January 4, 2025 – Gevo, a North American pioneer in eco-friendly fuels, and LG Chem have recently announced an extension of their joint development agreement, continuing their collaboration to pave the way for green bio-based propylene. This partnership leverages Gevo’s exclusive Ethanol-to-Olefins (ETO) technology, focusing on the in-depth development of renewable chemicals.
Bio-based propylene, a key ingredient in bio-based polypropylene (PP), is emerging as an eco-friendly star, poised to replace fossil-based products. With its low or even negative carbon footprint, it promises to shine in future plastic applications such as automotive interiors, exteriors, flooring, and diapers, ushering in a green revolution in the eco-material market.
According to Color Masterbatch Industry Network insights, the development pathways for bio-based propylene are diverse, with bio-ethanol-derived propylene particularly noteworthy. The collaboration between LG Chem and Gevo is rooted in this technological approach, aiming to produce 100% bio-based products through bio-ethanol conversion, with potential carbon emissions reductions of over 90%. Lummus, a leader in this field, has already launched a world-class bio-based polypropylene project, setting a green benchmark for the industry.
Moreover, bio-propane dehydrogenation and bio-isopropanol dehydration are also crucial directions in bio-based propylene development. The partnership between global renewable energy giant Neste and Borealis, along with Mitsui Chemicals’ breakthroughs in bio-isopropanol dehydration technology, are smoothing the path for the industrialization of bio-based propylene.
Notably, significant progress has been made in China’s Zhongyuan Petrochemical Bio-based Polyolefins project. Launched in October 2023, the project successfully produced qualified products in early September 2024, with an initial output of 2,500 tons. This not only marks the debut of China’s first bio-based polyolefin product but also represents a significant milestone in the green transformation of China’s petrochemical industry. Currently, the product has gained recognition from multiple customers and secured its first order, marking a solid step towards the commercialization of bio-based polyethylene products.