Automotive Brand Automotive Owner 10 Published in bioplastics MAGAZINE ago Years News Bayer Starts Pilot Plant for Plastic Manufacturing With CO 2 Bayer of Leverkusen, Germany is taking a new direction in the production of high-quality plastics with the help of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the energy sector. A pilot plant has come on stream at In May 2021, Somsri Phanichrungruang, President of PTT MCC Biochem says: Chempark Leverkusen to trial the new process on a technical scale. The plant produces a chemical precursor into which CO 2 is incorporated and then processed into polyurethanes that are used in many everyday items. As a result, CO 2 – a waste gas and key contributor to climate change – can now be recycled and used as a raw material and substitute for petroleum. It has been a decade since the day PTTMCC was established, we remain at the forefront of the bioplastics industry as a premier supplier of PBS biopolymers. The only change was the shareholder transferring from PTT to GC, a petrochemical flagship company under PTT Group, so now it becomes a JV 50:50 between GC and MCC. Our goal for sustainability has been reaffirmed as we translate it into our vision to be the leading PBS solutions provider for a sustainable society. We are proud to offer the first biobased PBS in the world which has been widely recognized from the collaboration among entire value chains globally including many retailers, brandowners, and converters using BioPBS with versatile benefits of being made from renewable resources and also compostable at the end-of-life or even recyclable in paper coating application. These are our efforts in tackling all the challenges the world is facing today from global warming by shifting to renewable-based, from a single-used plastic waste issue affecting the environment by introducing our compostable solution resulting in waste reduction. It is still a long journey ahead as we keep growing, creating, and exploring what lies along the path for society sustainably. The innovative process is the result of the ‘Dream Production’ project; a collaboration between industry and science. Bayer is working on the project with the energy company RWE, which supplies the CO 2 used in the process. Other project partners are RWTH Aachen University and the CAT Catalytic Center, which is run jointly by the university and Bayer. The researchers recently achieved a break-through in laboratory-scale catalysis technology which makes it possible to put CO 2 to efficient use, for the first time. “There is an opportunity to establish Germany as a market leader for these technologies and secure ourselves a leading role in a competitive international environment,” said Bayer Board of Management member Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, when he addressed representatives from the media, government and science in Leverkusen earlier this year. “The inauguration of this pilot plant is another milestone in a long line of Bayer projects that have used innovative technologies to develop sustainable production processes.” The new process helps to boost sustainability in a number of different ways. For example, carbon dioxide may offer an alternative to petroleum, which has until now been the chemical sector’s main source of the key element carbon. Polyurethanes themselves also help to reduce energy consumption and protect the climate. When used to insulate buildings from cold and heat, they can save approximately 70 times more energy than is used in their production. www.bayer.com Mitsubishi and PTT Close JV Deal PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), Bangkog, Thailand recently announced that they would enter into a Joint Venture Agreement with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), the developer of bioplastic technology. Consequently, PTT and MCC have established PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited, the joint venture company with the shareholding proportion of 50% and 50% respectively on March 30, 2011. This joint venture will plan for the production of Polybutylene Succinate (PBS). PBS is biodegradable, but currently is made from petrochemical succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. Bio-based versions of these monomers will be used at the new project in Thailand. MCC brings process technology for the manufacture of the succinic acid, and marketing power to sell the PBS through its existing GSPla brand. PTT will contribute expertise in operations and logistics. The registered capital of the company is € 8.4 million (US$ 12 million). The joint investment is in accordance with PTT Group’s strategy in entering the bioplastic business in order to ensure sustainable green environment. MT www.pttplc.com www.www.m-kagaku.co.jp 6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/11] Vol. 6 https://tinyurl.com/2011-pttmcc 56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/21] Vol. 16
Brand-Owner’s perspective on bioplastics and how to unleash its full potential Brand Owner For the Melitta Group sustainable development is part of our purpose. Before this background, we are committed to the principles of circular economy and climate protection. In consequence, bioplastics can play an important role in the further development of our assortments. Therefore, it will be necessary to establish global markets for high quality 2nd or 3rd generation bioplastics, ideally with sustainability certification of their value chain. Additionally, for most materials and products practical recyclability infrastructures and corresponding recyclate markets should be in place. Biodegradability could be a suitable solution for material applications without feasible recycling options. To achieve these ambitious targets, a joined cross-sectoral engagement will be necessary.” Stefan Dierks, Director Sustainability - Melitta Group Management GmbH & Co. KG www.melitta-group.com New Edition 2020 New Edition 2020 BOOK STORE ORDER NOW www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/books email: books@bioplasticsmagazine.com phone: +49 2161 6884463 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/21] Vol. 16 57
