- In early 2013, a pilot plant for ω-amino lauric acid began operations in Slovenska Lupca, Slovakia.
- The process development was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Promotion No. 0315205).
- The biotechnological process uses renewable resources, starting with palm kernel oil.
- This new process could complement the butadiene-based production of PA12.
Pilot Plant Operations
In early 2013, a pilot plant for ω-amino lauric acid (ALS) began operations in Slovenska Lupca, Slovakia. This initiative marks a significant step in producing sustainable high-performance plastics. The bio-based ω-amino lauric acid serves as an alternative to petroleum-based laurin lactam (LL), replacing the monomer LL in manufacturing polyamide 12 (PA 12) and yielding an identical compound.
Funding and Development
The development of this process was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under Promotion No. 0315205. The biotechnological process is unique globally and relies on renewable resources. Palm kernel oil, already used by Evonik for various chemical products, is the starting material for this new process.
Long-Term Potential
Over the long term, this innovative process has the potential to complement the existing butadiene-based production of PA12. This advancement represents a significant move towards more sustainable practices in the chemical industry, leveraging renewable resources to produce high-performance materials.
