Melanie Irwin, Blackburn News – Sarnia | September 27, 2017

A California-based company has announced plans to locate its oxidation pilot plant at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park.

Origin Materials recently purchased the asset from Eastman Chemical Company.

Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) says the $6-million project will include the relocation, commissioning and process validation of the pilot plant.

“Locating this oxidation pilot plant in Sarnia is further recognition of the great innovation potential within the Sarnia-Lambton area,” says Executive Director Sandy Marshall. “BIC is very excited to support Origin and their activities. There are many benefits to producing products and conducting applied research within a strong industrial biotechnology cluster.”

The pilot plant will produce terephthalic acid (PTA) and furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).

BIC will provide advice, services and financial support for the removal of technical and market application barriers on the acids which will help enable commercial production of bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene furanoate (PEF).

Construction of the commercial scale demonstration facility, a first for Origin, is expected late next year.

 

Original article: http://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2017/09/27/oxidation-pilot-plant-coming-sarnia/

Photo: Nadine Wark