NEXTCHEM Awarded Licensing for Bioplastic Feedstock Facility in China

MAIRE Group has announced that its subsidiary, NEXTCHEM (Sustainable Technology Solutions), has secured a significant licensing and Process Design Package (PDP) contract for a new industrial facility in China. The project will utilize NEXTCHEM’s proprietary technologies to produce high-value intermediates essential for the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics.

Deployment of NX Conser Technologies

The agreement focuses on the implementation of two specific proprietary solutions: NX Conser Man and NX Conser Duetto. The new facility will integrate these systems to produce Maleic Anhydride and its derivatives.

The NX Conser Man technology is a world-leading process for the partial oxidation of n-butane into Maleic Anhydride, a versatile chemical intermediate. This output will subsequently feed into the NX Conser Duetto unit, a specialized hydrogenation technology. The integration of these two processes allows for the efficient production of butanediol (BDO) and succinic anhydride derivatives. These chemicals serve as the critical building blocks for biodegradable polymers such as Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) and Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), which are increasingly in demand for sustainable packaging and agricultural films.

Driving the Transition to Biodegradable Materials

China represents one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for biodegradable materials, driven by stringent government regulations aimed at curbing “white pollution” caused by single-use non-degradable plastics. By licensing these advanced technologies, NEXTCHEM is enabling the local production of high-purity feedstocks necessary to scale the biodegradable plastics industry.

The adoption of the NX Conser Duetto technology highlights a shift toward integrated industrial schemes that maximize yield and energy efficiency while minimizing the environmental footprint of chemical production.

Strengthening Technological Leadership

This award reinforces NEXTCHEM’s position as a key technology provider in the energy transition and circular economy sectors. By leveraging its portfolio of proprietary solutions, the company continues to support the chemical industry’s evolution toward lower-carbon and biodegradable alternatives. The project underscores the viability of converting traditional hydrocarbon feedstocks into environmentally friendly end-products through advanced catalytic processes.

Source: Read more