Effective September 1, 2024, Mitsui & Dow Polychemicals has started marketing biomass-based ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer (EVA) and biomass low density polyethylene (LDPE) based on the ISCC PLUS-certified mass balance method. The Mitsui Chemicals/Dow joint venture has not identified the source of the bio-based feedstock but previously, Mitsui Chemicals has sourced bio-naphtha from Neste's Singapore bio-refinery to produce bio-based polypropylene (PP).
Biomass EVA and biomass LDPE have the same resin properties as conventional petroleum-derived products because the raw material, biomass ethylene, exhibits the same physical properties as conventional petroleum-derived ethylene. Therefore, they can be easily switched from conventional products, while contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions over the entire product life cycle.
EVA is used widely in encapsulation film for solar modules, footwear midsoles, and hot melt adhesives, among other applications.
Idemitsu to trial chemical recycling
Also in Japan, refiner Idemitsu Kosan has started construction of a chemical recycling plant for plastics at its subsidiary Chemical Recycling Japan in Chiba, Japan. The 20,000-tonnes/year plant is due to start up in the second half of 2025. The chemically-recycled feedstocks will be used to polymerize new plastics as well as be directed to renewable fuel production.
Image courtesy of Idemitsu Kosan
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