AkzoNobel has announced that it has signed a framework joint development agreement with specialty chemicals company Itaconix to explore opportunities for the production of bio-based polymers.
Netherlands-headed global paints and speciality chemicals major AkzoNobel has announced that it has signed a framework joint development agreement with specialty chemicals company Itaconix to explore opportunities for the production of bio-based polymers.
With this agreement, AkzoNobel will pursue the development and commercialisation of bio-based polymers. Itaconix will contribute a proprietary polymerisation technology to turn itaconic acid – obtained from sugars through fermentation – into polymers.
– This innovation enables the production of polymers from renewable ingredients, which fits closely with our Planet Possible sustainability agenda of doing more with less. These bio-based polymers offer unique properties in applications essential to our everyday lives, ranging from water quality to cleaning and hygiene, explained Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I Director for AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business.
Itaconix is a US subsidiary of Revolymer, which is also working with AkzoNobel on a marine coatings project.
– AkzoNobel has worldwide capabilities to utilise our itaconic acid polymers in many application areas. We believe this agreement is an important step for the further development of bio-based chemistry on a large scale, said Kevin Matthews, CEO of Revolymer.
