Leading renewable chemistry technology company Avantium has signed a supply agreement with renewable energy co-operative Tereos.
As part of the agreement, Tereos Cooperative Group will supply high fructose syrup - a locally-produced raw material made from European wheat – to Avantium Renewable Polymers for use as feedstock in the production of advanced bio-based polymers at its planned furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) flagship plant in the Netherlands, according to a 10 December statement by the two companies.
Avantium said its 5,000 tonnes/year flagship plant in Delfzijl would be the world’s first factory to produce FDCA on a commercial scale.
FDCA is a key feedstock for the 100% plant-based, recyclable plastic material polyethylene furanoate (PEF).
“This agreement is an important milestone in bringing a high-quality raw material produced by a recognised leader of the starch business into our production process,” Avantium renewable polymers managing director Bas Blom said.
High fructose syrup is one of the specialities developed in Tereos’ plant in Aalst, Belgium, dedicated to starch and sweeteners production for the food, feed, green energies and pharmaceuticals sectors.
“This strategic partnership combines Tereos’ proven track record in cereal processing and green chemistry with the long-standing expertise of Avantium in the promising field of bio-based polymers. It is also a strong sign of our shared commitment to develop renewable solutions made from plant-based technologies and locally produced raw material,” Tereos CEO (global starch & sweeteners) Christophe Lescroart said.
Avantium develops novel technologies based on renewable carbon sources as an alternative to fossil-based chemicals and plastics and currently has three technologies at pilot and demonstration phase.
The most advanced technology is the YXY plant-to-plastics–technology that catalytically converts plant-based sugars into a range of chemicals and plastics, such as PEF.
Avantium has also developed the Dawn technology that converts non-food biomass into industrial sugars and the Ray technology that catalytically converts industrial sugars to plant-based MEG (mono-ethylene glycol).
The company also provides advanced catalysis R&D services and systems to the refinery and chemical industries.
A leading company in the sugar, alcohol and starch markets, Tereos produces products for the food, health and renewable energy sectors and has 48 sites and is active in 18 countries.
