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The Road to Bring FDCA and PEF to the Market.

Authors :
de Jong E
Visser HRA
Dias AS
Harvey C
Gruter GM
Source :
Polymers [Polymers (Basel)] 2022 Feb 26; Vol. 14 (5). Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Feb 26.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Biobased polymers and materials are desperately needed to replace fossil-based materials in the world's transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. In this article, Avantium describes the path from invention towards commercialization of their YXY <superscript>®</superscript> plants-to-plastics Technology, which catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA-the chemical building block for PEF (polyethylene furanoate). PEF is a plant-based, highly recyclable plastic, with superior performance properties compared to today's widely used petroleum-based packaging materials. The myriad of topics that must be addressed in the process of bringing a new monomer and polymer to market are discussed, including process development and application development, regulatory requirements, IP protection, commercial partnerships, by-product valorisation, life cycle assessment (LCA), recyclability and circular economy fit, and end-of-life. Advice is provided for others considering embarking on a similar journey, as well as an outlook on the next, exciting steps towards large-scale production of FDCA and PEF at Avantium's Flagship Plant and beyond.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2073-4360
Volume :
14
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Polymers
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35267764
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050943