Renewable materials developer Avantium has formed a multi-year partnership with SCG Chemicals to pilot the production of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), using CO₂ as a feedstock.
PLGA is a promising material for the development and commercialisation of sustainable packaging materials.
Avantium's Volta Technology, which utilises electrochemistry to convert CO₂ into valuable products and chemical building blocks such as glycolic acid, is at the heart of this partnership.
When combined with lactic acid, glycolic acid can be used to create PLGA polyester, a biodegradable and recyclable material with superior barrier and mechanical properties. This makes PLGA a sustainable substitute for traditional fossil-based polyesters.
Over the past year, Avantium and SCG Chemicals have examined PLGA's characteristics to refine its formulation for broad polymer applications. Their focus has been on enhancing barrier properties, recyclability, and reducing environmental impact.
SCGC executive vice president and chief innovation officer Dr Suracha Udomsak said: “SCGC is committed to advancing Green Innovation to tackle low carbon challenges. Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030.
"Together with Avantium, SCGC has evaluated PLGA samples and we are highly impressed with the sustainability and performance characteristics of this innovative material. We look forward to further advancing PLGA production with Avantium in the years to come.”
Avantium chief technology officer Gert-Jan Gruter said: “We are pleased to partner with SCGC in this groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration not only highlights the potential of our Volta Technology but also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“By deepening our collaboration with SCGC, a cornerstone investor in Avantium through SENFI Ventures and a partner in our FDCA and PEF technology, we aim to make a significant impact on the global materials market.”
SCG Chemicals will provide comprehensive support throughout the technology development stages and collaborate with Avantium in developing various PLGA applications to introduce them to the market.
Additionally, Avantium is granting SCG Chemicals an option to negotiate a licensing agreement to utilise its Volta Technology for PLGA production within Southeast Asia.
Both Avantium and SCG Chemicals are also inviting other industrial collaborators to join this initiative to further explore and broaden PLGA applications, thereby driving innovation and sustainability in the polymer sector.
Earlier this month, Avantium partnered with Japanese beverage company Kirin Holdings to explore the application of Avantium’s polyethylene furanoate (PEF) material, branded as Releaf, in Kirin’s beverage portfolio.
