AkzoNobel and Royal Cosun to develop sustainable cellulose products from sugar beet processing

AkzoNobel and agro-industrial co-operative Royal Cosun have formed a new partnership to develop novel products from cellulose side streams resulting from sugar beet processing.

The partnership will combine Royal Cosun’s specialist knowledge in separating and purifying agricultural process side streams with AkzoNobel’s expertise in the chemical modification of cellulose.

"This is an exciting collaboration with a lot of possibilities," said Geert Hofman, General Manager of Performance Additives at AkzoNobel’s Ethylene and Sulfur Derivatives business. "It has the potential to deliver a wide range of innovative cellulose-based products resulting from sugar beet processing, addressing the need for more sustainable raw materials from a variety of industries, such as food and healthcare, as well as the coatings and construction sectors."

Added Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I Director of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals: "Putting agricultural side streams to use as a sustainable source of chemicals is clearly a big step forward. By working together with Royal Cosun, we aim to develop and market sustainable new cellulose-based products, which will serve as essential ingredients for our customers’ applications."

As well as highlighting Royal Cosun’s focus on the bio-based economy, the partnership also underlines AkzoNobel’s Planet Possible agenda, which includes ongoing efforts to develop and introduce sustainable, bio-based products that contribute to a circular economy.