Companies to launch feasibility study for new pilot plant in Europe

Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and ETB have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the development of purified bio-based 1,3-butadiene. This will see the two companies combine their respective technology and process expertise to accelerate the development of viable, renewably sourced material solutions.

Under the partnership, the companies will jointly explore opportunities to scale up ETB's unique single-stage process to produce bio-based 1,3-butadiene from ethanol using polyfunctional catalyst technology. The collaboration will initially focus on demonstrating the viability of sustainable ethanol-based synthetic rubber in support of green tire production. To underline this mutual commitment, Trinseo, with ETB's support, will conduct a feasibility study to explore the construction of a dedicated bio-based 1,3-butadiene pilot plant in Europe. Once operational, it is intended that the pilot plant will include a purification unit to achieve a purity target of 99.7%.

Bio-based butadiene is considered a vital first component in the value chain for enabling the replacement of fossil-based raw materials with renewable sources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of consumer products, such as performance tires throughout their lifecycle. It also represents a key milestone in Trinseo’s transformation as a sustainable solutions provider.

Within the past six months, Trinseo achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and has become the first synthetic rubber provider globally to gain mass balance certification. In addition, Trinseo recently announced a business collaboration with BASF in the area of circular feedstocks, with the aim of strengthening the efforts of both companies in the development and management of styrene with an improved environmental profile.

“Sustainability is at the heart of Trinseo and this new partnership with ETB enables us to move towards truly differentiated material solutions with a lower environmental impact than ever before,” said Francesca Reverberi, Vice President, Engineered Materials & Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo. “Our customers are increasingly seeking new ways to add renewable and bio-based raw materials along the value chain to support their sustainability goals. The ability to derive bio-based butadiene from ethanol with close to 100% purity enables our customers to develop more sustainable products without compromising on performance.”

Vladimir Trembovolsky, CEO, ETB, added: "ETB is driven by the idea of bringing bio-based butadiene to the industry through our proprietary, patented process - currently demonstrated at our pilot plant in Russia. By working closely with Trinseo, we aim to unlock new opportunities throughout the value chain from biomass to end product. We look forward to sharing technologies and expertise as we strive towards industrial production of renewably sourced 1,3-butadiene at a purification level of at least 99.7%. ETB believes that true adoption of bio-based monomers is only possible through close collaboration between industry players along the entire value chain. Our joint partnership is a beacon for the industry thanks to the scale, reach and sustainable ethos of Trinseo."

It is anticipated that the pilot plant evaluation study will be completed by the close of 2021. Both companies share the long-term ambition of scaling up live production globally.

About Trinseo

Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) is a global materials solutions provider and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders, and synthetic rubber with a focus on delivering innovative, sustainable, and value-creating products that are intrinsic to our daily lives. Trinseo is dedicated to making a positive impact on society by partnering with like-minded stakeholders, and supporting the sustainability goals of our customers in a wide range of end-markets including automotive, consumer electronics, appliances, medical devices, packaging, footwear, carpet, paper and board, building and construction, and tires. Trinseo had approximately $3.0 billion in net sales in 2020, with 17 manufacturing sites around the world, and approximately 2,600 employees. For more information, please visit: www.trinseo.com.

About ETB

ETB Global B.V. (ETB) is an innovative company developing unique catalysts for new sustainable & bio-based processes, drawing on over 100 years of experience and knowledge in the fossil-based petrochemical industry and catalysis. ETB's mission is to change the environmental footprint of the rubber and plastic products we use every day. Bio-Butadiene (Bio- BD) is the first chemical building block the company has chosen to target, focusing on bio-based ethanol as a feedstock. The company draws on the strong scientific background of its founders and has its own laboratory and pilot plant in Russia and a global office at Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit: etbcat.com

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “might,” “see,” “potential,” “likely,” “target,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “seek,” “attempt,” or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the collaboration with ETB, our previously-announced proposed acquisition of the Arkema MMA and PMMA business; and those factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —“Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210429005188/en/