Biobased polymers and plastics from ethylene derived from hydrous sugarcane-based ethanol

30-Sep-08

Florida-based Industrial Biotechnology Corp., plans to manufacture biobased polymers and plastics from ethylene derived from hydrous sugarcane-based ethanol. The company plans to use preexisting chemical infrastructure to replace petroleum-based ethylene with hydrous-ethanol-based ethylene. For this, Renewable Chemicals has formed a joint venture with Brazilian-based sugar and ethanol producer Cosan S/A to solidify a feedstock supply for the project. The company has decided to settle on sugarcane-based ethanol because sugarcane is most affordable. Other ethanol feedstocks such as corn and biomass could be considered by the company if they are financially a viable option. Renewable Chemicals is currently in the process of completing feasibility studies and identifying a site for a facility, possibly in USA or Brazil. The company has been working on this project for approximately 18 months. Industrial Biotechnology's second subsidiary Renewable Fuels of America Inc. is working to import sugarcane-based ethanol from Brazil. Because the Caribbean Basin Initiative provides an exemption to the 54-cent/gallon U.S. tariff currently imposed on Brazilian ethanol imports, the company is currently seeking a Caribbean Basin country with dehydration capabilities.