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2021

Innovation

put the global market for BDO at more than 2
million tonnes per annum. According to No-
vamont’s life-cycle analysis, the greenhouse
gas impact of bio-BDO is 60% that of fossil-
BDO. Mater-Biotech has also developed a
process for purifying wastewater to obtain
tetrahydrofuran (THF), which can be used as
an alternative to Spandex in clothing: the first
industrially produced bio-THF. This appeals
to textile manufacturers who are increasingly
concerned about the sustainability of their
materials.

OLD PLANT REUSED
The Patrica plant was previously a facil-

ity operated by Mossi & Ghisolfi Polimeri
to manufacture PET. As well as capitalising
on the expertise of the existing staff, many
of whom were retained in the 90-strong
workforce, the changeover marks another of
Novamont’s business aims: to help regener-The facility produces 100 000 tonnes of Origo-Bi intermediate polyester.

The entire operation is overseen by a small team which operates around the clock every week of the year.

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