Levulinic ketals, the cornerstone of Segetis' Javelin™ Technology, are a broad family of bio-based compositions with performance advantages in many applications. Enabled by the development of selective ketalization of levulinic acid esters, these compounds have broad solubility enabling their use as cleaning solvents or coupling agents in liquid formulations. When extended by trans-esterification, levulinic ketals can make effective plasticizers for a range of plastic compounds including PVC; can make polyols for polyurethane materials; and can be extended for use in polyester thermosets or thermoplastics.

Each year, approximately 5.7 billion barrels of oil go into the 30-50 chemistry routes that make today's synthetic raw materials. These $2 trillion of compounds form the backbone of modern society and appear in end products that range from automobiles, fabrics and plastic bottles to adhesives, cell phones, shoes and building materials. We call this "embedded petroleum".

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 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 and its new contract manufacturing partner.