleum oil. Formaldehyde is a known cause of cancer and is difficult to recycle. Cambond produces carbon-neutral and sustainable adhesives from biomass feedstocks. It is made by bonding waste from the brewing industry and algae with a special linking agent. The process reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 80%. Cambond® Resin can be used for packaging as an alternative to conventional plastics.

Renewable and recyclable thermoset polymers from non-edible biomass. Conventional thermoset polymers are based on petroleum feedstocks and are non-recyclable. SperoSet produces fully recyclable thermoset polymers that are based on non-edible biomass. Because of SperoSet's chemically reversible bonds, it is degradable in organic or aqueous solutions under mild conditions, recyclable with original thermal and mechanical properties, and repairable and weldable through chemical bond exchange reactions. Reversible bonds eliminate the need for metal catalysts or extra monomers in recycling.

Bio-based solvents. These bio-based solvents serve as alternatives to petrochemical-based solvents. They are derived from agricultural crops that are rich in carbohydrates, such as corn, wheat, and beets. These carbohydrates are then purifed and fermented to make bioethanol and others alcohols and combined with esters of lactic acids and other natural acids. They also include fully biodegradable organic co-solvents. These solvets are less toxic, less flammable, and biodegradable. They also contribute less carbon emissions.

Sustainable biopolymers. EcoMer® is a family of VOC-free, bio-based monomers created from glucose derived from sustainable sources. EcoMer can be copolymerized with conventional vinyl monomers to produce polymers that can be used in pressure-sensitive adhesives. EcoStix® —a family of sugar-acrylic, pressure-sensitive adhesives — incorporates EcoMer technology. EcoStix is recyclable and repulpable. EcoSphere® Biolatex® binders are used in the paper and paperboard industry. They are lower cost, better quality, more productive, and superior in performance to traditional binders.

Bio-based green solvents for formulating and cleaning. These sustainable, bio-based solvents and solvent blends are derived from corn, soybeans, citrus, and other renewable feedstocks. These biosolvents are based on ethyl lactate, fatty acid methyl esters, d-limonene, and ethanol. The main ingredient is VertecBio EL Ethyl LActate, an ester solvent derived from corn or sugar beets. They can be used in agricultural and industrial applications. Biosolvents can be used to form environmentally friendly herbicides, pesticides, and growth enhancers.

Polyester polyols based on rPET and other recycled components. Resinate® is a product line that uses recycled and renewable materials for high-performance applications in coating, adhesives, and foams. The product, Resinate® EP1000-5.6, is based on rPET (recycled PET) and other recycled components, resulting in 66% recycled content. Resinate® C2051-50 is a modified polyol for the coatings marketplace and contains 50% renewable content. 

Copper-based wood preservative solutions for exterior treated lumber products. Preservative solutions provide long-term protection from fungal decay and termite attack. There are two types of treatments: Copper Azole Type C (CA-C) and Copper Azole Type B (CA-B). The Preserve CA-C treatment is available with a built-in water repellent called Preserve® Plus. CA-C is available across the US, whereas CA-B is available in Canada. CA-C is made of 96.1% soluble copper that is 100% recycled, organic triazole co-biocides, tebuconazole, and propiconazole.

Safer chemical processing system in the flexographic printing industry. This new system reduces the amount of solvents needed for printing, eliminates hazardous solvents, reduces explosion potential and emissions during solvent recycling, and increases worker safety. This system includes washout solvents and reclamation/recycling machinery. All solvents can be recycled in the Cold Reclaim System™, which sustainably recycles solvents through filtration and centrifugation.