South Korean chemical company LG Chem is set to produce 100% plant-based bio-acrylic acid derived from vegetable oils on a commercial scale in the second quarter of this year.
With an initial production capacity of 100 tonnes/year, LG Chem said it planned to scale up production if demand for eco-friendly raw materials increased.
Bio-acrylic acid is suitable for use in a range of materials, including cosmetic ingredients in direct contact with the skin, super absorbent polymers (SAP) for nappies, adhesives for electronics and vehicles, coating materials and eco-friendly paints.
Although attempts to develop bio-acrylic acid technology had been made worldwide, none had been used commercially to date, LG Chem said on 13 February.
The bio-acrylic acid was made using the organic compound, 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), as a precursor. The 3HP strain was made via a microbial fermentation process, with both the 3HP strain and fermentation technology attaining the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s certified biobased product label last year.
Starting with prototype production, LG Chem said it planned to promote the product in North America and Europe.
The cosmetics industry, which increasingly demanded plant-based and naturally derived ingredients, was expected to be a key market for bio-acrylic acid, it added.
Seoul-based LG Chem is active in the petrochemicals, advanced materials and life sciences sectors and also has a subsidiary specialising in batteries, according to its website.
