Catalysis of Organic..

444Sustainable Process TechnologyThe utilization of biomass feedstock is in most cases not economicallycompetitive today. One process that is commercially viable is the production ofpolylactic acid (PLA) from corn starch. 3 Although lactic acid production from thefermentation of carbohydrates has been known for over 150 years, processing thelactic acid into useful polymers was a difficult and expensive operation. Cargill’sprimary technical innovation was the development of melt-phase technology for thering opening polymerization of the lactide dimer. Upon demonstration of thetechnology at the pilot scale, Cargill teamed with Dow Chemical to provide leverageinto the polymer market. Cargill Dow LLC was formed in 1997 to commercializethe PLA technology. Its PLA polymer products are 100% derived from renewableresources and are produced with the cost and performance necessary to compete withpetroleum-based packaging materials and traditional fibers. Detailed life-cycleassessments of PLA compared with petrochemical derived polymers have beenperformed and published; net fossil fuel reduction of 20-50%, with 15-60%reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases is claimed.For economic viability of biomass-derived processes to be achieved, innovationsthat produce high added-value chemicals will likely be required. For use as a sourceof fuels or bulk chemicals, the cost of collecting and processing the biomass, as wellas improved conversion technology, will need to be developed. As the availability ofoil and gas eventually decreases and the cost increases, technology involving use ofbiomass should become more important without the need of government subsidies.At this time UOP is considering where it can apply its core competencies in the areaof renewable resources. During this study period we are trying to identify whichpotential technologies will truly lead to sustainable development. This is a difficultanalysis requiring detailed life cycle studies.ConclusionSustainable growth is a major issue facing the chemical, petrochemical, and refiningindustries in the foreseeable future. The challenge to meet environmental, societal,and economic performance simultaneously will require both breakthrough andincremental innovations. The industry has met such challenges successfully in thepast. At UOP, we are convinced that by delivering innovation in process technologyand equipment, catalysts and advanced materials, as well as solutions and serviceswe will contribute to developing a sustainable future. This effort will be conductedwith the input of our customers to ensure we are meeting their needs.References1. M.D. Parker, Pressing on with Our Journey - The Imperative of SustainableDevelopment, CAEC, 2001.2. S.L. Hart., Strategies for a Sustainable World, (Harvard Business Review),(1997).3. Drumright, Gruber, and Henton, “Polylactic Acid Technology”, 12(23), (Adv.Mat.) 1841, (2000).4. a) US Patent 5,686,276, (1995) “Bioconversion of a fermentable carbon sourceto 1,3-propanediol by a single microorganism” b) US Patent 6,514,733, (2003)“Process for the biological production of 1,3-propanediol with high titer”.