Partnership Between Avantium and SCGC to Advance Sustainable PLGA Polyester Production

Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced an enhanced partnership with SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited (SCGC), a prominent chemical innovator in Asia. The two companies have entered a multi-year collaboration to pilot the production of PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid), a biodegradable and recyclable polyester that serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based materials. This partnership represents a key milestone in Avantium’s efforts to bring eco-friendly solutions to market.

Avantium’s Volta Technology plays a crucial role in this collaboration, as it uses electrochemistry to convert CO2 into valuable chemical building blocks, including glycolic acid. When combined with lactic acid, glycolic acid can be used to produce PLGA polyester, leveraging existing manufacturing assets. PLGA’s outstanding barrier and mechanical properties make it a strong candidate for use in a variety of polymer applications, further supporting its potential as a sustainable material for large-scale production.

The two companies have spent the past year refining PLGA’s formulation, focusing on enhancing its recyclability, environmental impact, and performance in barrier properties. Their collaborative efforts are geared toward creating a polymer that is suitable for mass-market applications while adhering to sustainability goals. The new multi-year agreement solidifies their commitment to advancing PLGA production from CO2 feedstock, with SCGC providing full support throughout all stages of technology development.

In addition to piloting the production of PLGA, SCGC and Avantium aim to explore a range of applications for this material and drive its commercialization. The agreement also includes a provision for SCGC to negotiate a licensing deal to implement Avantium’s Volta Technology for PLGA production within Southeast Asia, which could significantly expand the adoption of these innovative technologies across the region. By collaborating on this initiative, both companies hope to accelerate the growth of sustainable materials, contributing to a circular economy.

Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer of SCGC, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential, noting SCGC’s commitment to green innovation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030. He praised the performance of the PLGA material and emphasized their enthusiasm for advancing its production further.

Gert-Jan Gruter, Chief Technology Officer at Avantium, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting that it not only showcases the potential of Volta Technology but also strengthens the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. He emphasized that this partnership with SCGC, which is also a cornerstone investor in Avantium through SENFI Ventures, will help drive the widespread adoption of sustainable materials on a global scale. Together, the companies are poised to make a significant impact on the polymer industry and contribute to global environmental goals.