Avantium, SCG Chems sign deal on recyclable polyester production

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Avantium has signed a multi-year collaboration agreement to pilot the production of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) from carbon dioxide (CO2), with Thai producer SCG Chemicals (SCGC), the Netherlands-based circular polymer materials firm said on Wednesday.

PLGA is a biodegradable, recyclable polyester which is an alternative for conventional fossil-based polyesters.

“Under this agreement, SCGC will provide support for all stages of technology development,” Avantium said in a statement.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

“Additionally, SCGC will work with Avantium on developing various PLGA applications, aiming to bring these sustainable solutions to market.”

Avantium and SCGC have spent the past year exploring the properties of PLGA to perfect its formulation for large-scale polymer applications, with a focus on barrier properties, recyclability, and environmental impact.

As part of the collaboration, Avantium grants SCGC an option to negotiate license deal to utilize its Volta technology, including PLGA production, within southeast Asia.

Avantium’s Volta technology uses electrochemistry to convert CO2 to high-value products and chemical building blocks including glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid, combined with lactic acid, can be used to produce PLGA polyester in existing manufacturing assets.