BASF Technology Enables More Sustainable Propylene Glycol Production at ORLEN Poludnie Plant

Europe: ORLEN Poludnie, a significant contributor to the biofuels industry in Poland, has successfully completed the inaugural year of its BioPG facility's operation. The plant is responsible for transforming Glycerol, which is a by-product of biodiesel production, into eco-friendly Propylene Glycol known as BioPG.

BioPG, a bio-based product obtained from Glycerin, is increasingly sought after for its versatile applications in the production of polyester resins, polyurethanes, paints, de-icing solutions, food industry solvents, and personal care items such as deodorant sticks and toothpaste. This sustainable alternative to fossil-based Propylene Glycol not only offers the same high-quality product standards but also significantly reduces the CO2 footprint by at least 60 percent.

The new plant was equipped with the license, basic engineering, and proprietary equipment offered by Air Liquide Engineering & Construction, utilizing their expertise and commercially proven BASF technology.

For over a decade, BASF's BioPG technology has been operating at full scale with remarkable results. The technology showcases exceptional selectivity and Glycerol conversion using BASF's H9-66 catalyst. The outstanding performance of the catalyst enables hydrogenation to take place within the liquid phase, eliminating the necessity for separating intermediates or solvents. This leads to significantly lower energy consumption compared to other processes.

ORLEN Group aims to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2050, and the BioPG plant is supporting this objective. ORLEN Poludnie, the first Polish producer of Propylene Glycol, has an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons, which is expected to meet 75% of the country's Propylene Glycol demand.

The successful startup and operation of another commercial plant with ORLEN Poludnie utilizing the Propylene Glycol catalyst. This marks over a decade of successful utilization of the catalyst by our customers. With the implementation of the G2PG process, ORLEN Poludnie has opened a new business area of bio products while also augmenting the value creation at its biodiesel plant. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness and reliability of our catalyst technology.

BASF will provide innovative technology and catalyst to support the development of sustainable BioPG production.