AVA-CO2 announces successful development of new interface for different FDCA oxidation routes

31.05.2016

“When you think of 5-HMF, think of us,” Thomas Kläusli, Chief Marketing Officer at AVA-CO2, urged his audience at the Bio-Based Chemicals & Bio-Based Products World event taking place today and tomorrow at the Hotel Okura, in Amsterdam (NL). Already the world leader in 5-HMF production, AVA-CO2 has now successfully developed its patented, water-based 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) process even further, Kläusli announced. A newly developed interface allows for the use of different solvents which are tailored to the oxidation processes for producing 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) on an industrial scale. This development enables a more flexible implementation of industrial 5-HMF and FDCA production, paving the way for using polyethylene furanoate (PEF) in competitive application markets such as bottles or films for food packaging.

A downstream product of 5-HMF, FDCA is the basis for PEF. PEF has superior product properties such as an improved gas barrier, a higher modulus and a lower melting point compared to petro-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a less sustainable alternative which PEF can replace. As well as targeting bottling or films for food packaging, AVA-CO2 sees additional potential to open up new markets, which have so far not been served by PET or other plastics. PEF-based products can also be used use in the cosmetics, personal care, detergent and medical technology industries.