Bioproducts from Biorefineries

Bioproducts from Biorefineries - Trends, Challenges and Opportunities^₁

Trends in sales from chemical products relying on either biobased feedstocks, fermentation or enzymatic conversion have shown a steady increase from 50 billion Euros in 2000 to an anticipated 150 billion Euros in 2012. In 2007, the figure was greater than 100 billion Euros. The trend is driven by expectations of an increase in the price of carbon. Biorefineries are adapting to these opportunities by producing a range of coproducts alongside transportation biofuels such as biodiesel. Biodiesel facilities can produce biopolyols from glycerin, that in turn form the basis for foams, coatings and adhesives. Starch-based facilities are beginning to examing bioproducts such as deicers, solvents and coatings from polyols, as well as acrylates, and PLA polymers alongside fuel alcohol. Always, the goal is maximizing value from existing infrastructure. Bioplastics from propanediol or lactic acid or ethanol are also being examined for value. In Brazil, polyethylene from sugarcane is being costed out as cheaper than many fossil fuel sources. Other pathways being considered are renewable PVC. What hasn't yet been determined are the possibilities that may arise from cellulosic platforms, but a range of pathways and end products are possible.

The success of bioproducts rely on three factors:
* Economics - is it cost competitive?
* Performance - do they match or exceed petroleum-derived sources?
* Environmental benefits - what is the 'green' value?

References and Links

¹ This is a summary of a paper being presented at the Next Generation Bio-Based Chemicals Summit 2010 by Bhima Vijayendran, PhD?., the Chief Research Officer at Battelle Science & Technology, Malaysia.