TAGS: Biobased Solutions
Novomer has announced the successful demonstration of the lowest-cost polymerization process to make compostable polymers that satisfy brand owner requirements for circular economy solutions. The compostable polymer, tradenamed Rinnovo™, will use Novomer’s highly efficient catalyst technology to manufacture world-scale production quantities.
Plans to Design a Commercial Facility
The compostable material – now proven at demonstration scale - is being manufactured in sample quantities at Novomer’s Innovation Center in Rochester, N.Y. The successful demonstration of the technology will enable Novomer to begin the design and engineering of a commercial facility, allowing Novomer to commence construction of an intended 80,000-tonne facility in 2022.
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As a company focused on scalable materials for the circular economy, Novomer has committed significant resources towards its mission to cost effectively address the plastic waste challenge,” said Novomer CEO Jeff Uhrig.
PHA Polymer Synthesized Using Highly Selective Catalysts
Rinnovo™ is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer that is synthesized using proprietary and highly selective catalysts, enabling scale and cost advantages over incumbent routes to compostable polymers. It is produced via Novomer’s patented COEth™ technology which is designed to convert ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide to produce lactones. The demonstration plant utilizes a low-cost initiator to facilitate ring opening polymerization. Under the conditions of chain propagation, Novomer has achieved molecular weights required for commercial applications.
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Brand owners need assurances that compostable solutions can be cost effective and scaled,” said Uhrig. “
This is an exciting first step to begin the process of product performance validation and application development.”
Rinnovo™ has been tested and meets the requirements of ASTM D6400, the U.S. standard specification for compostable plastics, along with the European Union’s EN13432 directive for compostable and biodegradable packaging. Rinnovo™ is flexible and provides over 500% elongation for the production of blown film while also offering higher tensile strength than polyethylene (PE). Novomer sees broad use for Rinnovo™ compostable polymers in a range of applications including bags, labeling, agricultural films, and waste packaging.
Source: Novomer