DirectLact: Direct production of lactide via inventive gas-phase catalysis

The DirectLac project aims to jumpstart the commercialization of a catalytic process developed in the laboratories of the KU Leuven, to which a patent has recently been granted. This technology opens a new and more efficient way to produce lactide, the molecule used to manufacture polylactic acid, an environmentally friendly plastic with a promising future. To bring about the development of this technology into a large-scale process will require the partnership of industrial companies capable of integrating it into the already existent lactic acid production chain. But to attract them, such industrial partners must be made aware of the benefits this new technology brings to the table. Therefore, this project is dedicated to the conception of a solid business case to justify further investment via agreements with industry. It will include the basis for potential business partner containing: (i) a study of the polylactic acid market in the coming years, and (ii) a detailed techno-economic assessment of our new catalytic process compared to conventional technologies. In addition, the project will produce a contractual framework that will serve as the basis for any negotiation with potential industrial partner so as to maximize the benefits according to the patent holders, in other words the university and its inventors.

Keywords:Chemical process design, Heterogeneous catalysis, Business case, Bioplastic

Disciplines:Chemical process design, Catalysis