Neste And Lyondellbasell JV To Create A More Sustainable Alternative To Petrochemically Derived Commodity Polymers

Neste and LyondellBasell JV to create a more sustainable alternative to petrochemically derived commodity polymers

03-Sep-19

A joint venture between Neste and LyondellBasell will create a more sustainable alternative to petrochemically derived commodity polymers. This venture leverages Neste's experience in renewable hydrocarbons derived from sustainable biobased raw materials, as well as LyondellBasell's technical capabilities in large scale chemical production. An initial production run has successfully resulted in the production of several thousand tons approved for use in food packaging. The polymer itself is marketed under the brand name Circulen, and has been added to LyondellBasell's circular economy product line. An independent third party tested the polymer products using carbon tracers and confirmed they contained over 30% renewable content.

"LyondellBasell has an innovative spirit that spans decades, and an achievement like this showcases concrete actions we are taking in support of a circular economy," said Richard Roudeix, LyondellBasell Senior Vice President of Olefins and Polyolefins for Europe, Asia and International. "Through the use of renewable resources, we are contributing to the fight against climate change and helping our customers achieve their environmental targets."

"We are excited to enable the plastics industry to introduce more bio-based material into its offering. It is very satisfying to see Neste's renewable hydrocarbons performing perfectly in a commercial scale production of bio-based polymers, providing a drop-in replacement option to fossil materials," said Neste's President and CEO Peter Vanacker. "This pioneering collaboration with LyondellBasell marks a major milestone in the commercialization of Neste's renewable polymers and chemicals business focusing on developing renewable and circular solutions for forward-looking sustainable brands."