A biological formulation of the venerable chemical intermediate 1,4-butanediol (BDO) is emerging clearly as the catalyst for the burgeoning biopolymers revolution, fuelled by the technology of US biotech firm Genomatica (San Diego, California; www.genomatica.com). In an update on its growing bioplastics portfolio, Italy’s Novamont (Novara; www.novamont.com) said the Genomatica process figures prominently in its plan for integrated production of biopolymers and their renewable feedstocks.

Announcing that it has developed the fourth generation of its “Mater-Bi” family of biodegradable and compostable plastics, Novamont confirmed that will produce its own renewable feedstock. In a converted amino acid plant at Bottrighe / Italy – see Plasteurope.com from 16.01.2012 – subsidiary MaterBiotech will manufacture BDO from sugar, using the Genomatica process. In July 2012, Novamont signed a memorandum of understanding with the US biotech company and Italy’s Versalis (Milan / Italy; www.polimerieuropa.com) to jointly develop the technology – see Plasteurope.com from 26.07.2012.

The Novamont update comes in close chase with BASF’s announcement of a production licence agreement with Genomatica – see Plasteurope.com from 15.05.2013 – and Lanxess’ report of successful trials with the biotech company’s renewable BDO as a feedstock for PBT polymerisation – see Plasteurope.com from 26.06.2013.

Using what is billed as a “completely new technology” that chemically converts the oil into azelaic acid and other acid feedstocks, Matrìca, the 50:50 joint venture of Novamont and Versalis, is establishing a biopolymers hub at Porto Torres in Sardinia. Altogether seven plants are planned for the former Vinyls Italia site by 2016, including a new 120,000 t/y plant for “Mater-Bi” bioplastics.

Noting that the new biopolymer facilities are being built at permanently shuttered petrochemical production hubs, Novamont CEO Catia Bastioli stressed that such sites can become catalysts for regeneration of areas that are currently facing serious difficulties, as part of a regional development model with local roots and a global vision.