PolyOne allies with Archer Daniels Midland to develop bio-based plasticizers

Polymer supplier PolyOne Corporation has joined forces with agricultural processor Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) to develop bio-based plasticizers for use in polymer formulations.

Used primarily to make plastics softer and more flexible, the global plasticizer market is an $11 billion industry, and is comprised mostly of petroleum-based products. The goal of the alliance, according to the companies, is to develop and commercialize bio-based plasticizers from corns and oilseeds.

“There is clear market interest in renewable technology as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plasticizer offerings,” said Dr. Cecil Chappelow, vice president, innovation, sustainability, and chief innovation officer at Cleveland, Ohio-based PolyOne. “We are confident that PolyOne’s compounding expertise and global market reach, coupled with ADM’s deep knowledge of agricultural-based chemistries and manufacturing techniques, will lead to a new generation of plasticizers and compounds for our customers and for the global polymer industry.”

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