Virent, a US-based company, created the feedstock - paraxylene (PX) - entirely from plant based sugars using its own catalytic process.
The manufacturer claims that the end result, which has been trademarked BioFormPX, is made up of PX molecules identical to those made from petroleum.
The feedstock can be used to create petroleum-free products in bottling, packaging and a variety of fibers and materials.
“Our plant-based PX paves the way for 100 per cent sustainable, recyclable products and packaging with complete freedom from crude oil,” said Virent CEO, Lee Edwards.
Edwards explained that its catalytic process allows for the creation of PX from different raw material sources. It can also be blended to suit different customer requirements.
“Our PX can be blended at any ratio the customer desires, and made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including sugar cane, corn, and woody biomass. Our catalytic process is tunable to customer specs, and situated to meet the entire spectrum of fossil fuel replacement.”
Virent, which has received investment from companies including Shell, Cargill and Honda, is working with potential partners and customers on expansion options for its 10,000 gallon a year demonstration plant in Madison, Wisconsin.