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Expert Interview
Slingshot members are talking to an expert! The topic is:
Discussing the bioplastics industry
Ticker(s): BASFY, EVKIY, LYB, CSNVF, AVTX, LGCLFWho's the expert?
Institution: Valentine Chemistry Solutions LLC
- James R. Valentine, Ph.D. is currently a consultant in the chemicals and plastics industries, as of March 2024, with >30 years industrial experience solving problems in both large (DuPont) and small chemical companies (NatureWorks LLC), using the best available analytical methods. Analytical characterization experience extends from small molecules (monomers) to large molecules (polymers). Subject matter expertise in analytical chemistry (including method development & validation, impurity analysis by GC/MS, competitive analysis), polymer characterization methods (structure, molecular weight, thermal), biodegradable polymers (e.g., polylactic acid, PLA), degradation of plastics in the environment, and oil field services (OFS) applications of PLA. Dr. Valentine most recently held the position of Technical Fellow, while working at NatureWorks LLC, which is the largest manufacturer of biobased and biodegradable PLA polymers in the world.
- Dr. Valentine worked in this capacity for 6 years (February 2018 - March 2024), where his primary responsibility was leading technology projects in R&D and new product development. While leading enhanced degradability of PLA project, Dr. Valentine identified a PLA formulation that combined a fast rate of hydrolysis with a low mass fraction of residuals of interest as a degradable diverter in oil well fracking. The new formulation was quickly commercialized in 2019, where a Society of Petroleum Engineers webinar and two OFS conference presentations were given by Dr. Valentine to support marketing. Sales of the new formulation exceeded 1MM lbs within 3 years of commercialization with a high margin. Dr. Valentine also led R&D project focused on the evaluation of the fundamental properties of a new amorphous PLA polymer made from the polymerization of meso-lactide monomer. Several patent applications were filed utilizing the unique properties of this amorphous PLA polymer. Dr. Valentine also served as company subject matter expert in analytical chemistry when supporting internal (e.g., manufacturing plants, R&D projects, Public Affairs function) or external customers, OFS applications of PLA and lactide, and food grade applications for lactides. Dr. Valentine identified a new approach for cleaning PLA gel filters which was less aggressive than incumbent, which extended the lifetime of gel filters and lowered capital expense for new gel filter purchases. Dr. Valentine was also responsible for reading technical papers where the value proposition of PLA was attacked and provided a critical assessment of the analytical protocol used, the data generated, and the conclusions drawn to advise public affairs group on the proposed response to such claims.
Interview GoalThis call will focus on the the bioplastics industry. Call topics will be on the outlook for bioplastics, role in the green transition, supply/demand dynamics, capacity growth, feedstock availability, pricing and margins, public policy, key innovations, new applications, end of life, etc.
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