ExxonMobil and Pregis LLC join forces for certified-circular foam packaging solution

Pregis LLC, headquartered in Chicago and renowned for its innovative protective packaging solutions, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking foam packaging product. Developed in collaboration with ExxonMobil Corp, based in Irving, Texas, this new product is supported by certified-circular polyethylene (PE) resins, marking a significant stride towards sustainability in the packaging industry, said Chemanalyst.

This initiative by Pregis stems from a pressing need to address consumer demand for circular plastic products while maintaining the high-performance standards expected of PE foam packaging. Recognizing the imperative for more environmentally conscious solutions, Pregis has embraced a holistic approach to circular design, leveraging ExxonMobil's expertise in advanced recycling technology to integrate certified-circular resins into their packaging applications.

The incorporation of certified-circular resins into protective foam applications represents a paradigm shift achieved through extensive collaboration across the packaging value chain. Pregis sees advanced recycling technologies and the utilization of certified-circular resins as pivotal tools in addressing the global plastic waste challenge. This endeavor underscores Pregis' unwavering commitment to advancing plastics circularity and sustainability.

ExxonMobil, fully aware of the increasing consumer preference for circular plastic solutions, especially in the domain of protective packaging, has played a pivotal role as a key partner in this collaborative endeavor. The company's ExxtendTM technology for advanced recycling, coupled with its collaboration with Pregis, reflects its dedication to meeting this demand by delivering circular products that uphold the highest standards of performance and safety.

ExxonMobil's advanced recycling facilities and processes have attained certification through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus system. Employing ISCC Plus's mass balance attribution methodology, the mass of plastic scrap processed through ExxonMobil's advanced recycling process, adjusted for manufacturing losses, is attributed to the mass of certified-circular plastic sold to Pregis.

Pregis, in turn, utilizes the certified-circular plastics procured from ExxonMobil in the production of foam at its facilities in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Visalia, California. Both of these facilities have obtained ISCC Plus certification, reaffirming Pregis' commitment to sustainability across its operations.

By sourcing certified-circular polymers, Pregis plays a vital role in stimulating demand for the utilization of plastic scrap as a valuable feedstock. This approach not only fosters a more sustainable supply chain but also contributes to the broader goal of mitigating plastic waste.

Pregis LLC's introduction of foam packaging supported by certified-circular polyethylene resins, in collaboration with ExxonMobil Corp, represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions. Through their joint efforts, these companies are paving the way for a more circular and environmentally responsible future in the packaging industry.

We remind, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil are on track to commence LNG production at their Golden Pass LNG export terminal, situated on the US Gulf Coast near Sabine Pass, Texas, during the first half of 2025. QatarEnergy, a state-owned entity, holds a substantial 70 percent stake in the Golden Pass project, which boasts a capacity exceeding 18 million metric tons per annum (mtpa). Notably, QatarEnergy will offload 70 percent of the terminal's capacity. In parallel, ExxonMobil, a prominent US-based energy firm, possesses a 30 percent share in the venture.

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Evonik Industries AG, headquartered in Essen, Germany, has entered into a significant license agreement with the University of Mainz, which is paving the way for the commercialization of a groundbreaking class of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) known as randomized polyethylene glycols (rPEGs), said Chemanalyst.

This collaboration signifies Evonik's commitment to expanding its platform of specialized lipids by incorporating rPEGs, with a focus on meeting the evolving needs of customers and the broader market. The company aims to leverage this innovative development to enhance its excipients, ultimately bringing technical grade rPEG-lipids to market by the second half of 2024.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) have been integral polymers in the pharmaceutical industry for over three decades, contributing to improvements in bioavailability, stability, targeting, and overall therapeutic performance. The unique structure of rPEG polymers, while retaining similar properties to traditional polyethylene glycols (PEGs), is designed to provide an improved immunogenicity profile. This makes them particularly suitable for pharmaceutical applications, especially in lipids designed for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carriers.

The collaboration with Evonik represents a significant milestone in meeting the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the domain of nucleic acid drug delivery. This aligns with Evonik's broader strategic initiatives, as evidenced by their previous collaborations and investments in advancing drug delivery technologies.

This partnership with the University of Mainz is just one in a series of strategic moves by Evonik to address the transformative demands of the pharmaceutical industry in the field of nucleic acid drug delivery. Approximately a year ago, Evonik inaugurated a new cGMP facility in Hanau, Germany, dedicated to the development and manufacture of smaller batches of specialized lipids. This was followed by the commencement of the construction of a global-scale production facility for pharmaceutical specialty lipids in Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with the Government of the United States.

Evonik's proactive role as a strategic partner to the pharmaceutical industry spans several decades, positioning the company as a leader in advanced drug delivery. Through comprehensive services, Evonik supports pharmaceutical companies globally in the development and manufacturing of complex parenteral and oral drug products. These services encompass the provision of pharmaceutical excipients such as polymers and lipids, formulation development, and the production of clinical samples, as well as the manufacturing of commercial drug products. The collaboration with the University of Mainz and the commercialization of rPEGs further solidify Evonik's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technologies and meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

We remind, Evonik Hydroxylterminated Polybutadienes Production CapacityEvonik, a specialty chemicals company, begins work to expand its POLYVEST® HT plant in Marl, Germany. The Coating & Adhesive Resins business line expects the additional production capacity for its hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes (HTPB), marketed under the brand name POLYVEST®, to be ready as early as the second quarter of 2024 following the double-digit million-euro investment.

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BASF is utilizing its extensive global expertise in chemical recycling, employing pyrolysis technology known as ChemCycling, to introduce International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus certified "Ccycled" materials sourced from the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals facility located in Port Arthur, Texas, said the company.

This facility operates as a joint venture between BASF and TotalEnergies, with a ownership split of 60/40 respectively, with TotalEnergies headquartered in France. According to BASF, the recycled feedstock is attributed to advanced recycled building blocks generated through a mass balance approach. These building blocks find application in numerous BASF products manufactured in the United States, including super absorbent polymers, engineered plastics, and polyurethanes.

As a trailblazer in advanced recycling, BASF is leveraging its expertise, innovation, and collaborative partnerships across the value chain to foster a more circular economy for plastics. By incorporating recycled raw materials at the outset of the chemical value chain, plastic waste transitions into a valuable resource, contributing to environmental preservation, societal welfare, and economic growth.

BASF underscores the importance of advanced recycling as a complementary solution to mechanical recycling, enabling the utilization of more end-of-life plastics, particularly those unsuitable for mechanical recycling due to technological, economic, or ecological constraints. Such plastics encompass those with residues and mixed plastic fractions.

The new products derived from advanced recycling exhibit identical properties to those manufactured using fossil-derived building blocks. Customers can seamlessly integrate Ccycled products into their downstream operations, treating them in the same manner as conventionally manufactured products. These products find application across diverse sectors, including high-performance packaging and demanding industries such as automotive and construction.

Headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, BASF Corp. serves as the North American arm of BASF SE, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. With approximately 16,000 employees in North America, BASF reported sales of $25.7 billion in 2022, reflecting its significant presence and economic impact in the region.

We remind, BASF process catalysts, a leading provider of innovative catalyst technology, announced a new collaboration with Envision Energy, a leading green technology provider of comprehensive net zero solutions. The collaboration aims to further develop the conversion of green hydrogen and CO2 into e-methanol through an advanced, dynamic process design.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, serves as the North American arm of BASF SE, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. With around 16,000 employees, BASF North America achieved sales of $25.7 billion in 2022. Committed to creating chemistry for a sustainable future, BASF integrates economic success with environmental stewardship and social accountability. Globally, over 111,000 BASF Group employees support customer success across diverse sectors and nearly every nation. BASF's portfolio encompasses six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions, contributing to its 2022 sales of €87.3 billion. BASF shares trade on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the US.

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U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil plans to invest 10 billion yuan (about $1.4 billion) in its Huizhou ethylene project in south China's Guangdong Province this year, said Cgtn.

Addressing the Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference in Shenzhen on Sunday, Jean-Marc Taton, chairman of ExxonMobil China, said ExxonMobil has already invested over 30 billion yuan in the first phase of its Huizhou ethylene project.

Taton said that the first phase is expected to be operational by the end of this year after a test run.

Dubbed one of China's major foreign investment projects, the ExxonMobil Huizhou ethylene project is located in the Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical Industrial Park.

The project, with a total investment of about $10 billion, will be built in two phases. The first phase mainly consists of a steam cracker and production facilities for high-performance polyethylene and polypropylene.

We remind, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil are on track to commence LNG production at their Golden Pass LNG export terminal, situated on the US Gulf Coast near Sabine Pass, Texas, during the first half of 2025. QatarEnergy, a state-owned entity, holds a substantial 70 percent stake in the Golden Pass project, which boasts a capacity exceeding 18 million metric tons per annum (mtpa). Notably, QatarEnergy will offload 70 percent of the terminal's capacity. In parallel, ExxonMobil, a prominent US-based energy firm, possesses a 30 percent share in the venture.

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Yokogawa Electric Corporation announced that it has invested in and signed a memorandum on a business partnership with Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. Tsubame BHB, a university-based startup that was founded by a group headed by Professor Emeritus Hideo Hosono of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, has developed an ammonia synthesis method that makes use of electride catalysts, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

Ammonia is mainly used in the production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. As well as playing an essential role in improving crop yields for a growing world population, it is hoped that it can also serve as a hydrogen carrier and fuel. While the synthesis of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen is conventionally done under high temperature and high pressure conditions, Tsubame BHB's electride catalysts enable the synthesis of hydrogen and nitrogen at relatively low temperature and pressure levels and thus are able to reduce the environmental impact of the ammonia synthesis process. Tsubame BHB has already received an order to supply a small distributed ammonia production plant.

In view of an anticipated major surge in energy demand that will drive the need for ammonia fuel and hydrogen carriers, Tsubame BHB has raised capital and is working to optimize the design of processes used by medium and large-scale ammonia synthesis facilities and developing catalysts that do not require the use of rare or precious metals. Yokogawa will work with Tsubame BHB to jointly develop solutions that automate the ammonia production process, improve the efficiency of remote operations by integrating the handling of data from upstream renewable energy and hydrogen production facilities, employ demand forecasting to optimize supply chains, and streamline operations and maintenance. Both companies will also consider accelerating the overseas expansion of this business.

Koji Nakaoka, a Yokogawa senior vice president and head of the company's Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters and Global Sales Headquarters, said, “In accordance with Yokogawa's Purpose, which states, ‘Utilizing our ability to measure and connect, we fulfill our responsibilities for the future of our planet,' we shall undertake investigations that include working with Tsubame BHB on the development of solutions that enable ammonia manufacturing and provision with a low environmental burden, for the achievement of a decarbonized society.

We remind, ORLEN and Yokogawa Europe, the regional headquarters for Japan’s Yokogawa Electric Corporation, announce they have joined forces to initiate industrial-scale production of carbon neutral synthetic aviation fuels.
In a landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 21, the two companies have come together to enhance the technological process responsible for synthesizing fuel from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. ORLEN is looking to establish itself as a frontrunner in this emerging market segment, poised to drive effective decarbonization of the aviation industry.

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