DATE : 2013-12-10 

Several chemical and biotechnology firms are looking for another non-petrochemical route in obtaining acrylic acid from 3-hydroxyproprionic acid. Finding a way to obtain an alternative to propylene-derived acrylic acid could provide sustainable benefits to the company that will be able to discover it. Arkema has established a process that converts biobased glycerine to acrylic acid. However, the established route was not feasible due to its costs. OPXBio has also established a route: the company is developing a fermentation process that will produce acrylic acid from sugars via the intermediate 3-hydroxyproprionic acid. Cargill has also formed a partnership with Novozymes to establish a similar process. BASF, Myriant, and Metabolix are also finding ways in producing the said process.

SOURCE : Icis News