The transition towards renewable feedstock in the frame of circular economy gets increased traction and offers exciting (business) development space in chemicals and materials. A prime example of this is the levulinic acid (LA) product tree, which provides access to a range of valuable biobased commodities, e.g., as g-valerolactone and 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, and monomers such as adipic acid and caprolactam. See Figure attached. Woody biomass forms a versatile and abundant raw material, which is available at an attractive price and constant quality. Besides, levulinic acid, formic acid and char are obtained as co-products, both of which add substantially to the value creation. Hydrogenation of levulinic acid yields g-valerolactone, which can be used as an industrial solvent or as constituent in cleaning applications. Alternatively, it has been converted into adipic acid in three steps. The LA product tree provides bio-based equivalents with a potential to replace fossil-based materials at a manufacturing cost price (at full industrial) scale which are at least on par with the latter. For this transition to take place significant development time, capital and assets are required. In our view, open innovation is indispensable to make this transition happen, with partners representing the entire value chains.

Transition to circular chemicals and materials; what it takes to make it happen

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.