- In March 2025, BASF SE announced the expansion of its propionic acid production capacity at the BASF-YPC Verbund site in Nanjing, China, a 50-50 joint venture with Sinopec. This strategic move addresses the rising global demand for bio-based and sustainable propionic acid, widely used in animal feed, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals. The upgraded facilities utilize renewable electricity, enabling a 40% reduction in product carbon footprint compared to coal-based alternatives. This initiative supports BASF’s broader commitment to climate-friendly chemical production and reinforces its leadership in low-carbon industrial solutions across Asia
- In April 2024, Eastman Chemical Company partnered with Sealed Air to launch a bio-based, compostable food packaging tray designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional polystyrene foam trays. Made from Eastman Aventa™ Renew—a material derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp and certified recycled content—the trays are fully compostable in both home and industrial environments. This innovation supports the companies’ shared commitment to the circular economy, offering high performance while reducing environmental impact. The trays are already in use across several market applications, demonstrating real-world viability and scalability
- In March 2023, Perstorp Holding AB announced the expansion of its propionic acid production capacity at its Malmö, Sweden facility to address the growing global demand for sustainable preservatives in the animal feed and food industries. This strategic investment is part of Perstorp’s broader commitment to bio-based solutions and sustainable manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a key supplier of high-purity propionic acid used for preservation, flavoring, and antimicrobial protection. The move also supports the company’s long-term sustainability goals and strengthens its position in the specialty chemicals market
- In September 2022, BASF launched a zero-carbon footprint version of propionic acid (PA ZeroPCF), produced at its Ludwigshafen Verbund site in Germany. This sustainable innovation was achieved through BASF’s biomass balance (BMB) approach, which replaces fossil feedstocks with waste-based renewable raw materials at the start of production. The result is a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of zero, certified by the Carbon Trust. Identical in quality to conventional propionic acid, PA ZeroPCF can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes, supporting eco-friendly applications in animal feed, food preservation, and agriculture
- In April 2022, Perstorp unveiled plans to build a new carboxylic acid manufacturing plant at its existing site in Stenungsund, Sweden, with a projected capacity of 70,000 metric tons per year. The facility will produce naturally occurring carboxylic acids, including propionic acid, to meet rising global demand in sectors such as animal feed, food preservation, and specialty chemicals. Fully integrated into Perstorp’s Oxo production platform, the plant will support the company’s strategy to deliver sustainable, high-purity ingredients and reinforce its leadership in bio-based chemical solutions. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024
