Bangkok, Thailand-headquartered SCG Chemicals is collaborating with Avantium, the Amsterdam-based developer of renewable and circular polymers, on the pilot production of PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid).

PLGA is a biodegradable, recyclable polyester with excellent barrier and mechanical properties, as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based polyesters.

Avantium’s Volta Technology uses electrochemistry to convert CO2 to high-value products and chemical building blocks including glycolic acid. Importantly, combined with lactic acid, it can be used to produce the PLGA polyester on existing manufacturing lines.

Building on the initial success of the partnership, the two companies have spent the past year thoroughly exploring the properties of PLGA to perfect its formulation for large-scale polymer applications, with a focus on barrier properties, recyclability and environmental impact.

They have now committed to a multi-year collaboration to pilot the production of PLGA from CO2 feedstock and will work together on developing various applications and Avantium has granted SCGC an option to negotiate a license deal to use its Volta Technology within Southeast Asia.

“Together with Avantium, SCGC has evaluated PLGA samples and we are highly impressed with the sustainability and performance characteristics of this material,” said Dr Suracha Udomsak, executive vice president and chief innovation officer of SCGC. “Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and we look forward to further advancing PLGA production with Avantium.”

www.avantium.com

www.scgchemicals.com