Novozymes, BASF, Cargill collaborates for disposable diapers chemical ingredient production

Biotechnology firm Novozymes has teamed up with BASF and Cargill to improve production of a chemical ingredient used in disposable diapers manufacturing.

BASF, the US-based chemical company, Cargill, an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services and industrial biotechnology company Novozymes together in a joint R&D cooperation will develop bio-based technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable feedstocks.

The firms said they would jointly develop an industrial biotechnology-based production process for acrylic acid a bio-based superabsorbent from renewable feedstocks which can be used in making baby diapers.

Currently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived from the refining of crude oil.

Novozymes and Cargill have collaborated on renewable acrylic acid technology since 2008.

Both the companies have been working to develop microorganisms that can convert renewable feedstock into 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), a possible chemicalpredecessor to acrylic acid.

BASF has now joined the collaboration to develop the process for conversion of 3-HP into acrylic acid.

Novozymes CEO Steen Riisgaard said BASF and Cargill are global leaders in their industries and the firm was happy to partner with them.

"By offering bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products we will take a big step towards a more sustainable economy," said Riisgaard.