Lanxess to Produce First Bio-Based EPDM Rubber in The World

Lanxess aims to commercially produce ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) from bio-based ethylene by the end of the year. It will be the first form of bio-based EPDM rubber in the world. EPDM is conventionally produced using the petroleum-based raw materials ethylene and propylene. Alternatively, Lanxess plans to use ethylene derived purely from the renewable resource sugar cane.

This bio-based form of ethylene is produced by dehydrating ethanol from Brazilian sugar cane. The company Braskem S.A. will supply the bio-based ethylene via pipeline to Lanxess’ existing EPDM plant in Triunfo, Brazil. Triunfo currently produces 40,000 metric tons per year of regular EPDM rubber and it is expected that the first batches of the product Keltan Eco will amount to several hundred metric tons. In addition,

Lanxess is already seeking alternative sources to produce the premium synthetic rubber product butyl rubber, which is used predominantly in the tire industry. Together with Colorado-based Gevo, Inc, Lanxess is developing isobutene from renewable resources starting with corn. Isobutene is a key raw material needed in the manufacture of butyl rubber.