Gevo, Inc. and chemical giant LG Chem, Ltd., have entered into a joint development agreement to develop bio-propylene, a building block for renewable chemicals, using Gevo’s Ethanol-to-Olefins (ETO) technology.
The ETO process developed and patented by Gevo uses ethanol as a feedstock for the production of carbon neutral or carbon negative drop-in replacements for olefins such as propylene, isobutylene and hydrogen for use as standalone molecules or as feedstock to produce other biochemicals or biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates - varying from corn, sugar beets, rice straw, even wood - as raw materials. The technology also enables certain plastics, such as polyester, to be made with more sustainable ingredients.
Under the terms of the present agreement, Gevo will provide the core enabling technology and together the parties will collaborate to accelerate the pilot research, technical scale-up, and commercialisation of bio-propylene.
“We believe Gevo’s ethanol to olefin’s process can be more capital and energy efficient than existing technologies to make the renewable olefin intermediates used in the production of chemicals or fuels,” said Gevo’s Chief Carbon and Innovation Officer, Dr. Paul Bloom.
Bio-propylene is a drop-in replacement for its conventionally produced fossil-based counterpart. It is projected to become a major player in the rapid growth of the bioplastic market and circular economy. Once commercialisation is achieved, bio-propylene could be used as a drop-in replacement for use in automobile interiors and exteriors, flooring, and diapers to replace petroleum products with bio-based materials with a low or negative carbon footprint.
“Our joint development agreement with Gevo helps LG Chem expand sustainable and eco-friendly future businesses by reinforcing our business portfolio centered on bio-based raw materials,” said Noh Kug-lae, President of LG Chem’s Petrochemical Business.
LG Chem is committed to reaching carbon-neutral growth by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 by managing the impacts of climate change and making positive contributions to society through renewable energy and responsible supply chains. Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, LG Chem has multiple operation sites worldwide and generated consolidated revenue of KRW 51.9 trillion (USD 42.1 billion) in 2022.