Virent BioForm PX - Process Converts Plant-derived Feedstocks
The BioForming® process converts plant-derived feedstocks into a BioFormate® product that is analogous to petroleum reformate. Similarly to conventional petroleum reformate, Virent’s Bioreformate product can be used as a gasoline blendstock or processed to high purity aromatic chemicals using conventional aromatics processing technology. Virent’s products are indistinguishable from the petrochemical analogs, except for C-14 dating for bio-content. Using conventional aromatics processing Virent has produced renewable paraxylene, mixed xylenes, toluene, and benzene.
Composition
BioForm PX" paraxylene fully meets the ASTM speciation for high purity paraxylene. Common impurities are present at levels at or below those in conventional petrochemical paraxylene.
Interchangeable
BioForm PX is a direct drop-in replacement for petrochemical paraxylene, meeting typical industrial specifications for high purity paraxylene. Green House
Gas (GHG) Reduction
BioForm PX helps meet sustainability goals. Depending on the feedstock used to produce BioForm PX, it will reduce the GHG up 70% versus petrochemical paraxylene. Independent radio carbon dating confirms the carbon content of BioForm PX is bio-based.
TSCA Listing
BioForm PX is TSCA listed. Product registrations in other regions, including REACH, will be obtained prior to commercialization. Consult the SDS for additional information.
Nearly all paraxylene is consumed in the production of terephthalic acid (TPA). TPA is a key building block in the production of polyesters for bottles, fiber, film and other applications. Bio-TPA produced from bio-paraxylene can be combined with the bio-based glycols, ethylene glycol (EG), propanediol and butanediol to produce 100% bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
Demonstrated Conversion to PET
Several leading PET manufacturers have oxidized BioForm PX paraxylene to TPA and subsequently copolymerized the TPA with bio-EG to bio-PET. The PET has been successfully converted to bio-based beverage bottles and polyester fabric and fiber with the same properties as conventional PET.