Chemical supplier BASF is partnering with Dutch biochemical firm Avantium for the production and marketing of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), as well as marketing of polyethylenefuranoate (PEF), based on this new chemical building block.
FDCA is produced from renewable resources.
The JV includes the construction of a new reference plant, with an annual capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons per year, which will be located at BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium.
FDCA is the essential chemical building block for the production of the biopolyester PEF. Compared to conventional plastics, PEF is characterized by improved barrier properties for gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, which offers the opportunity for longer shelf life of packaged products.
“With the planned joint venture, we want to combine Avantium’s specific production technology and application know-how for FDCA and PEF with the strengths of BASF,” said Dr. Stefan Blank, president of BASF’s Intermediates division. “Of particular importance is our expertise in market development and large-scale production as an established and reliable chemical company in the business of intermediates and polymers.”