In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, the shift towards renewable, bio-based plastics is gaining momentum.
The motivation behind this shift is clear – we want to see a circular tomorrow, where materials circulate constantly and where carbon added to the cycle is taken from the air by crops and trees that grow back.
FDCA, a key player in this green transition, can be efficiently produced from sustainably grown plants. FuraCore® by Stora Enso takes this a step further, introducing an innovative process that addresses traditional challenges associated with FDCA production. FuraCore® by Stora Enso emerges as a breakthrough technology, revolutionizing the production of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a crucial component for bio-based plastics.
One of the game-changing features of FuraCore® is its use of a single solvent throughout the entire process. In contrast, traditional methods relying on multiple solvents lead to increased energy consumption due to the removal and addition of solvents between steps.
FuraCore® tackles the fouling of the process by oligomeric humins, a sticky by-product that can clog and disrupt production. Through advanced membrane nanofiltration, Stora Enso smartly removes humins from the process stream, converting them into a free-flowing dry powder.
Furthermore, the technology introduces a clean and efficient fixed-bed process for oxidation, utilizing a customized catalyst. This gentler, cleaner process brings the yield and purity that enable high quality polyesters and other FDCA-based formulation the industry in looking for.
In essence, FuraCore® by Stora Enso not only promotes the adoption of bio-based plastics, but also offers a sustainable and efficient process to make it happen. As the world seeks ways to embrace eco-friendly practices, FuraCore® stands out as a breakthrough innovation, steering us towards a circular and more sustainable future.
Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 21,000 employees and our sales in 2022 were EUR 11.7 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs and Ordinary Shares (SEOAY, SEOFF, SEOJF).
Source: Stora Enso
