Sponsored By

Bio-based PP a Solid Option for Sustainability in the Auto SectorBio-based PP a Solid Option for Sustainability in the Auto Sector

A newly released report from MLT Analytics highlights the role polypropylene (PP) derived from sugar, corn, and other natural raw materials could play in green mobility.

Staff

January 27, 2025

2 Min Read
Chart showing bio feedstock and polymer capacity by continent
Widespread availability of bio-based PP and PE resins will be one factor driving increased uptake of sustainable materials in mobility and other applications.Image courtesy of MLT Analytics

European Union (EU) legislation mandating certain levels of plastic recyclate content in automobiles is leading to accelerated initiatives by automakers to develop materials and infrastructure to ensure supply availability by the early 2030s, when 25% recycled content will be signed into law.

In parallel, the EU’s packaging framework states bio-based plastics should target durable applications such as pipe and automotive, rather than single-use packaging applications, thereby functioning as carbon sinks. And although a formal policy regarding bio-based plastics will only be announced in 2027, the EU has also signaled its preference for C14 assay over mass balance as the preferred means of measuring bio content.

EU policy initiatives key to biopolymer adoption

A report released this month by MLT Analytics (MLTA) highlights the potential of bio-based polypropylene (PP) as a lightweight, sustainable material for mobility. “The key accelerator for bio-based PP take-up, and indeed adoption of other bio-based polymers such as polyamide, will be future EU policy announcements, and the forecast is based on positive outcomes in this respect,” notes Stephen Moore, MLTA CEO and co-author of the report. (Singapore-based Moore is also a longtime contributor to PlasticsToday, covering the automotive and mobility beat as well as relevant developments in Asia/Pacific.) “Based on recent announcements of production plans for bio-based PP in North America and elsewhere, we are confident that the supply will be there to seed utilization,” he adds. “All things going well, our market modeling estimates upwards of 360,000 tonnes of bio-based PP could be used in mobility applications by 2032.”

Related:Conductive PPE Blend for Auto Exteriors Is Inline Paintable

North America’s bio-PP mega-project

A project that could transform the bio-based PP market not just for automotive but for a range of other durable and non-durable applications will be sited in the state of Nebraska. Newcomer Citroniq Chemicals’ first bio-PP plant is scheduled for start-up in a late 2027 to early 2028 timeframe in Nebraska City with capacity of 600,000 tonnes/year. An additional two plants of the same scale are planned later on for Falls City, NE.

Another project detailed in the MLTA report involves Vioneo, which is being driven by A.P. Moller Holding, the parent company of shipping company Maersk. Maersk already operates one of its ships using bio-methanol fuel and signed a long-term bio-methanol sourcing agreement with LONGi Green Energy Technology in October 2024, with first shipments expected in 2026. The intent is to use some of this green methanol to manufacture PP and polyethylene (PE) in Antwerp, Belgium, possibly from as early as 2028.

Related:Williams Racing Seeks to Fill Formula 1 Pipeline With Young Engineers

MLTA’s Global Bio-based Polyolefin Report—2025 Edition: Market penetration for a sustainable industry future includes a database of geo-mapped PP, PE, and feedstock plants certified to produce bio-based polymers. Besides market forecasts through 2032, the report also profiles major suppliers and covers global regulatory trends. 

MLTA utilizes machine learning and other artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to analyze polymer and related markets.

About the Author

Staff

Informa Markets Engineering

The Informa Markets Engineering network of B2B media sites includes Design News, Battery Technology, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), Packaging Digest, PlasticsToday, and Powder & Bulk Solids.

Sign up for PlasticsToday newsletter

You May Also Like