MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 07+08/23 www.petpla.net 12 220,000 t bio-MEG and lignin-based renewable functional fillers to be produced here from the end of 2023 carbon contained in the wood and thus also make a greater contribution to mitigating climate change. Dr Duetsch continued, “We need to reduce the amount of wood used for energy generation and increase its material use to promote a circular economy and work towards eliminating the need for new fossil raw materials. Compared to the fossil MEG market, which amounts to 33Mt/a, our volumes are certainly micro-quantities, but it is a sensible step nonetheless as it clearly shows the way towards a renewable carbonbased chemistry and can enable further investments in renewable chemicals and recycling facilities. These are critically needed as almost all the carbon used in the chemical system today comes from fossil feedstocks. In general, however, we see a multitude of opportunities for bio-MEG - and PET is certainly a key application here. But we also see great potential in, for example, engine and battery coolants (MEG usually consists of 95% of this composition) and are experiencing interest from the polyester, as well as the polyurethane industry.” Applications in the PET industry The potential applications are particularly exciting for the plastic packaging industry and thus also for the PET industry. According to UPM, the wood-based chemical intermediates would offer the same chemical properties as fossil-based chemicals, but with 70% less CO2 emissions. In addition, little or no operational changes or retrofitting of existing production facilities is said to be required. “It can be easily integrated into existing PET production,” says Dr Duetsch. “Ideally, this bio-based PET will be mechanically recycled at the end of its life, just as its fossil counterparts should be. If this is not possible, there is the option of chemical recycling through glycolysis. By integrating bio-PET, we see an important step towards a holistic circular economy in the PET value chain.” Once the plant is up and running, they plan to supply CSD and water bottle manufacturers, among others. Bio-MEG from UPM’s own pilot plant has already been successfully processed into PET and verified by beverage producers. Bio-MEG also as a complement to and in rPET According to UPM, rPET will have to cover the lion’s share of carbon raw materials in the future in order to increasingly initiate and maintain sustainability and the circular economy. Dr Duetsch commented: “It is extremely important to reuse and recycle materials. But even in a functioning circular economy, there will always be losses in the process. These losses can be offset, for example, by sustainable raw materials, such as our Bio-MEG, which are already available now and help create a circular carbon economy. The admixture of bio-based MEG can also be useful in the production of rPET and the recycling-related losses. Freshly heralded partnership to produce PETG On June 1, the company made another step official, namely the cooperation with the Portugal-based international copolyester producer Selenis, a subsidiary of the IMG Group. The aim here is to produce sustainable PETG using UPM’s Bio-MEG. Selenis focuses on developing products that are fully recyclable in the PET stream and has technologies that can convert plastic waste into new polymers. This should enable converters and Selenis brand owners to adapt their products so that they too can reduce their CO2 footprint by adding bio and recycled content while maintaining performance. www.upmbiochemicals.com
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