Trillium Renewable Chemicals, an Alabama-based bio-based chemical manufacturer, has signed a letter of intent with Solvay, a Belgium-based science and technology company supplying raw materials and chemicals, to develop bio-based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN), replacing conventional acrylonitrile, which is generally made from petroleum-based feedstocks like propylene. 

The two companies have been working together on developing the bio-ACN manufacturing processes since 2014. Trillium’s bio-ACN is produced with a lower carbon footprint as it uses plant-based feedstocks such as glycerol.

According to the partnership, Trillium will develop and supply bio-ACN to Solvay, who will then use it to check its compatibility for carbon-fiber production and use in applications such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer goods. Trillium also reported plans to build a new plant for the production of bio-ACN.

The partnership is in line with Solvay’s “One Planet”’ commitment, where it plans to more than double its revenue using renewable or recycled materials by 2030.