BL1-6 Bio-CO2-Polymer

The ‘Bio-CO2 Polymer’ project aims to synthesise dihydroxyacetone-based polymers from the base molecule CO2 by developing a biocatalytic process cascade.

The development of novel and sustainable polymers is in line with the objectives of the development plan for the former Rhenish Mining Area and, above all, with the future field of ‘Resource and Agrobusiness’ of the economic and structural programme of the Rheinischen Zukunftsreviers, which focuses, among other things, on the sustainable and resource-saving production of chemical and plastic products based on natural resources. On the other hand, there are close links with the industry available in this region, firstly as a supplier of raw materials, CO2 from waste gases from various branches of industry, and secondly for the further development of the value chain of the new polymers to be developed.

Covestro, in particular, which is based on the edge of the former Rhenish Mining Area, is already considered a pioneer in the development and utilisation of CO2-based polymers, especially polyurethanes. Depending on the property profile of the new polymers, fields of application could also be developed, for example as functional polymers such as adhesives, additives or coatings for materials, paper, composite materials or even pharmaceuticals or agricultural chemicals and seeds; there are already manufacturing companies in the former Rhenish Mining Area for all of these areas with which a value chain can be established.

As part of the ‘Bio-CO2 Polymers’ project, CO2 can be biocatalytically converted into dihydroxyacetone-based polymers by establishing an enzyme cascade. The established process can contribute to the resource transition and local circular bioeconomy in a good context with the existing industry in the former Rhenish Mining Area.