AnQore and Borealis collaborate to produce sustainable acrylonitrile using renewable feedstocks, advancing circularity and reducing carbon emissions significantly.
AnQore has announced a strategic partnership with Borealis aimed at promoting sustainability and circularity within the acrylonitrile (ACN) value chain. This collaboration is focused on integrating Borealis’ Borvida™ B-propylene — a renewable feedstock derived from ISCC PLUS-certified non-food waste biomass — into AnQore’s production processes. Despite its sustainable origin, Borvida™ B-propylene is chemically identical to conventional propylene, making it a seamless replacement in existing manufacturing systems.
AnQore utilizes this sustainable feedstock in the production of Econitrile-MB™, the world’s first sustainable, mass-balanced form of acrylonitrile. In combination with sustainably sourced ammonia, Econitrile-MB has already been in production for several years and serves as a versatile solution for various industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.
The introduction of Econitrile allows manufacturers across a wide range of sectors — including ABS plastics, acrylamide, carbon and acrylic fibers, nitrile rubber, and surfactants — to enhance the sustainability profile of their products. Econitrile offers a significant environmental benefit, boasting a carbon footprint reduction of up to 90% per kilogram compared to traditional acrylonitrile, without any compromise in performance or quality.
Borvida™ B-propylene is part of Borealis’ broader Borvida portfolio, which includes a range of circular and renewable base chemicals. These chemicals maintain the same functionality as their conventional counterparts but contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. To ensure transparency and accountability, the renewable content is monitored throughout the value chain using a Chain of Custody model based on the Mass Balance approach. This ensures that the origin and flow of sustainable materials can be accurately traced and verified from source to end product.
Sjoerd Zuidema, CEO of AnQore, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “At AnQore, enhancing the sustainability of our specialty chemical value chains begins with the raw materials. Through our partnership with Borealis, we’re proud to offer the world’s first mass-balanced, circular acrylonitrile and help our customers transition to greener solutions.”
Borealis, known globally for its advanced polyolefin technologies and commitment to circular innovation, continues to be a leader in recycling and base chemical production across Europe. Thomas Van De Velde, Senior Vice President of Base Chemicals at Borealis, emphasized the strategic impact of this partnership: “This collaboration exemplifies how Borealis is delivering on its sustainability strategy by enabling customers like AnQore to access high-performance, circular materials. Together, we’re fostering innovation that supports customers’ sustainability ambitions and prepares them for future regulatory and market demands.”
This partnership represents a significant step in transitioning the chemical industry toward a more circular and climate-friendly model.
