American agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and South Korean chemical company LG Chem have entered into a joint development agreement to collaborate on biobased acrylic acid manufacturing, an ADM press release announced Wednesday.

Used as an ingredient in the superabsorbent polymers (SAP), conventional acrylic acid is typically made from petrochemicals. LG Chem, one of the world’s largest producers of acrylic acid, will manufacture a biobased version of material from ingredients supplied from ADM’s corn processing operations. 

“The acrylic acid project is another effort from ADM to create new sustainable materials from renewable resources and demonstrates our strong commitment to support customer demand through innovation,” ADM Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Dr. Todd Warpy said in a statement. “By tackling this challenge with LG Chem, we can leverage the strengths and expertise of both companies to bring a cost effective, sustainable solution to our customers.”

As part of the effort, the South Korean firm will conduct a review of the buildout of a bio-SAP production plant in North America. LG Chem will also examine options to grow its bio plastics business. 

“This joint development agreement with ADM has enabled LG Chem to further expand our business portfolio with eco-friendly products that can achieve sustainable growth,” the president of LG Chem, Okdong Son, said in the release. “We are excited to drive research and development on sustainable materials based on bio resources, along with our advanced strengths in conventional petrochemicals business.”

Superabsorbent polymers are used in hygiene products like diapers.

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