Segetis has developed novel biobased monomers derived from the combination of levulinic acid esters and biobased hydroxyl compounds. These structures are new-to-the-world molecules that provide unique functional properties relevant to multiple industrial and consumer markets, including consumer durables, homecare and building materials. Segetis' levulinic ketals can dramatically reduce the amount of fossil fuels consumed by the chemicals industry, leading to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the elimination of multiple health and toxicity concerns inherent in the use of petrochemical-based materials.
Segetis' technology has distinct advantages relative to other existing and emerging materials. First, Segetis' materials will be more cost effective than both incumbent fossil-fuel based chemicals, due to lower input costs, and other emerging technologies, due to lower processing costs. Second, Segetis' materials offer new functional benefits that enhance brand owners' product performance.
Applications
By applying industry standards for performance, Segetis is able to identify the specific levulinic ketals that can enable reduction or replacement of fossil-fuel-based chemicals and plastics on a functional and cost basis, such as:
- Non-phthalate Segetis plasticizers that migrate less than existing materials
- Segetis solvents that are more powerful cleaners than current biobased alternatives
- Segetis polyols for polyurethane systems that enhance rigidity, allowing customers to replace petrochemical polyols while maintaining performance
Segetis is in its pre-commercial phase and is engaged in product development with potential customers across a wide array of end markets. The company is servicing this initial demand from its Semi-Works production facility. Segetis is producing plasticizers, polyols and solvents with unique functional properties that development partners in markets such as building products and household cleaners are actively evaluating for use in their product portfolios.
