Celtic Renewables is a Scottish industrial biotechnology company focused on producing bio-based chemicals through a modernized acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation process. The company converts low-value residues into higher-value products, using clostridial fermentation techniques rooted in academic research.
Its primary outputs include bio-acetone, bio-butanol, and bio-ethanol, derived from locally available feedstocks such as by-products from whisky distillation and other agricultural materials. These renewable chemicals serve markets in solvents, coatings, fuels, and personal care, offering drop-in, lower-carbon alternatives to petrochemical equivalents while promoting circular use of regional waste streams in the UK.
chemXplore tracks 2 projects involving Celtic Renewables, of which one is active.
Celtic Renewables's role on them: Owner.
1 expansion.
Waste-derived bio-butanol is being used to produce a low-carbon cosmetic emollient; firms say switching to bio-based ingredients can cut product emissions by up to 60% and more uses are being explored.
Distillery pot ale will be sent to a nearby biorefinery to make bio‑based chemicals (500 t/yr), extending a 3‑year supply deal; products cut carbon by >60% vs fossil equivalents.
A UK consortium receives £7M to develop bio-based solvents, aiming to cut pharmaceutical emissions by 60% and streamline adoption without major infrastructure changes.
Funding will boost biorefinery capacity 10x, creating jobs and supporting sustainable manufacturing in Grangemouth.
Funding supports a new £120M biorefinery in Grangemouth, creating 149 jobs by 2030, and aims to boost green energy and sustainable manufacturing in the area.
A new biorefinery in Grangemouth will be ten times larger than the current plant, with a FEED study enhancing cost accuracy and project planning.
Creating sustainable jobs in bio-based chemicals, transitioning skills from oil and gas, and investing in future green talent through apprenticeships and internships.
The partnership integrates tailored enzymes into a bio-refining process, boosting efficiency, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and supporting net-zero goals.
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