DuPont Industrial Sciences and Archer Daniels Midland Co. has developed a new process for producing furan dicarboxylic methyl ester
(FDME) from fructose that is derived from vegetable sources. They say this technology can be applied in packaging, textiles, engineering
plastics and other areas.
FDME is a high-purity derivative of furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). This is one of 12 building blocks identified
by the US Department of Energy that can be converted into a number of high-value, bio-based chemicals with high performance properties.
Research into this has been continuous for many years, but previously it was not possible to make FDME for biological sources on a commercial scale or
at a reasonable cost. The new technology is reported to be a more efficient and simple process than traditional conversion approaches, and
 results in higher yields, lower energy usage and lower capital expenditures.
This partnership brings together ADM’s expertise in fructose production and carbohydrate chemistry, with DuPont’s biotechnology, chemistry, materials and applications expertise.
“This
 molecule is a game-changing platform technology,” said Simon Herriott, global business director for biomaterials at DuPont. "It will enable
cost-efficient production of a variety of 100 percent renewable, high-performance chemicals and polymers with applications across a broad
 range of industries. 
“ADM is an agribusiness powerhouse with strong technology development capabilities.  They are the ideal partner with which to develop this new, renewable supply chain for FDME.”
One
 of the first polymers under development utilizing FDME is polytrimethylene furandicarboxylate (PTF), a novel polyester also made
from DuPont's proprietary Bio-PDO (1,3 propanediol). PTF is a 100-percent renewable and recyclable polymer that, when used to make
bottles and other beverage packages, substantially improves gas-barrier properties compared to other polyesters.  This makes PTF a good choice
for customers in the beverage packaging industry looking to improve the shelf life of their products.
“We are excited about the potential FDME has to help our customers reach new markets and develop better-performing products, all made from sustainable, bio-based
starting materials,” said Kevin Moore, president, renewable chemicals at  ADM. “With their strong leadership in the biomaterials industry, DuPont
 is a great partner that can help us bring this product to market for our customers.”
ADM and DuPont are taking the initial step in the process of bringing FDME to market by moving forward on the scale-up
phase of the project. The two companies are planning to build an integrated 60 ton-per-year demonstration plant in Decatur, Illinois,
which will provide potential customers with sufficient product quantities for testing and research.

Reported by:
Edward Mason
Editor - Canadian Finishing and Coatings Manufacturing
edward.mason@cfcm.ca
416-423-0150
www.cfcm.ca

About DuPont:
Chemicals company · dupont.com