Spanish ABS manufacturer Elix Polymers has announced the development of ABS grades with up to 100% sustainable feedstock content. These grades are part of the company's E-Loop portfolio and include ABS and two ABS/PC blends. Elix Polymers has also added two PC/ABS blends to its E-Loop portfolio. The key innovation lies in the replacement of the three monomers - acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene - with sustainable alternatives. By using a mix of monomers from fossil fuel-based feedstocks, chemically recycled post-consumer waste, and bio-based feedstocks, carbon emissions can be reduced by over 90% compared to virgin grades. The company has also announced that all products in its portfolio can be produced as chemically recycled grades, with no compromise on material properties. These sustainable ABS grades contribute to Elix Polymers' circular economy efforts and are certified according to ISCC Plus and the mass balance model, incorporating circular and bio-based materials and renewables [91c26db6].
BASF has launched ChemCycling in the United States, offering Ccycled products made from feedstock derived from plastic waste. The products, manufactured at the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals facility in Port Arthur, Texas, utilize recycled feedstock through a mass balance approach, partially replacing fossil resources. The advanced recycled building blocks can be used for various BASF products, such as super absorbent polymers, engineered plastics, and polyurethanes. By establishing advanced recycling as a complementary solution to mechanical recycling, BASF aims to utilize more plastic waste that cannot be recycled mechanically. Less than 9% of plastic waste is currently recycled in the U.S. BASF's ChemCycling products have the same properties as products made from fossil-derived building blocks and can be used in high-performance packaging, automotive, and construction applications [d8487e99].
Shell Chemicals has initiated the supply of bio-attributed and bio-circular propylene feedstocks to Braskem, employing a mass balance approach that is independently certified by a third party. Braskem will utilize these feedstocks to produce bio-attributed and bio-circular polypropylene, offering more sustainable alternatives to meet the growing consumer demand across various sectors such as packaging, film, automotive, and consumer goods markets. Braskem announced its assessment of a project targeting the production of bio-based propylene within the United States in January 2023. Shell aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a circular economy by replacing hydrocarbon feedstocks with bio-attributed and bio-circular alternatives in its propylene product line. Shell and Braskem have also established ambitious targets to reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels, on a net basis. The mass balance approach employed by Shell is an independent accounting process widely adopted across the industry [b22df65b].
Americhem, a designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch and performance technologies, has been awarded the Silver EcoVadis Medal for sustainability. The EcoVadis rating covers various non-financial management systems, including environmental, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement impacts. Americhem has made significant progress in sustainability efforts, including reducing energy usage and emissions through Cold Pounding technology at its Denmark plant, using wind and solar energy, and achieving zero resin pellet loss. The company has also developed technologies such as Solution Dyeing and additive masterbatch nBalance® to help customers achieve their sustainability objectives. Americhem plans to continue improving manufacturing processes, enhancing its product portfolio with sustainability features, and conducting Life Cycle Assessments and Carbon Footprint Analysis on all products [1d8e41cd].
The Danish startup Cellugy has developed a drop-in, bio-based replacement for petrochemicals called EcoFLEXY. The product is a fermentation-based system for producing pure cellulose, which can be used as a bio-based replacement for petrochemicals commonly found in lotions and personal care products. Cellugy's fermentation system provides a more sustainable alternative to the traditional mechanical process of producing cellulose powder. The company recently secured a seed funding round of €4.9M to scale up its dry cellulose production system. The investment was led by Germany's ICIG Ventures and Denmark's Unconventional Ventures, with participation from new investor Joyance Partners and existing investors. The personal care industry is a small but growing market for petrochemical alternatives, with the global cosmetics market projected to reach USD 415.29 billion by 2028. The green chemistry movement has been gaining momentum since the early 2000s, and bio-based substitutes for plastic products are becoming more common. The demand for safe and sustainable products is creating new opportunities for green chemistry innovators to make money. However, the petrochemical industry still dominates, with over 98% of all organic chemicals derived from petroleum. The green chemistry movement faces challenges in scaling up production and convincing mainstream chemical businesses to fully embrace the technology. The movement has made progress in attracting top talent and investment, and the next generation of chemists may drive further change. The Danish startup Cellugy is determined to replace petrochemicals in the supply chain with its bio-based alternative produced from plant fiber with the help of super-bacteria. The company has received support from incubators and industry connections in the EU, as well as stakeholders in the personal care industry who are seeking sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals [b3cd230a].
BASF has launched ChemCycling in the United States, offering Ccycled products made from feedstock derived from plastic waste. The products, manufactured at the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals facility in Port Arthur, Texas, utilize recycled feedstock through a mass balance approach, partially replacing fossil resources. The advanced recycled building blocks can be used for various BASF products, such as super absorbent polymers, engineered plastics, and polyurethanes. By establishing advanced recycling as a complementary solution to mechanical recycling, BASF aims to utilize more plastic waste that cannot be recycled mechanically. Less than 9% of plastic waste is currently recycled in the U.S. BASF's ChemCycling products have the same properties as products made from fossil-derived building blocks and can be used in high-performance packaging, automotive, and construction applications. The launch of ChemCycling in the U.S. is part of BASF's efforts to create a more circular economy for plastics and contribute to a more sustainable future [d8487e99].