FINLAND – Finnish pulp and paper maker Stora Enso has inked a joint agreement deal with Korean chemical and textile maker Kolon to produce and industrialize bio-based polyesters and their applications, along with renewable binder resin formulations.
The bio-based materials can be used for packaging, car tire reinforcements, and films for high-value-added products such as electronics, panels and displays.
The joint manufacturing deal will combine FuraCore by Stora Enso process and its expertise in the packaging sectors with Kolon Industries’ expertise in polyester, and phenolic resin development for a range of applications.
According to the Finland-based firm, the proprietary FuraCore by Stora Enso process is intended for converting fructose into FDCA (Furandicarboxylic acid) via HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural).
Kolon Group CTO Sung Han said: “This partnership is significant in that it enables the solidification of the foundation for building a new bioplastics ecosystem.
“We will continue to accelerate the development of sustainable polymer technologies for a greener environment.”
Stora Enso said that the FDCA is an organic chemical compound that serves as the foundation for bio-based polymers like PEF (polyethylene furanoate).
PEF can be used as a packaging material and for technical films because of its barrier properties. It can also be used for renewable textiles, giving customers a more environmentally friendly option, said Stora Enso.
HMF comes before FDCA in the FuraCore procedure. It enhances performance and renewability in some resin formulations as a flexible specialty chemical, the pulp and paper company said.
Stora Enso Biomaterials Division EVP Johanna Hagelberg added: “Together with Kolon Industries, we will be developing and validating commercially attractive formulations and applications based on FDCA-based polyesters and HMF-based resins.
“We look forward to partnering with a leader in the field for applying our elegant FuraCore technology. We share a vision for making future-proof materials that do good for people and the planet.”
Meanwhile, last month, Stora Enso collaborated with Polish plywood manufacturer Paged on bio-based and more sustainable plywood.
By using Lineo® by Stora Enso, Paged has the possibility to replace 40% of fossil-based glue with lignin, resulting in a more environmentally friendly end-product.
The ultimate goal for Paged is to be able to achieve several thousand tonnes of reduction in carbon emissions.
Lignin-based binder reduces the carbon footprint of plywood products all the way from production to final end-use applications, without compromising on technical performance.
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