Joint R&D cooperation to develop an industrial biotechnology-based production process for acrylic acid from renewable raw materials. Key raw material for the production of bio-based superabsorbents for baby diapers.
17. August 2012
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BASF, Cargill and Novozymes have signed an agreement to
develop technologies to produce acrylic acid from
renewable raw materials.
Presently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of
propylene derived from the refining of crude oil. BASF -
The Chemical Company, Cargill and industrial
biotechnology company Novozymes will develop bio-based
technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable
feedstocks.
"The cooperation combines BASF's global market strength
and innovation power with the excellent know-how and
competencies of Novozymes and Cargill who are global
leaders in their respective industry segments. Together
we are uniquely positioned to more sustainably meet
market and society needs", said Michael Heinz, Member of
the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.
New milestone towards commercialization
Novozymes and Cargill have collaborated on renewable
acrylic acid technology since 2008. Both companies have
worked to develop microorganisms that can efficiently
convert renewable feedstock into 3-hydroxypropionic acid
(3-HP), which is one possible chemical precursor to
acrylic acid. BASF has now joined the collaboration to
develop the process for conversion of 3-HP into acrylic
acid.
BASF is the world´s largest producer of acrylic acid and
has substantial capabilities in its production and
downstream processing. The company plans initially to use
the bio-based acrylic acid to manufacture superabsorbent
polymers.
The three companies bring complementary knowledge to the
project. Novozymes, the world-leader in industrial
enzymes, has years of experience with developing
technologies for bio-based production of chemicals used
in plastics, ingredients, etc.
"BASF and Cargill are global leaders in their industries
and we are very excited to partner with them," says
Novozymes CEO Steen Riisgaard. "By offering bio-based
alternatives to fossil-based products we will take a big
step towards a more sustainable economy."
"Cargill is pleased to bring its global expertise in
sourcing renewable feedstocks and large-scale
fermentation to this collaborative project", said Chris
Mallett, Cargill Corporate Vice President of research and
development. "The work with BASF and Novozymes
underscores our commitment to developing innovative new
technologies that help our customers meet their business
objectives."
Acrylic acid is a high-volume chemical that feeds into a
broad range of products. One of the main applications is
in 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. The
annual global market volume of acrylic acid is around 4.5
million tons with a value of $11 billion* at the end of
2011. The market has been growing at a rate of 4 percent
per year.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The
Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals,
plastics, performance products and crop protection
products to oil and gas. We combine economic success,
social responsibility and environmental protection.
Through science and innovation we enable our customers
in almost all industries to meet the current and future
needs of society. Our products and system solutions
contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy
food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality
of life. We have summed up this contribution in our
corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a
sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5
billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as
of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the
stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and
Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available
on the Internet at www.basf.com.
About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of
food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and
services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company
employs 140,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps
customers succeed through collaboration and innovation,
and is committed to applying its global knowledge and
experience to help meet economic, environmental and
social challenges wherever it does business. For more
information, visit Cargill.com and its news center.
*Based on ICIS pricing
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