New report identifies ten biobased chemicals driving a new industry in UK
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
The Lignocellulosic
Biorefinery Network (LBNet) in consultation
with leading biotechnology and chemistry experts from business, academia and
the public sector, has developed a report that identifies ten biobased
chemicals where the UK could focus resources for maximum impact in the industry.
The highlights of this report are based on the document “UK
Top Bio-based Chemicals Opportunities”, commissioned by LBNet to E4tech and
was issued by the end of last year.
Link: UKBioChem10
Report.
Figure 1. Cover of the UKBioChem10
Report
The approach draws on the concept of the well
known US report “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass”, which was
instrumental in bringing a number of chemicals to market. By identifying the
most promising biobased chemical opportunities for the UK, LBNet hopes to spur
similar support from industrialists, academics and policymakers, which will
stimulate innovation whilst creating a sustainable future for the chemicals
industry.
The 10 bio-based chemicals
were agreed based on commercial viability, UK strengths to exploit, functionality
and sustainability:
1. Lactic
acid
2. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic
acid (FDCA)
3. Levoglucosenone
4. Hydroxymethyl furfural
(HMF)
5. Muconic acid
6. Itaconic acid
7. 1,3-Butanediol
10. n-Butanol