Lummus Technology, a provider of process technologies headquartered in Texas, and PHA producer RWDC Industries, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on scaling and commercialising the production of PHAs. The partnership is intended to accelerate the availability and adoption of PHA resin.
The MOU was signed by the two companies at a ceremony that took place at Lummus’ headquarters in Houston, with RWDC CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway and Lummus president and CEO Leon de Bruyn as signatories.
RWDC has its global headquarters in Singapore and its operational headquarters in Athens, Georgia. The company uses plant-based oils, including post-consumer or waste cooking oils, to produce its proprietary PHA, which it markets under the name Solon. RWDC has obtained biodegradability and compostable certifications for its Solon PHA material from TUV Austria, which provide third-party verification that the material will biodegrade in any natural environment, preventing persistent plastics and microplastics from accumulating in the environment. According to RWDC, PHAs can be used in applications where traditional petroleum-derived plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene are used.
“Our focus is to make environmentally safe and highly functional biobased materials available globally,” said Dr. Carraway. Signing the MOU represents the first step towards a joint development that is aimed at rapidly increasing the manufacturing capacity for PHAs through global licensing opportunities. Lummus will bring its expertise in process technology to the partnership; RWDC will contribute its know-how and experience in PHA production and application.
“Our partnership with Lummus is a significant step toward enabling PHA to assist our customers — and, therefore, consumers — in meeting the global challenge of plastics pollution,” Carraway added.
“We are excited to combine Lummus and RWDC’s collective expertise, experience and resources to commercialise PHAs, a sustainable and economic solution to help address global plastic waste,” said Leon de Bruyn. “Together, we can provide eco-friendly biodegradable plastics, while driving innovation and advancing the circular economy of our industry.”