Catalyst and process technologies specialist Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, part of the Johnson Matthey Group (London / UK; www.matthey.com), and chemical process technology developer Rennovia (Menlo Park, California / USA; www.rennovia.com) have successfully started-up a mini-plant for production of glucaric acid from glucose using jointly developed technology. The facility is located at the Johnson Matthey Process Technologies research and development centre in Stockton / UK.

The companies are continuing with the design and construction of the second phase of the facility, based on jointly developed technology for the catalytic hydrogenation of glucaric acid to adipic acid. The information gained from running the mini-plant will provide the design basis for commercial scale manufacturing facilities and will enable the companies to provide licensees with process guarantees, Johnson Matthey said.

David Prest, managing director of Johnson Matthey Process Technologies’ chemicals business, said: “The construction of a fully integrated mini-plant to produce bio-based glucaric and adipic acids using Rennovia / Johnson Matthey technology is a critical enabler for our collaboration with Rennovia. We are delighted to confirm the successful, on time start-up of the first phase of the mini-plant based on the jointly developed technology for the catalytic aerobic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid.”

In March 2014, the companies announced their collaboration to develop and commercialise production technology for bio-based glucaric acid and adipic acid – see Plasteurope.com of 25.03.2014. Adipic acid is a key feedstock for PA 6.6 and other engineering plastics, polyester polyols for polyurethanes, and adipate esters for phthalate-free plasticisers. Glucaric acid, an intermediate in the production of adipic acid, has a number of industrial and commercial applications.