There is chemistry between man and nature. Il futuro della chimica verde

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1 There is chemistry between man and nature Il futuro della chimica verde

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3 Matrìca is a biorefinery integrated in the local area resulting from the partial reconversion of an industrial site at Porto Torres, in Sardinia, through the integration of chemistry and agriculture. 3

4 Matrìca: the biorefinery integrated in the local area Technological leadership respecting local areas 4

5 Matrìca is a joint venture between Versalis (Eni), a company specialized in the manufacture and marketing of petrochemical products, and Novamont, leader in the bioplastics market and in the development of bioproducts. Bringing together the exceptional skills of these two major Italian enterprises has resulted in a biorefinery dedicated to the production of a new range of products made from renewable raw materials with low environmental impact. THE KEYS TO MATRÌCA S SUCCESS of bio-based products) and even the tertiary sector (partnerships with schools, universities, research centres and local institutions). The local area thus becomes a laboratory in itself and can assimilate multidisciplinary innovation processes, creating new growth opportunities for the entire community. Renewability and cascade use of biomass The Porto Torres biorefinery is a virtuous model of integration between industrial and agricultural Opportunities for the area Matrìca is helping to bolster the local area s competitiveness and its capacity for innovation, maximizing its potential on several fronts: from the primary sector (local crops that supply the biorefinery and from which protein meal for animal feed can also be obtained) to the secondary sector (farming vehicles and equipment, logistics, processing Creation of new markets 5

6 production which systemises and leverages all the elements of the agricultural sector, starting from the selection of the raw materials. Besides using vegetable oils of European origin to feed the processes, an agricultural supply-chain based on the cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. Altilis) is currently being developed. The cardoon s particular features are well suited to Matrìca s production needs and to the area in which it is found. It is a local, low input crop which grows on arid land that is inappropriate for traditional crops. Both the seeds, from which oil is extracted, and the biomass of the cardoon are used. A very high protein flour is obtained by extracting the oil and can be used as a replacement for soya, currently used as animal feed. The vegetable scraps from the conversion process can be used to meet the energy needs of the entire industrial process, with the aim of making it increasingly self-sufficient. Local regeneration Matrìca is the tangible realization of a new model of development based on the importance of research, on continuous innovation and the leveraging of local biodiversity. It is a model that can trigger local regeneration in economic, environmental and social terms, making the most of existing local resources and skills and even having a positive impact on long-term employment prospects. From its inception, Matrìca has been a veritable case study of a bioeconomy that can be replicated in other areas, by adapting it to the specific local features. It can also be adopted for the recovery or revival of no longer competitive industrial sites and to offer new opportunities for development in Italy and overseas. 6

7 Matrìca: plants The project comprises the setting up of various plants for the production of monomers, lubricants and additives for rubber and plastic, all from renewable sources, providing benefits not only in terms of performance, but also from the point of view of safety and the environment. Three plants are currently in operation: the first is the plant for the conversion of vegetable oils into monomers and intermediates, providing for the production of well-known intermediates such as azelaic acid and pelargonic acid, as well as new proprietary products. The second plant, downstream of the first one, produces plasticizers and extender oils developed for the tyre market, while the third plant can convert monomers and intermediates into high value added products, such as bases for lubricants and products for cosmetic formulations. Innovation and integration with the local area 7

8 Matrìca: the research centre Laboratories and pilot plants 8

9 Back in 2012, Matrìca had already established a research centre, which includes an analytical laboratory and 7 pilot plants, covering a total area in excess of 3,500 sqm. The pilot plants are a crucial part of the research centre, leading to the development of technologically advanced processes and increasingly innovative products. The area set aside for the pilot plants includes various sections which simulate, on a small scale, the main chemical and engineering operations, enabling information and technologies to move rapidly from small-scale basic research to full industrialization. The centre operates in partnership with first-rate national and international institutes and with the regional research system. Special attention is given to setting up training pathways and professional courses for young researchers, by organizing internships in collaboration with local universities and institutes. Support for production Development of new methods 9

10 Matrilox bioproducts Renewability and high performance 10

11 The Matrilox trademark identifies the innovative family of bioproducts produced by Matrìca for many different market segments: bioplastics, biolubricants, personal care products, plant protection products and additives for the rubber and plastics industry. Matrilox products provide a sustainable solution, combining renewability, biodegradability, nontoxicity and high performance with the aim of offering alternative, tailor-made solutions in sensitive sectors such as the environment and health. European raw materials and pursues an innovative development model based on the creation of an agro-industrial supply-chain integrated in the local area. Sustainable production processes The Matrìca plants use world-first proprietary technology developed by Novamont research, which differs radically from existing technologies since it does not use ozone in the oxidative scission reaction of vegetable oil. MATRILOX IS SYNONYMOUS WITH: Vegetable origin Matrilox bioproducts come from the use of renewable sources of vegetable origin which are compatible with the local area. Integrated European supply-chain Matrìca offers new, high value added products made from Vegetable oil 11

12 intermediates lubricants MATRILOX INTERMEDIATES Azelaic acid Very pure azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in polymerization processes, in the production of lubricants and in pharma/ cosmetic products. It is also a product of great interest from the chemical viewpoint since it is one of the basic constituents of bioplastics. Pelargonic acid Pelargonic acid is a monocarboxylic acid, which is used in the production of biolubricants and as an intermediate in the synthesis of emollients and fragrances for the cosmetics sector. It is also a natural, full-spectrum herbicide that is used in the formulation of plant protection products. Glycerine Glycerine is an extremely versatile polyol which, in addition to its well-known applications as an emollient, wetting agent and buffing agent in cosmetic formulations, is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, in the preparation of anti-freeze liquids and as a raw material for the synthesis of esters. C5-C9 acid blend This is a blend of carboxylic acids with different chain lengths that can be used in the synthesis of esters to obtain bases for the formulation of high-performance biolubricants. Esters produced in this way not only offer excellent properties of lubricity, thermal stability and biodegradability, but can also be used to make products with very low flow temperatures (pour points). MATRILOX LUBRICANTS Matrìca offers a wide range of bases for biolubricants for use in the formulation of products for the agricultural, automotive and aeronautical sectors, as well as for the production of hydraulic oils and special fluids for industry. The plant s exceptional synthesis flexibility also allows for the creation of lubricant bases specifically designed to meet the most stringent application requirements. Their renewable origin and biodegradability make them ideal for use in ecologically sensitive environments. 12

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14 cosmetics MATRILOX COSMETICS Matrìca offers the cosmetics industry several innovative biodegradable esters from renewable sources for the preparation of body creams and oils. High-purity azelaic acid is used in pharma/cosmetic applications such as in creams for the treatment of acne and rosacea, creams for skin depigmentation and trichological lotions. plasticizers MATRILOX PLASTICIZERS Matrìca offers a range of bioplasticizers for PVC, as well as an innovative type of bio-extender oil for elastomers known as Matrilox P, whose main application field is the flexible PVC sector, along with the use of other types of polymers such as NBR and CR. Bioplasticizers, which have high molecular weight and low release levels, are able to achieve excellent plasticization and exceptional thermal stability, thus providing a real non-toxic, environmentally friendly, high-performance alternative to conventional plasticizers (phthalates). Another line of Matrilox P products comprises bio-extender oils that have been specifically designed for the tyre industry and will eventually replace - partially or fully - extender oils of fossil origin. The low glass transition temperature typical of these oils make them suitable for use in developing compounds in which this feature is essential, such as winter tyres, and which, together with a low rolling resistance, help to cut fuel consumption. Thus the benefits in terms of sustainability are not limited simply to the manufacture of tyres, but also to their mode of use. 14

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16 Matrìca Spa Zona Industriale La Marinella Porto Torres (SS)