ABB has partnered with Citroniq to provide cutting-edge automation, electrification, and digital solutions for a groundbreaking 100% biogenic polypropylene production facility in Nebraska, USA. This facility, set to be the world’s first of its kind at full commercial scale, will produce biogenic polypropylene from corn-based ethanol. Polypropylene is a versatile material used in everyday items like food packaging, automotive parts, consumer goods, and medical devices.
Scheduled to begin operations in 2029, the facility will utilize established corn ethanol production in the U.S. to create fully certified biogenic polypropylene. Citroniq’s goal is to establish a more sustainable plastics manufacturing platform in the U.S. while reducing emissions in the challenging plastics sector.
At full capacity, the plant’s three-site network is expected to cut U.S. polypropylene production emissions by up to 20%. The first facility will convert corn-based ethanol into polypropylene, capturing and permanently storing 3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually in solid pellets.
“Our partnership with ABB is a key milestone in creating an advanced, sustainable manufacturing hub that will revolutionize the plastics industry,” said Mel Badheka, President and Co-Founder of Citroniq. “We engaged with ABB early in the process due to their leadership in automation and their critical expertise for this project.”
Once the final investment decision is made, ABB will provide its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, advanced process control, digital simulations, electrical equipment, instrumentation, and engineering services to enhance the plant’s design, delivery, and operations.
“We’re excited to bring our technology and expertise to support the development of a low-carbon manufacturing facility in the U.S.,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Our integrated automation and electrification solutions are designed to ensure Citroniq’s operations are safe, efficient, and reliable while contributing to the decarbonization of a critical sector.”
ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, focused on fostering a sustainable, resource-efficient future. With more than 140 years of innovation and over 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB helps industries operate at high performance while improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com.
Through its Process Automation business, ABB provides automation, electrification, and digitalization solutions to industries that produce essential goods such as energy, water, and materials. With a team of 20,000 experts, ABB helps clients in the process, hybrid, and maritime industries improve efficiency and sustainability.
Citroniq is pioneering the transformation of the plastics industry by producing the world’s only carbon-negative polypropylene. Using locally sourced ethanol and advanced technologies in a unique configuration, Citroniq’s E2O process significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, locks away carbon in plastic pellets, and helps companies meet their net-zero goals. This is a prime example of nature-driven innovation at its finest.
