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Renewable raw materials
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Substituting plant-based resources for fossil-based resources
Since its beginnings, organic chemistry has developed chiefly on the basis of oil, natural gas and coal – fossil-based resources that are now being exhausted. Consequently, the future of chemistry lies in part in innovations that increasingly make use of renewable molecules from plant production – the only ones that can sustainably replace oil.
Arkema’s expertise in plant chemistry
Arkema has the advantage of longstanding experience in the use of plant-based raw materials, particularly ricin chemistry, which produces a family of high-value-added performance products, including Rilsan® 11, a top-of-the-range polyamide designed for technical applications, and its by-products, used in perfumes and the agri-food industry.
Arkema Renewables: the Arkema label for renewable raw material-based products
Arkema's products made in whole or in part from raw materials of renewable origin (over 20% non-fossil-based carbon, as assessed by an independent body according to an international standard) are awarded the label of “Arkema Renewables” and are identified by a special logo. These products currently represent close to 5% of Arkema’s sales, a share that is expected to double by 2012.
New plant-based high-performance polymers
| The first range of thermoplastic elastomers directly inspired by ricin oil chemistry, Pebax® Rnew products have the same exceptional properties as traditional Pebax® oil derivative-based products and have countless applications in many areas, from sports to electronics to medical equipment. |
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| Platamid® Rnew, made of 100% renewable raw materials, makes it possible to manufacture hot-melt thermoplastic adhesives for the most delicate bonding applications. |
Glycerol to boost propylene
Arkema’s R&D is working to enhance glycerol, a polyol that is a by-product of the manufacture of biofuels from plants such as rapeseed, sunflower and soya. Glycerol could serve as an occasional replacement for propylene, in the manufacture of acrolein and acrylic acid, two products with multiple applications, ranging from pharmaceuticals to animal feed, by way of the paper industry.
