Danimer, Chevron Expand Biopolymers Partnership

Biopolymers producer Danimer Scientific Inc. is expanding its collaboration with Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) to explore development and commercialization of cast extrusion films, blown extrusion films, injection molded parts and rotational molded parts using Rinnovo polymers produced in a loop slurry reactor process.

Rinnovo is a PHA synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22 catalyst technology, which can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The collaboration expands on Danimer and CPChem’s previously announced agreement, in which Danimer is evaluating the use of CPChem’s loop slurry reactor design to develop a continuous reactor system in the manufacturing process for Rinnovo.

Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, says, “Our business relationship with CPChem continues to yield results, and we’re excited for the further opportunities that lie ahead. CPChem’s Research and Technology lab in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a premier facility staffed with world-class talent that we believe will accelerate the path toward adoption of Rinnovo materials in high-volume applications that will assist in lowering the cost to serve key markets.”

Opened in 1950 by Phillips 66, CPChem’s Bartlesville facility contains first-class research equipment enabling rapid testing of products across various processing conditions. Additionally, the facility’s testing and analytical capabilities provide a more rapid feedback loop, accelerating the development and optimization of resin formulations.

“We continue to be excited about the potential of our MarTECH process technology and related collaborations to advance Danimer’s Rinnovo, another CPChem initiative that can help accelerate change for a more sustainable future,” states Venki Chandrashekar, CPChem vice president of research and technology.