Danimer Scientific, Inc., a bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, says it is collaborating with Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) to explore a loop slurry reactor design for the manufacture of Rinnovo. Rinnovo is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22 catalyst technology that can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics.
If successful, the reactor design is expected to increase utilization of future manufacturing plants, drive higher production volumes and lower overall costs, as compared to the polymerization reactor design currently used in the production of Rinnovo, according to Danimer.
Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, says, “CPChem’s loop slurry technology is one of the world’s most renowned processes for producing polyolefins efficiently and economically. This collaboration enhances our strategy of accelerating the production of our biodegradable polymers to better serve our customers and reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste.”
First introduced in 1961, CPChem’s loop slurry processes reportedly produce a wide range of resins for a variety of applications. Today, the technology, through CPChem and its licensees, accounts for a significant portion of high-density polyethylene production worldwide, according to Danimer. Jim Telljohann, senior vice president, research & technology of CPChem, says, “This collaboration with Danimer is illustrative of CPChem’s commitment to advance programs in support of our product sustainability, circularity and climate efforts.”
For more information, visit www.DanimerScientific.com