The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for commercial routes to lactic acid and polylactic acid (PLA) are presented.  Fermentative production of lactic acid from dextrose based on existing gypsum-producing technology is compared to a newer gypsum-free process.  Historical and projected plant capacities in different geographic regions are also provided.

This PERP provides an in-depth technology, economic, and market analysis on ethylene. Regional cost competitiveness, commercial end-use markets, chemistry review, process descriptions, and simplified PFDs are covered in the comprehensive evaluation. Technologies modeled for economic evaluation include: steam cracking (ethane, propane, butane, naphtha, and gas oil hydrocarbon feeds), methanol to olefins, and dehydration of bio-ethanol to bio-based ethylene.

Commercial and developmental production technologies to ethylbenzene and styrene are discussed.  Regional cost of production for ethylbenzene and styrene are evaluated.  Global and regional supply/demand/trade is provided

Commercial LAB production technologies (n-paraffins dehydrogenation, benzene alkylation) have been reviewed. Regional costs of production for n-paraffins and LAB have been evaluated.  Global supply/demand is included.