Neste and LyondellBasell Partner to Create Bio-Based Polymers for the Construction Industry

Neste, LyondellBasell, Biofibre, and Naftex have united their expertise and resources in a dynamic collaborative endeavor aimed at the development of bio-based polymers strengthened with natural fibers, tailored specifically to meet the demands of the construction sector.

This strategic consortium operates on a multifaceted premise. It commences with Neste's pivotal role in supplying LyondellBasell with a distinctive feedstock obtained entirely from 100% bio-based waste and residues, a range that notably encompasses cooking oil. This unique feedstock is denoted as "renewable Neste RE". Subsequent to this, LyondellBasell undertakes a sophisticated conversion process to transform the supplied feedstock into polypropylene (PP), which then takes center stage as an integral component of LyondellBasell's prized CirculenRenew portfolio. The polypropylene derived from this process becomes the foundational material for the subsequent phase led by Biofibre, where it is employed in the production of plastics granules. Notably, these granules are strategically fortified with natural fibers. Biofibre is emphatic in underlining the sustainable sourcing of these natural fibers, which are extracted in close proximity to their production site. Importantly, this sourcing strategy ensures that it does not infringe upon food or feed production, thereby aligning with principles of responsible resource allocation. The culmination of this intricate value chain occurs under the guidance of Naftex, where these fortified granules are expertly extruded into a versatile array of construction components, ranging from robust fence posts to functional profiles for terrace decking.

A noteworthy precedent set in 2021 serves as a foundation for this collaborative venture. Neste and LyondellBasell previously unveiled a comprehensive long-term commercial agreement. This agreement delineates a partnership wherein LyondellBasell takes charge of processing the Neste RE feedstock within its Wesseling plant located in Germany. An interesting aspect to highlight is that despite undergoing processing within a multifunctional cracker that manages an assortment of feedstocks beyond Neste RE, LyondellBasell confidently asserts that the resultant polymers bear an evident renewable-based content. This quantifiable content is discerned through carbon-14 (C14) analysis, an analytical methodology designed to gauge the percentage of renewable constituents within a product by detecting the presence of carbon-14 isotopes. This naturally occurring radioactive isotope distinguishes organic materials from fossil fuels. This perspective is echoed by LyondellBasell, which emphasizes, "The renewable content of CirculenRenew C14 is measured by an accredited third-party laboratory and stated as a parameter on the Certificate of Analysis."

Martin Bussmann, the Brand Owner Manager at Neste Renewable Polymers and Chemicals, accentuates the pivotal role of the construction sector in spearheading meaningful climate change initiatives. He underscores the instrumental contribution that renewable solutions, such as the renewable Neste RE feedstock for polymers, can render to this monumental endeavor. Bussmann brings to light a distinctive aspect where construction products, during their prolonged use-phase, function as reservoirs for carbon storage. These materials effectively capture atmospheric carbon, acting as transient buffers in the global fight against climate change.

A comprehensive lifetime cycle analysis (LCA), conducted by GreenSurvey on behalf of Biofibre, yields a striking affirmation. This analysis substantiates that the biomass's capacity for carbon sequestration from the atmosphere surpasses the emissions introduced into the supply chain through the logistics and manufacturing intricacies associated with the production of reinforced plastics granules. This revelation distinctly underscores the commendable sustainability credentials intrinsic to this collaborative initiative.