Technip Energies Acquires Technology From Shell To Accelerate Bio-Polyester Production

The acquisition of glycol purification technology will accelerate Technip Energies’ Bio-2-Glycols commercialization.

Technip Energies and Shell Catalysts & Technologies announce a technology transfer agreement which accelerates the commercialization of Technip Energies’ Bio-2-Glycols technology for bio-based Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) production from glucose.

MEG is traditionally produced using fossil-based feedstock to make various types of polyesters for packaging materials, such as plastic bottles, and in clothing apparel. With this acquisition, Technip Energies intends to offer a bio-based polyester solution by replacing fossil-based feedstock. By using a bio-sourced monomer, the Bio-2-Glycols technology allows for polyesters to be produced with lower carbon footprints and less environmental impact.

This technology transfer agreement allows to combine Shell’s research and development results with Technip Energies’ bio-MEG technology, to offer a more efficient, bio-based MEG technology to the market. The new combined technology will be commercialized under the Bio-2-Glycols trademark.

Wei Cai, Chief Technology Officer, of Technip Energies commented: “We are pleased to have completed this agreement which allows us to propose an optimized, combined solution to make bio-MEG, a common feedstock for various everyday life applications. We are confident about rapidly commercializing our Bio-2-Glycols technology. Our objective is to offer this technology in 2025 which will contribute significantly to the net zero challenge.”

Elise H. Nowee, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies commented: “We're excited to announce this agreement with Technip Energies, combining our respective technologies to enhance and accelerate the commercialization of Bio-2-Glycols. By integrating Technip Energies’ expertise with our own development work on Bio-2-Glycols, we're poised to expedite the deployment of sustainable alternatives to fossil-based feedstocks, driving innovation, and together, paving a way for a more efficient and sustainable solution in this area.”