Dow and New Energy Blue have partnered in North America to produce bio-based ethylene feedstock for Dow resins, marking the first agreement of its kind in the region. This collaboration aims to utilize corn residues and agricultural waste for the production of renewably sourced resins and plastics. By purchasing New Energy Blue's bio-based ethylene, Dow is supporting waste recycling innovations and meeting the growing demand for bio-based plastics.
The project involves the construction of a new facility in Mason City, Iowa, called New Energy Freedom. This facility will process 275KT of corn stover, which refers to the leaves and stalks left after corn harvest, to produce second-generation ethanol and clean lignin. Nearly half of the ethanol will be transformed into bio-ethylene, which Dow will utilize to create bio-based plastic materials.
Dow's involvement extends beyond the initial facility, as they are supporting the development of four additional New Energy Blue projects. This support allows New Energy Blue to scale up production and provides farmers with a reliable market for their agricultural residues. Collectively, these projects are estimated to displace over one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, facilitating a shift towards renewable feedstocks for raw material sourcing.
Utilizing corn stover as a carbon source enables the reuse of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during decomposition. The Iowa processing facility will source corn stover directly from local farmers, allowing them to generate additional income while employing farming practices that enhance carbon retention in the soil.
To ensure compliance with sustainable biomass production requirements, Dow intends to seek ISCC certification for the integration of agriculture-based ethylene into its manufacturing process. This certification would provide proof of adherence to sustainable biomass production standards, traceability of origin, and documentation of greenhouse gas savings compared to fossil fuels. ISCC Plus's chain of custody certification would enable Dow's customers to track and account for the use of bio-based materials in their supply chains.
The collaboration between Dow and New Energy Blue holds the promise of creating bio-based plastics from renewable resources. By utilizing a variety of biomass sources, including corn stover, grain straws, and tall perennial grasses, the partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions from farming, support rural farmers, and enable the production of sustainable, low-carbon plastics used in everyday life.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-ChrisBoswell
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn