Roquette and Rhodia sign agreement to develop plant-based polymers

(specialchem4adhesives) -- Roquette and Rhodia Acetow have signed an agreement to develop new plant-based polymers. This will enable both companies to leverage synergies bringing together respective competencies in the field of plant-based polymer chemistry.

"This agreement will accelerate the launch of new polymers based on renewable raw material, for which the demand is drastically increasing. The plant-based polymer cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate fibre will remain the key products for Rhodia Acetow. This agreement is one first step towards the diversification of our product portfolio," stated Gerard Collette, President of Rhodia Acetow.

Thanks to Roquette's expertise in starch derivatives and Rhodia's industrial technologies, some trials of starch acetate production will be carried out from early 2012 providing several tons which will be available for testing in diverse industrial applications. Potential fields of application include paper, paint and dye sectors and pharmaceuticals.

Rhodia Acetow is a fully integrated global player in the manufacture of cellulose acetate fiber, used extensively in the manufacture of cigarette filters. Rhodia Acetow is the third largest producer of cellulose acetate tow (worldwide market share is over 16%), with facilities in Europe, Russia, USA and Brazil. Its strategy rests on four pillars: world class quality, continuous competitiveness improvement, product innovation and proactive customer support.

mrcplast.com