Page 165 - CW E-Magazine (14-11-2023)

News from Abroad

POOLING RESOURCES

Dow and Evonik announce start-up of HPPG pilot

plant

Dow and Evonik have announced
the successful start-up and operation
of a hydrogen peroxide to propylene
glycol (HPPG) pilot plant at Evonik’s
site in Hanau, Germany.

Collaboratively developed by Dow,
the world’s largest producer of propy-
lene glycol, and globally leading hy-
drogen peroxide manufacturer Evonik,
the plant uses the distinct Hyprosyn
method to enable the direct synthesis
of propylene glycol (PG) from hydro-
gen peroxide and propylene. The pilot
plant will demonstrate the benefits of
the novel technology. In contrast to the
traditional process, where propylene is less than 5% compared to conventional plant’s operations and capabilities to
used to make propylene oxide (PO), PG methods. In addition, existing PG scale up manufacturing, in support of
which is converted to PG through hy- plants can be retrofitted to benefit from growing market demand. “The start-up
drolysis, the Hyprosyn process uses a this new technology. of this pilot plant in Hanau not only
novel catalytic system to generate PG represents a major technological mile-
directly from propylene and hydrogen PG serves as an essential ingre- stone in our efforts to make industry
peroxide. The integration of all key re- dient such as a high-performing addi- more sustainable, it is also a prime
action stages in a single reactor elimi- tive, intermediate, or initiator in a example of how cross-company colla-
nates the need for additional invest- wide range of applications – including boration, like this partnership with
ments in PO capacity and lowers capi- industrial, food & animal feed, pharma- Dow, is essential to driving sustainable
tal requirements. The process also ena- ceuticals, and cosmetics. Over the solutions,” commented Mr. Michael
bles a reduced environmental footprint, next few years, the Dow and Evonik Träxler, head of Evonik’s Active
e.g., water consumption is reduced to teams will continuously evaluate the Oxygens business line.
DRIVING CIRCULARITY
LG Chem to produce plasticiser from discarded

PET bottles

South Korea’s LG Chem will pro- ing the flexibility and elasticity of poly- Korean refiner, to develop mass-production
duce a raw material for flooring and vinyl chloride (PVC). LG Chem said technologies for 3-hydroxypropionic acid
car seats using discarded polyethylene it would produce the plasticiser using (3HP), a raw material for biodegradable
terephthalate (PET) bottles. The green waste PET bottles. plastics and superabsorbent polymers used
plasticiser developed by the compa- in diapers, paints, coating materials, and
ny will help meet the demands of its LG Chem has obtained the Global carbon fibre. 3HP is produced through a
clients striving to export products to Recycling Standard (GRS) certification, an fermentation process of bio-materials such
North America, where regulation require internationally recognised credential for as glucose and unrefined glycerol derived
enhanced used of recycled materials. products containing more than 20% re- from vegetable oil. The two sides aim
cycled materials. The company is also to showcase a prototype of the material
Plasticisers are essential in improv- working with GS Caltex, a major South in the first quarter of 2024.

Chemical Weekly November 14, 2023 165

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