Following the transaction’s closure, which is expected on or before Apr. 15, Global Sciences will create a Bio-based Technologies division, headed by Pure BioPlastics founder Ed Lehrburger.

Based in Fort Lupton, Colorado, Pure BioPlastics was initially established to scale up PureVision’s patented continuous countercurrent reactor (CCR) technology that converts non-food biomass such as hemp, corn stalks, switchgrass and wheat straw into pulp, lignin and sugars.

The technology has been proven at pilot-scale and Global Sciences plans to fund the scale-up of processing capability from 0.5 t/d to 8 t/d within 16-24 months. Ultimately, the firm intends to develop a 60 t/d CCR-based biorefinery, capable of future expansion.

Because the bio-based plastic created by the technology is 100% sourced from plant material, the composition of the principal product can be manipulated to control the timeline of the plastic degradation, Global Sciences said, adding that this characteristic would support a wide variety of “designer” biodegradable products, including straws, lids and plastic components for cars and aircraft.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist