BioRefineries Blog

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Versalis, Eni's chemical company, has begun the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass at Crescentino (Vercelli). Press release: “ Versalis: the production of bioethanol up and running at Crescentino ”, 02/02/2022. Related post: “ Versalis acquires Beta Renewables and Biochemtex ”, 18/10/2018. Figure 1. Crescentino biorefinery The plant, which was acquired in 2018, has been overhauled thanks to major investments and has started the production of advanced bioethanol, in compliance with the European legislation for the development of renewable energy RED II, as it is derived from raw materials that do not interfere with the food chain. The bioethanol, produced using Proesa® technology is ISCC-EU certified and will be used to formulate gasoline with a renewable component. The plant is capable of processing 200,000 tons of biomass per year, with a maximum production capacity of approximately 25,000 tons of bioethanol per year. Followi...

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. The Province of Groningen has granted the Cosun Beet Company a subsidy of three million euros for the construction of a sustainable biorefinery in Delfzijl. In this innovative facility, sugar beet pulp from Cosun’s sugar factories will be transformed into new plant-based products. Press release: “ Subsidy for sustainable biorefinery from sugar beet pulp ”, 02/02/2022. Figure 1. Cosun Beet Company obtains a grant for the construction of a sustainable biorefinery (extracted from the press release) These products can be used as environmentally friendly replacements for microplastics in paint, detergents, toothpaste, shampoo, makeup and more. The factory will produce on 100% green energy and will create more than 40 jobs. The subsidy is being awarded based on the Investing in Future-proof Industry scheme. The final investment decision by the Cosun Beet Company will be made later this year.

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Pyran and NAGASE Specialty Materials (NSM) have partnered for the conversion of Pyran’s bio-based 1,5-pentanediol (PDO) to renewable 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate (PDDA) and other acrylate and methacrylate derivatives. Press release: “ Pyran Partners with NAGASE Specialty Materials for Market Development and Supply of Renewable 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate (PDDA) ”, 25/01/2022. Figure 1. Pyran’s C5 Technology Platform NSM, a manufacturer of chemical technologies and distributor of specialty chemicals, will produce PDDA and other derivatives in the USA and will market them in North America and Europe. Through this agreement, NAGASE will be the first to derivatize Pyran’s sustainable PDO for use in UV-cured formulations from coatings to 3D printing. Pyran is a fast-growing company that produces innovative 5-carbon products from renewable resources. Pyran uses renewable feedstocks from crop resources, such as corn cobs, to make 1,5-pentanediol (PDO). This e...