Switzerland-headquartered ABB has formed a supply agreement with bio-based polypropylene (PP) supplier Citroniq, aiming to provide advanced automation, electrification, and digitalization technology for Citroniq's biogenic PP facility in Nebraska. Once operational in 2029, this plant is set to become the world's first full commercial-scale facility of its kind.

Source: PlasticsToday

Sustainable Production from Corn-Based Ethanol

The facility will produce fully certified biogenic PP, leveraging the established corn-based ethanol industry in the United States. Citroniq's strategy focuses on creating a more sustainable platform for plastic manufacturing in the U.S. while reducing emissions in the challenging plastics sector.

• Potential Carbon Reduction: At full scale, the three-plant platform is projected to decarbonize domestic PP production by 20%, according to Citroniq. The initial facility will convert corn-based ethanol into PP, capturing three million metric tons of CO₂ annually and permanently storing it as solid pellets.

Citroniq has emphasized the importance of collaborating with ABB early in the process due to its “leadership in automation and expertise” essential for such a project.

Optimizing Plant Design and Operations

Upon making the final investment decision, ABB will implement its ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control technology, advanced process control, digital simulation, electrical equipment, instrumentation, and engineering services. This will help optimize the design, delivery, and operation of the plant.

We are proud to collaborate on this complex project, bringing our technology and expertise to enable the development of a low-carbon manufacturing infrastructure in the US.

The Nebraska City facility is expected to have a capacity of 600,000 tonnes per year, with plans for two additional plants of similar scale in Falls City, NE. Citroniq's platform utilizes locally produced ethanol and proven technologies in a distinctive configuration. The company's E2O process significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, permanently sequestering carbon within a plastic pellet that can be repurposed to create new products, thereby aiding companies in achieving their net-zero targets.

Market Opportunities for Bio-Based PP

Polypropylene finds extensive use in packaging and has significant applications across various sectors, including consumer goods, automotive components, and medical products. Due to its lightweight, durability, and environmental benefits, bio-based PP holds tremendous potential in the automotive industry. According to PlasticsToday contributing editor and MLT Analytics CEO Stephen Moore, EU legislation requiring a certain percentage of recycled content in vehicles could further drive this market.