Anellotech & Johnson Matthey to co-develop catalyst for green aromatics

The US-based Anellotech Inc and the UK-based Johnson Matthey Process Technologies have entered into an alliance to co-develop advanced catalyst systems for Anellotech’s catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) process for production of bio-based benzene, toluene and paraxylene for the chemical industry.
 
While Anellotech is a developer of new technologies to create low-cost, green bio-based chemicals from non-food biomass, Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, a division of Johnson Matthey Plc, is a global supplier of catalysts, licensed technologies and other services to the petrochemical, syngas, oil refining and gas processing industries.
 
“This strategic alliance with Johnson Matthey Process Technologies is a major advance in Anellotech’s program to provide the most competitive bio-based route to basic aromatic chemicals. We are excited to align with a company like Johnson Matthey and to take one more significant step in making bio-based basic chemicals a commercial reality,” said David Sudolsky, president and chief executive officer of Anellotech Inc.
 
Geoff Otterman, Division Director of Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, added, “Johnson Matthey Process Technologies is thrilled about the prospect of co-developing advanced catalyst systems with Anellotech for its CFP process. Johnson Matthey sees this as an opportunity to extend its portfolio of bio-based catalysts and process technologies for the production of chemicals from renewable feedstocks.”
 
The two partners will collaborate in three major areas: On the technical development of an optimal catalyst for Anellotech’s CFP process; for the supply of high-quality catalysts manufactured for use in the testing and development of the CFP process, and to manage subsequent commercial implementation.
 
Anellotech’s newly-developed green aromatics products are ‘drop-in’ replacements for petroleum-derived aromatics and have use in a variety of valuable derivative applications. These uses include benzene for production of styrene butyl rubber (tyres), nylon, polycarbonate, and phenolics; toluene to make polyurethane; and para-xylene for production of PET bottles and fibres.