ABB partners with Citroniq to automate the world’s first commercial-scale biogenic polypropylene plant in Nebraska. The facility will use corn ethanol to create carbon-negative plastic, cutting US PP emissions by 20%.
Partnership with Citroniq Aims to Cut U.S. Polypropylene Production Emissions by 20% with Nebraska Facility
Nebraska, USA – In a landmark move for sustainable manufacturing, technology leader ABB has partnered with green materials company Citroniq to provide automation, electrification and digital solutions for the world’s first fully commercial-scale 100% biogenic polypropylene production facility in Nebraska, USA.
The groundbreaking plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2029, will produce polypropylene—a ubiquitous plastic used in packaging, automotive parts, and medical devices—entirely from corn-based ethanol. This innovative process is designed to be carbon-negative capturing and permanently storing 3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually in solid plastic pellets.
A Game-Changer for the Plastics Industry
Citroniq’s “E2O” process represents a radical shift in plastics manufacturing. By leveraging the established U.S. corn ethanol industry, the company aims to create a certified biogenic alternative to fossil-fuel-based polypropylene. The ambitious three-site network, once at full capacity, is projected to:
- Reduce U.S. polypropylene production emissions by up to 20%.
- Provide a sustainable, carbon-negative material for consumer goods, automotive, and medical sectors.
- Help companies meet their net-zero goals by locking away carbon in long-life plastic products.
ABB’s Role: Integrating Automation for Efficiency and Safety
Upon the final investment decision, ABB will serve as the main automation, electrical and digitalization partner, providing:
- ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system for integrated operations.
- Advanced Process Control and digital simulations to optimize production.
- Electrical equipment, instrumentation, and comprehensive engineering services.
This technology stack is critical for ensuring the first-of-its-kind facility operates safely, efficiently, and reliably at a commercial scale.
Leadership Vision: Pioneering a Sustainable Manufacturing Hub
Mel Badheka, President and Co-Founder of Citroniq, highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership: “We engaged with ABB early in the process due to their leadership in automation and their critical expertise for this project. This is a key milestone in creating an advanced, sustainable manufacturing hub that will revolutionize the plastics industry.”
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, emphasized ABB’s commitment: “We’re excited to bring our technology and expertise to support the development of a low-carbon manufacturing facility in the U.S. Our solutions are designed to ensure Citroniq’s operations are safe, efficient, and reliable while contributing to the decarbonization of a critical sector.”
Why This Partnership Matters
- Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Sectors: The plastics industry is notoriously carbon-intensive. This project offers a viable pathway to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
- U.S. Leadership in Green Tech: Positions the United States at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation.
- Circular Economy: Creates a bio-based circular model for a major commodity plastic.
The ABB-Citroniq collaboration is more than an industrial project; it is a bold step towards redefining the future of plastics, proving that essential materials can be produced in a way that benefits both industry and the planet.
