DSM uses Genomatica BDO for Arnitel range
Following extensive testing, life sciences and materials sciences company Royal DSM has opted to use bio-based BDO (1,4-butanediol) produced by sustainable chemicals specialist Genomatica in its Arnitel range.
The testing process proved that the BDO made using US-based Genomatica's bio-based technology delivers excellent purity and that its performance is equivalent to that of fossil-based BDO.
Arnitel is a high-performance engineering plastic that provides flexibility, high temperature resistance, strength and excellent processing characteristics. One of the key products to use the new product is Arnitel VT, a flexible material that, when made into membranes just a few microns thick, is said to be 100% waterproof as well as being breathable and comfortable to wear. The primary application is in outdoor apparel and shoes.
Rein Borggreve, global research and technology director at Netherlands-based DSM, said: "As a global science based company, DSM understands the need to make the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based economy, so we are focusing on developing alternative, renewable, non-fossil-based solutions. To speed up this development process, we frequently partner with leading innovators such as Genomatica."
Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica, said: "DSM's tests show how quickly bio-based products can be adopted if you're delivering the exact same performance for an existing, high-volume chemical.
“Our partnership combines DSM's in-depth understanding of materials and applications with our technology, and together this will deliver new, more sustainable materials."
