ADM and P2 Science, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that intends to build on both companies’ expertise in the field of chemistry and renewable materials derived from plants. The MOU proposes the companies will work together in the development of commercial opportunities for plant-based monomers, polymers, and ingredients for personal care and flavors & fragrances (F&F).

ADM has a leading global portfolio of plant-based feedstocks including carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and terpenes. P2 has developed a suite of patented green chemistry process technologies that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value specialty chemicals. P2 also has a growing portfolio of novel aroma chemicals and cosmetics ingredients.

Under the terms of the MOU, the companies will bring these and other strengths together with the aim of developing business opportunities in the growing market for plant-based, renewable chemicals and materials. The initial program targets will include monomers for polyesters and polyamides and other chemical intermediates derived from vegetable oil feedstocks.

In 2018, ADM and DuPont opened the world’s first pilot production facility for bio-based FDME, and in 2019 announced a joint development with LG Chem to produce biobased acrylic acid. P2 Science, meanwhile, started commercial production in late 2018 its palm oil-based linear C9 aldehyde at its new plant in Naugatuck, CT, which is commonly used in fragrance.

More about ADM’s and P2 Science’s activities on bio-based chemicals will be reported on Tecnon OrbiChem’s Biomaterials newsletter in July.