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New elegant way for more efficient biomass conversion
January 15, 2021
Utrecht chemistry researchers develop elegant trick for more efficient biomass conversion
Chemistry researchers at Utrecht University have found a much more efficient way of converting biomass into so-called bio-aromatics. Previously, these useful chemical building blocks could only be made out of sugars from wood via an inefficient detour, resulting in many unwanted by-products. Under supervision of Prof. Pieter Bruijnincx, Master’s student Bart Fölker developed a clever trick that no longer requires this detour: by linking two chemical reactions in a ‘tandem conversion’, the raw material is now converted more directly and efficiently into the desired end product. The results were published in the scientific journal Angewandte Chemie.
In his graduation project, Fölker and his supervisor Chris Lancefield studied the Diels-Adler reaction, an important step and a bottleneck in the conversion of such sugars into bio-aromatics.
“The semi-finished products that are readily made from wood sugars cannot be easily seduced to engage into a Diels-Adler reaction,” says lead researcher Prof. Pieter Bruijnincx. Not only are these products not very reactive, but if they do react at all, they often produce various undesirable by-products: in this case, three out of four reaction products were unwanted.
Yahtzee
In the newly found method, the one desired product is extracted from the reaction, after which the others are converted back into the raw material. This process is repeated until the entire raw material is converted into the desired product.
The method can be compared to a game of yahtzee with an unlimited number of turns. After each roll, you set aside the dice that show sixes – the desired end product – and roll the rest of the dice again. By repeating this often enough, you eventually end up with only sixes.
Patent and spin-off
In this project, the researchers collaborated with TNO, which was so enthusiastic about the outcome that they applied for a patent together with Utrecht University and are now working on further developing and upscaling this process. The patent, which has now been granted, is included in the technology portfolio of the recently established TNO spin-off Relement.
Biomass as a circular raw material
Although biomass is often referred to as an energy source, it is actually better suited as a renewable raw material for high-value material applications. Biomass can replace fossil raw materials in the production of plastics, paints and coatings, composites, lubricants and consumer care products, for instance. A major challenge in this process is finding efficient ways of converting biomass. Utrecht researchers have been working on this challenge for a number of years now in order to contribute to closing the carbon chain. This is also one of the spearheads of the Circular Economy hub.
Relement is honored and grateful to be among the winners of the Tech Tour Bio-Based Industries 2024 Award. The Tech Tour event highlighted >30 selected companies at the forefront of bio-based innovation, chosen through a rigorous selection process led by a panel of active investors. Our CEO Roger Blokland was on site to present our activities. He pitched about transforming sustainable biomass residues into high-performance bio-aromatics for coatings, adhesives, and materials, offering a renewable alternative to fossil-based ingredients while also enhancing product performance. The expert jury acknowledged Relement as one of the companies that is setting new benchmarks in sustainability, circular materials, and green technology. The Tech Tour Bio-based Industries 2024 event was co-organized by Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and co-hosted by Circular Valley and City of Wuppertal, as well as supported by partners like Bayer, DWNRW, ZAZ Ventures, and Shaping Bio. Of course, we would also like to congratulate the other winners: Arda Biomaterials, Blue Ocean Closures, Mevaldi, Origin by Ocean, Quorium and SenseUP Biotechnology.
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Following meetings with AkzoNobel, Relement is excited to note that AkzoNobel has been following our progress and technology development to date with interest. Relement and Akzo Nobel are working together to explore use of Relement's launching product bio MPA (3-methylphthalic anhydride) in coatings and measure the impact of our bio MPA in coating performances. Together, we have also identified a number of other opportunities that can broaden the scope of this partnership and add value in multiple areas. For more information please contact our Chief Commercial Officer Monique Wekking: monique.wekking@relement.eu
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Relement is in the final stage of selecting a European Contract Manufacturing Organisation that will produce our launching product bio MPA at ton-scale in 2024. It is possible to pre-order samples now. Please indicate to us the volume bio MPA you would like to purchase in 2024 to boost the sustainability and performance of your products. Fill in the form below:
Relement conducted a carbon footprint analysis as part of the initial Life Cycle Assessment for our launching product bio MPA (3-methylphthalic anhydride) A cradle-to-grave analysis has been carried out by E-hoch-3 and confirms: the production of specialty bio-aromatics from furfural, derived from non-edible residual streams, results in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to fossil equivalent. It’s Relement’s mission to change the world, starting with fossil free coatings. We provide the missing renewable element for coatings and more. Our specialty bio-aromatic products provide an unmatched combination of sustainability and performance. All elements matter. Are you interested in the details and would you like to join us and green the chemical industry together? Please contact Roger Blokland for more information at roger.blokland@relement.eu
Relement is one of the 10 startups selected for the Dutch Pole Position Greentech Program of Techleap.nl in 2023. This batch showcases the brightest minds and boldest innovations with a focus on sustainability and environmental impact in the Netherlands. Relement is part of this the Greentech Pole Position program together with CarbonX, CyBe Construction, OneThird , Photanol, QuinteQ Energy, SeaQurrent®, Tarnoc, RIFT and Thorizon. The team will experienced coaches, entrepeneurs, investors and of course it is always good to challenge and learn from other passionate deep tech entrepreneurs. The program runs until January 2024 and will accelerate our biobased scale-up journey.