BASF, others advance bio-acrylic acid process

BASF, Cargill and Novozymes have announced the achievement of another milestone in their joint development of technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable raw materials, the companies said on Tuesday. 

The team says it has demonstrated the successful conversion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) to glacial acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers. Moreover, they have selected the process for further scale-up.

In August 2012, BASF, Cargill and Novozymes announced their joint agreement to develop a process for the conversion of renewable raw materials into bio-based acrylic acid. In July 2013, the partners successfully demonstrated the production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), one possible precursor to acrylic acid, at pilot scale.

BASF says it initially plans to use the bio-based acrylic acid to manufacture superabsorbent polymers. Currently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived mainly from the refining of crude oil.

“After just 18 months we have selected the preferred process to convert 3-HP into glacial acrylic acid. Now we are working full force on the set-up of a small integrated pilot plant until the end of this year,” said Teressa Szelest, senior vice president of BASF's global hygiene business.

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.

“We are pleased to see the project progressing with high pace and commitment towards commercialization,” said Kristian Bjørneboe, vice president for business creation and acquisition at Novozymes. 

“We are refining and pursuing options on how to move quickly towards commercial scale production of 3-HP to acrylic acid to meet market demands for consumer goods based on renewable raw materials. Meanwhile, strain and fermentation optimization towards commercial scale requirements is progressing steadily.”

The companies say they believe superabsorbent polymers and other products derived from bio-based acrylic acid will be an innovative offer to the market, thus meeting consumer and industry demand for consumer goods based on renewable raw materials and sustainable supply chains.