Overview
ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest energy and chemical companies with a significant research and development portfolio in bioplastics, advanced recycling, and synthetic biology. The company has invested in multiple pathways for bioplastics and sustainable materials development through partnerships with research institutions and biotech companies, while also developing proprietary advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis to convert plastic waste into usable raw materials.
Bioplastics Research Initiatives
Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion:
- Partnership with Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI)
- Research on converting non-food biomass (straw, trees, grasses) into polymers
- Development of drop-in replacements for existing petrochemical products
- Focus on feedstock sustainability
Synthetic Biology Partnerships:
- Multi-decade partnership with Synthetic Genomics since 2009
- Bioengineering algae for biofuel production
- 2017 breakthrough: Modified algae strain with doubled oil content without growth inhibition
- Published in Nature Biotechnology
- Target: Scaling sustainable algae-based biofuels
Advanced Recycling Technology
Pyrolysis Technology:
- Proprietary process converting plastic waste into usable raw materials
- Efficiency: Converts approximately 90% of processed plastic waste
- Produces chemical feedstock for plastics and other products
- Addresses circular economy objectives
Exxtend Technology:
- Advanced recycling system for plastic waste valorization
- Enables production of circular polymers from waste feedstocks
- Target: One million tonnes of circular polymers by 2030
Industry Applications
- Polymers and Plastics: Bio-based and recycled alternatives to virgin materials
- Chemical Intermediates: Building blocks for various chemical products
- Biofuels: Sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable fuels
- Circular Economy: Integration of waste into production chains
Research Capabilities
- Extensive R&D infrastructure across multiple research facilities
- Partnerships with academic institutions and research centers
- Publishing research in top-tier scientific journals
- Long-term investment in breakthrough technologies
Strategic Focus Areas
- Circular Economy: Developing recycling and reuse technologies
- Sustainability: Reducing carbon footprint of operations and products
- Innovation: Breakthrough technologies in polymers and chemicals
- Bioeconomy: Integration of biological processes into chemical production
Geographic Presence
Global operations with research facilities and production plants across multiple continents, including major facilities in Texas, Europe, and Asia.
Market Position
As one of the world’s largest chemical producers, ExxonMobil’s bioplastics and advanced recycling initiatives have significant potential impact on plastic industry sustainability and circular economy development.
Last updated: 2026-02-14