Procter & Gamble has developed an innovation that converts lactic acid into bio-based acrylic acid that could be a helpful step toward shifting everyday goods to being made from renewable crops.
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Cargill has been granted an exclusive license by P&G to further develop and commercialize this technology for incorporation in a range of applications; from polymers in absorbent hygiene products, to thickeners in household paints and more.
“We are thrilled that P&G granted Cargill an exclusive license to this technology that converts lactic acid into bio-acrylic acid,” said Jill Zullo, strategic marketing and innovation leader for Cargill’s bioindustrial business. “By using annually renewable crops, we’ll be able to contribute to farmer prosperity while delivering more renewable solutions that are estimated to have less than half the [greenhouse gas] (GHG) footprint versus the petroleum-based equivalent.”
The use of bio-based acrylic acid is estimated to reduce GHG emissions and contribute to more eco-friendly products for the future, which is becoming increasingly important to a range of stakeholders, including consumers and business leaders.
“Manufacturers and brand owners have been seeking viable pathways to bio-based acrylic acid to reduce the environmental impact, and P&G’s conversion technology brings us closer to a solution,” says Asheesh Choudhary, global business development director for Cargill’s bioindustrial business.
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In relation, during the American Chemical Society 2020 meeting, P&G scientists won the award for Affordable Green Chemistry thanks to this technology. While the conversion technology is a recent launch, it will take several years of development before impacting consumer products in the marketplace.
“This new technology demonstrates that we can leverage scientific materials with bio-based solutions to deliver sustainable innovations in consumer goods production,” says Annie Weisbrod, principal scientist, environmental stewardship and sustainability at P&G. “By investing in advancing bio-based solutions, we can and will help reduce the carbon footprint of various industries.”
