The RoadToBio Consortium presented the latest results of the project in a one-hour webinar on February 7. This webinar was a special experience for us, it created the link between newly developed definitions and the unique goals we aimed in RoadToBio. Listeners from Singapore, New Zealand and different parts of Europe logged in to listen to the one-hour online lecture. In addition to a general introduction which answered the questions \u201cwhy it makes sense to switch to bio-based chemistry\u201d, the definitions of drop-ins, smart drop-ins and dedicated chemicals were explained in more detail. On this basis bio-based opportunities for the chemical industry were presented, which we identified within the framework of the project.
\n“Why we are trying to make chemicals more bio-based?”
\nIn 2005 the European Commission published a framework programme to define the main goals and an action plan to support the European bioeconomy for the first time. While originally the substitution of limited and expensive fossil raw materials was a major driver for the transformation, today sustainability considerations are at the core of the efforts for a more bio-based economy.<\/p>\n
The latest catchphrase heard in this context is \u201cbiologisation\u201d, which can mean two different things: Using biotechnological processes and\/or using biomass as a resource. Both can, but don\u2019t necessarily have to, go hand in hand.<\/p>\n
The chemical industry has long started to use the best of both worlds, combining chemical and biotechnological process steps as needed.
\nCategories of bio-based chemicals used in the chemical industry
\nFor a higher clarity, the chemical industry used different terms to classify bio-based chemical products. This classification is non-scientific but each of these classes is useful to individualize market uptake strategies of bio-based chemicals. For this reason we use a new category of classification of bio-based products. In addition to drop-ins and dedicated chemicals, the group of smart drop-ins was introduced. The different classifications were explained in more detail during the webinar and applied directly in the following.<\/p>\n
Bio-based smart drop-ins are a subset of drop-ins, which have two or more of the following characteristics: high biomass utilisation efficiency, low energy use in their production, short or less complex production pathway, and\/or fewer toxic chemicals used in their production and enter existing fossil chemical value chain at a later stage. As a consequence, smart drop-ins will usually be commodities of smaller volume compared to normal drop-ins.<\/p>\n
To learn more about the new concept of classifications of bio-based chemicals you can listen to the webinar or read nova\u2019s full paper on bio-based drop-ins, smart drop-ins and dedicated bio-based chemicals here.
\nBio-based opportunities for the chemical industry
\nIn one of the first RoadToBio studies more than 500 petrochemical value chains in nine different product groups were analysed, which showed more than 1,000 entry points for bio-based chemicals. For 85 % of the existing petrochemicals, at least one bio-based route was found that is available at either demonstration or commercial scale.<\/p>\n
This study provides the knowledge base for the subsequent activities in the project, notably an assessment of the barriers as well as the most promising opportunities, and nine specific business case studies, which will together inform the roadmap for the chemical industry. More specifically, the next step will be to rank the identified matching chemicals with regard to market volumes, implementation feasibility and growth potential.<\/p>\n
Want to take a closer look? Listen to the webinar or for more detailed information download the full report here.
\nJoin the network
\nWe would like to invite you to join us on the journey to a more bio-based chemical industry. The roadmap should contain clear, realistic goals. Your knowledge and experience is necessary to create a market relevant roadmap with a high impact. Therefore, we will conduct workshops and webinars to involve you as stakeholder.<\/p>\n
Your opinion is of utmost importance to us. Through your participation, you get the opportunity to help shape the development process and to find your opinion later in the roadmap.<\/p>\n
How?
\nVisit the project website: https:\/\/www.roadtobio.eu
\nSubscribe to the newsletter: https:\/\/www.roadtobio.eu\/newsletter
\nContact us at lea.koenig@dechema.de
\nUpcoming event
\nWhether you are an industrialist, a NGO, a government policy maker or another stakeholder, your engagement is important to us. With your knowledge and contribution, it is possible to create a strong roadmap with a high impact and containing clear, realistic goals.<\/p>\n
Join us on the journey to a more bio-based chemical industry and participate in our stakeholder workshops and webinars. Our next stakeholder workshop is scheduled to be held on 19 June 2018 in Brussels.<\/p>\n
Through your participation in our stakeholder dialogue process you get the opportunity to help shape the development process and help steer the content of the roadmap.<\/p>\n
Make a reservation for this date and contact us at lea.koenig@dechema.de
\nWhat you can expect from the next newsletter
\nPreviously in the project identified opportunities to introduce bio-based chemicals into existing fossil-based process chains are shown and the definitions presented here are applied directly to practical examples. Do not miss the next newsletter.
\nIntroduction of the RoadToBio Team
\nThe consortium of this two-year project, which started in May 2017, consists of four members:
\nDECHEMA Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V.,
\nBTG Biomass Technology Group BV,
\nE4tech (UK) Ltd.,
\nnova-Institut f\u00fcr politische und \u00f6kologische Innovation GmbH.
\nThey bring in complementary expertise in relevant fields of the bioeconomy and chemical industry, covering in depth all aspects that need to be included in the roadmap.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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