German chemicals company, BASF has decided to exit its R&D partnership with Novozymes and Cargill to develop a bio-based process for producing 3-hydroxypropionic (3-HP) and acrylic acid from renewable raw materials.
BASF joined the collaboration with Novozymes and Cargill in 2012, with the latter two partnering on the project since 2008 and will continue their work to commercialise bio-based 3-HP and derivatives.German chemicals company, BASF has decided to exit its R&D partnership with Novozymes and Cargill to develop a bio-based process for producing#
“The two companies have initiated efforts to find a new commercialisation partner,” Novozymes said in a statement.
“We are continuing our work with Novozymes to commercialise 3-HP to bio-based chemicals, including acrylic acid to bring more sustainable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals,” says Cargill’s vice president of research and development, Jack Staloch.
“This is pioneering biochemical research, and the technology development and achievements so far have been extraordinary,” says Kristian Bjørneboe, vice president for business creation and acquisition at Novozymes.
In 2013, the project accomplished the production of 3-HP in pilot scale, and in September 2014 announced the successful conversion of 3-HP to glacial acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers.
Acrylic acid is a high-volume chemical with one of its main applications being the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers that can soak up large amounts of liquid and are used mainly in baby diapers and other hygiene products.
Acrylic acid is also used in adhesive raw materials and coatings. Presently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived from the refining of crude oil. (AR)
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India