Synthos, Lummus in link-up for bio-butadiene production

O?wi?cim, Poland – Czech polymer and synthetic rubber supplier Synthos SA has entered a partnership with US engineering firm Lummus Green Circle for the industrial-scale development of bio-butadiene production technology.

The partners have launched a feasibility study for the construction of a 20-kilotonne per annum (ktpa) plant producing bio-butadiene from bio-ethanol, Synthos announced 31 May.

The company statement did not offer further details on the location of the plant or the investment size. 

The collaboration aims to develop an industrial technology for producing bio-butadiene based on Synthos' research and Lummus' experience in scaling and commercialising technologies.

The move is part of Synthos' strategy to develop a portfolio of products grades which are “sustainable, resource-efficient and with minima environmental footprint.”

“Sustainability is a key driver of the development of Synthos' product portfolio,” said Matteo Marchisio, synthetic rubbers and tire materials business unit director. 

According to Marchisio, Synthos started research on renewable-based butadiene production in 2012, and by December 2015, had built a pilot plant to test the catalyst on a larger scale. 

“The promising results prompted the company to start the next level of technology development,” he said, adding that the Czech group will tap into Lummus Green Circle’s expertise at this stage.

“We look forward to collaborating with Synthos to support their goals for investing in more sustainable bio-rubbers and commercialising this promising technology,” said Leon de Bruyn, president and CEO of Lummus Technology.