Bio-based Acrylic Acid Milestone for BASF, Cargill and Novozymes

A joint research team of BASF, Cargill and Novozymes, at work since August 2012 to develop a process for the conversion of renewable raw materials into bio-based acrylic acid, said it has reached another milestone in the technology.

After demonstrating the production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), one possible precursor to acrylic acid, at pilot scale in July 2013, the companies said they have now successfully converted 3-HP to glacial acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers. They have selected the process for further scale-up.

BASF, which claims to be world's largest producer of petrochemical-based acrylic acid, said it initially plans to use the bio-based product to make superabsorbent polymers. Teressa Szelest, senior vice president of the Global Hygiene Business at the German chemical giant, said it is "working full force" on the set-up of a small integrated pilot plant by the end of this year.

Together with the pilot plant for 3-HP operated by Cargill and supported by Novozymes, this will further support BASF's plans for fast market entry of superabsorbent polymers derived from bio-based acrylic acid, she said.

Strain and fermentation optimization towards commercial scale requirements is progressing steadily," said Kristian Bjørneboe, vice president Business Creation and Acquisition at Novozymes.

Currently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived mainly from the refining of crude oil.

Superabsorbent polymers and other products derived from bio-based acrylic acid will be an innovative offer to the market and will meet consumer and industry demand for consumer goods based on renewable raw materials and sustainable supply chains, BASF said.