Origin Materials, Inc. a leading carbon-negative materials company, and Husky Technologies, a technology provider, have announced a significant step in the commercialization of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) incorporating the sustainable chemical FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) for advanced packaging and other applications.
Origin successfully integrated FDCA, a bio-based sustainable chemical, into PET, creating a hybrid polymer termed “PET/F.” Husky, utilizing their injection molding technologies and manufacturing equipment, molded PET/F into preforms, which were subsequently transformed into bottles. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of integrating PET/F into existing PET production systems on a commercial scale.
The collaboration aims to develop and market a family of 100% bio-based, low-carbon PET/F polymers that offer full recyclability and superior performance compared to traditional petroleum-derived PET. PET/F is expected to provide customizable performance, with properties like improved mechanical performance and superior barrier properties, which can be adjusted by modifying manufacturing conditions and the amount of FDCA copolymer.
John Bissell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Origin Materials, emphasized the transformative potential of these materials, stating, “We believe these materials have the power to transform plastics and the material economy.” He also highlighted the importance of working with Husky to achieve this milestone in transitioning the world to sustainable materials.
John Galt, CEO of Husky Technologies, underlined their commitment to sustainability and collaboration with Origin Materials as an example of combining material innovation with state-of-the-art polymer processing technologies.
FDCA, the chemical building block involved in this innovation, has diverse applications in various industries, including polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, coating resins, and plasticizers. FDCA is also the precursor for the next-generation sustainable polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate). By combining FDCA with PET, Origin has created PET/F, a hybrid polymer that offers performance enhancements and full recyclability.
PEF, another product derived from FDCA, provides an attractive combination of sustainability and performance benefits for packaging. Origin’s PEF is expected to be 100% bio-based, fully recyclable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly, with superior strength, thermal properties, and barrier properties compared to commonly used petroleum-based materials. This achievement is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for packaging materials.