Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company, has launched a cellulose-based material that is both bio-based and broadly compostable and aligns with ESG and circular economy objectives.

Commercially available BlueRidge Cellulosic Pellets, a sustainability-inspired product intended to be an alternative to conventional plastics, both transparent and opaque, in difficult-to-recycle consumer applications. This material is both economically and technically viable, as well as rooted in sustainability from its raw materials to end-of-life compostability.

BlueRidge material is based primarily on cellulose acetate.

“We see the challenge of single-use plastic waste as one we are uniquely positioned to potentially tackle in a novel and significant way,” said Lori Ryerkerk, Celanese Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Today Celanese welcomes the launch of BlueRidge Cellulosic Pellets as the Company’s next leap forward with a sustainable and compostable alternative to plastic.”

BlueRidge material is based primarily on cellulose acetate, which is produced using cellulose from sustainably forested trees. The resulting BlueRidge material is recognized as being home and industrial compostable as well as broadly biodegradable in a range of environments, ultimately breaking down into glucose and vinegar, which are readily consumed in nature.

Although its chemical composition is more that of paper than plastic, BlueRidge Cellulosic Pellets are designed to be processed on conventional plastics machinery to efficiently produce many of the products on which society depends.

Additionally, the material can offer improved mechanical and temperature performance relative to other common bio-based and bio-degradable polymers, particularly as a fully transparent material. It is proving to be a material with potential value in many rigid single-use products, such as straws, cutlery, lids, containers and packaging, among many other uses.