DuPont and ADM unveil new FDME technology

Chemical producer DuPont Industrial Biosciences and agricultural specialist Archer Daniels Midland Co. have developed a method of producing furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME) from fructose.

The firms said the new breakthrough process had potential to open up a "vast landscape of bio-based materials offerings".

The technology has applications in packaging, textiles, engineering plastics and many other industries, the firms stated.

FDME is a high-purity derivative of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), one of the 12 building blocks identified by the US Department of Energy that can be converted into a number of high-value, bio-based chemicals or materials that can deliver high performance in a number of applications.

It has long been sought-after and researched, but has not yet been available at commercial scale and at reasonable cost.

According to DuPont, the new FDME technology is a more efficient and simple process than traditional conversion approaches and results in higher yields, lower energy usage and lower capital expenditures.

This partnership brings together ADM's world-leading expertise in fructose production, and carbohydrate chemistry with DuPont's biotechnology, chemistry, materials and applications expertise, all backed by a strong joint intellectual-property portfolio.

New breakthrough process
"This molecule is a game-changing platform technology. It will enable cost-efficient production of a variety of 100 percent renewable, high-performance chemicals and polymers with applications across a broad range of industries," said Simon Herriot, global business director for biomaterials at DuPont.

"ADM is an agribusiness powerhouse with strong technology development capabilities. They are the ideal partner with which to develop this new, renewable supply chain for FDME."

One of the first polymers under development utilising FDME is polytrimethylene furandicarboxylate (PTF), a novel polyester also made from DuPont's proprietary Bio-PDO (1,3-propanediol).

PTF is a 100% renewable and recyclable polymer that, when used to make bottles and other beverage packages, substantially improves gas-barrier properties compared to other polyesters, according to DuPont.

"We are excited about the potential FDME has to help our customers reach new markets and develop better-performing products, all made from sustainable, bio-based starting materials," said Kevin Moore, president, renewable chemicals at ADM.

He added: "With their strong leadership in the biomaterials industry, DuPont is a great partner that can help us bring this product to market for our customers."