At its plant in Oulu, Finland, Eastman taps into the protective powers of this nature-inspired acid.
The humble ant is capable of amazing feats. Ants can carry between 3,400 and 5,000 times their own body weight, communicate with one another using their antennae and pheromones, and — in many species — produce formic acid. Like the ant, formic acid is tiny in size. In fact, its miniscule molecules are the smallest of all organic acids. But it carries important powers of preservation and protection that many ants use to ward off predators.
It’s that power to preserve and protect that makes formic acid an important ingredient in Eastman animal nutrition. In Oulu, Finland, we are making formic acid that is used in products like AIV® solutions.
Protection inspired by nature
Ants use formic acid to fend off invaders and predators. In animal nutrition, formic acid is also used to ward off invaders. In this case, it protects against natural decay and microbes that affect animal health.
In the process of ensiling grass for livestock, the right acidity must quickly be found to halt processes that consume nutrients. This minimizes protein breakdown, keeps forage sugars at optimal levels and preserves more nutrients.
That’s where formic acid — the driving force behind AIV silage additives — comes in.
It prevents excessive fermentation and keeps pH reduction at an optimal level so that the silage keeps its nutritional value and is more palatable.
Formic acid has other important uses for animal nutrition. It is often added to the feed of animals like pigs and poultry to control harmful microbes and enhance digestion, reducing the need for antibiotics in livestock. Eastman Protaq™, which is delivered via water or liquid feed to support overall animal health, and Acitra™, which is used in feed to preserve it and support livestock, use formic acid to lower pH in the animals’ stomachs.
Formic acid is also used to ensure safe and clean feed by controlling Salmonella in feed raw materials. Eastman Keitex™ features formic acid along with a blend of other organic acids and ingredients for this very purpose.
In addition to animal nutrition, formic acid is used in a variety of industries, from rubber production to textiles to pharmaceuticals. Its salts are even used as the basis for Eastman Clearway® de-icer, which helps keep runways safe in cold climates.
A smaller footprint
Thanks to investments in the Oulu formic acid plant, the carbon footprint of formic acid production was reduced by 78.6% in 2021 compared to 2019. Liquefied natural gas is now used as a raw material, which has a significantly smaller impact than other sources like heavy fuel oil or coal. The electricity required for production comes from renewable sources, as does the majority of the heat energy needed.
In production technology, carbon dioxide capture and utilization were introduced. Process CO2 emissions from the core reaction were eliminated because the carbon molecule from the raw material is retained in the formic acid molecule.
“Thanks to the improvements in Oulu, we are able to continue producing formic acid at an industrial scale while lowering the impact we are making on the environment,” said Joni Nygard, Oulu site manager.
As a result of these upgrades, the carbon footprint of formic acid produced in Oulu is just like the acid molecule itself and the formidable ant — small.
