Alternative feedstock
Unchartered territory: Discovering a sustainable resource for bioplastics
The demand for bioplastics is higher than ever, thanks to consumers’ continued interest in sustainable products. Some of the world’s biggest brands are starting to use biobased materials, such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) in their packaging – a sure sign of the positive direction the industry is taking. However, with growing demands for materials with minimal impact on the environment, the methods of production used to create bioplastics is facing increased scrutiny.
Getting the facts straight
In parallel to advancing sustainable agriculture practices on the current feedstocks, Corbion is also actively exploring the use of next generation carbohydrates as a raw material for bioplastics, and other applications such as food, pharma and biomaterials. Unlike feedstocks, such as sugarcane or sugar beet (G1), second generation (G2) and third generation (G3) feedstocks are not intended for human consumption and have the potential to move biochemical processes further out of the food-chain. G2 feedstocks include lignocellulosic biomasses that are derived from farm or industrial waste streams and require more pre-treatment than a G1 feedstock. Some of the options that Corbion is investigating in this category include whey, food waste, wood and paper mill residues and saw dust. G3 feedstocks include primarily algae and seaweed applications, and here too, Corbion is involved in longer term research with one aim being converting CO2 directly into fermentable carbohydrates.
Corbion is actively engaging and looking for external parties who have the potential to supply non-G1 feedstocks to Corbion assets. Today, the scale is small and technology readiness is low, however through open collaboration with technology providers and sugar suppliers, and the provision of feed and off-take options, we aim to stimulate the development of commercial-scale supply chains of G2 and G3 feedstocks in the coming decade.
