Citroniq Chemicals to Build World’s Largest Decarbonized Plastics Facility in Nebraska

Citroniq Chemicals, a leader in biochemical manufacturing, has chosen Falls City’s Mid-America Rail Campus in Nebraska as the site for its pioneering bio-based production mega-facility. This project is a key part of the Nebraska BioEconomy Initiative, which aims to enhance the state's economic growth, support rural communities, and create sustainable, high-paying jobs.

The facility will convert ethanol, derived from Nebraska’s corn, into bio-based polypropylene, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. By doing so, Citroniq will not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also boost the state’s agricultural sector, benefiting local farms and rural economies. The plant is set to be operational by 2029.

Lucas Froeschl, Executive Director of Falls City EDGE, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Citroniq’s commitment to integrating their operations within the Falls City community is a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact. We are thrilled to collaborate with them in establishing Falls City as a key player in Nebraska’s growing bioeconomy.”

The new plant will be a major contributor to Citroniq's vision of creating the world’s largest decarbonization platform. The facility is expected to capture over 7 million tons of CO2 annually, while producing OrganicPP™, a bio-based polypropylene pellet used in decarbonizing sectors such as the automotive industry and other U.S. manufacturing industries. The company’s strategy includes scaling up operations rapidly, with plans to build multiple plants, transforming the U.S. plastics industry and reducing the carbon footprint of U.S. polypropylene production by 20%.

CEO Kelly Knopp highlighted the impact of Citroniq’s approach: “We are building a sustainable future by turning Nebraska’s corn into a wide range of durable, decarbonized plastic products. Our bio-plastics manufacturing hubs will create high-paying jobs in rural communities, support local economies, and drive environmental progress.”

Citroniq chose Nebraska due to its favorable location, abundant ethanol feedstock, and strong logistics infrastructure, including excellent rail access to industrial consumers of plastic products. This move aligns with the goals of the Nebraska BioEconomy initiative, which focuses on promoting sustainable practices, revitalizing rural areas, and leveraging the state’s agricultural assets for long-term economic growth.

Citroniq Chemicals is leading the charge in the energy transition by producing carbon-negative materials at scale. Its innovative platform for the chemical and plastics industries uses bio-based feedstocks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, permanently capturing carbon in the form of useful plastic pellets. This process supports companies in meeting their climate goals while advancing sustainable manufacturing practices.