Demonstration of solvent and resin production from lignocellulosic biomass via the platform chemical levulinic acid
Summary
Levulinic acid has long been identified as a versatile ‘green’ chemical precursor for many applications. It is widely recognised as a platform substance for chemical synthesis and is seen as a key element in moving Europe towards bio-based manufacturing.
However, to make that a reality, there has to be adequate production to meet demand at a realistic price. GreenSolRes will demonstrate the commercial viability of converting lignocellulosic biomass to levulinic acid or one of its esters for the manufacturing of solvents and adhesive resins with added-value and/or functionalities.
The successful completion of the GreenSolRes will pave the way to the first commercial plant for sustainable production of levulinic acid (at 50 kta), and its derivatives, leading to a rapid gain in spectrum and production volume of bio-based consumer products.
Description
- To demonstrate the competitiveness of the levulinic acid (LVA) value chain in terms of costs, environmental impact and technical performance.
- To convert the platform chemical levulinic acid or one of its esters into 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF), gamma-valerolactone (GVL) and methyl butanediol (MeBDO) with development of novel catalyst.
- To develop bio-based derivates for industrial and consumer adhesives
- To have an optimized process design of key process components at 50 kta scale.
- Optimised and competitive value chain for bio-based LVA and down-stream products.
- Increased usage of lignocellulosic residues for high value-added products.
- Exploiting the sustainability potential of bio-based products from a renewable non-food feedstock.
- Use the functionalities of the C5-intermediates for novel high value added products.