AkzoNobel, Avantium, and Partners Advance Biobased Economy with New Technology
- A reference plant will be developed at Chemie Park Delfzijl to test the feasibility of a wood to chemicals biorefinery.
- The Zambezi process will produce high-purity glucose from non-food biomass like forestry residue.
- The plant will use locally sourced forestry residue coordinated by Staatsbosbeheer.
- RWE will supply feedstock and use bio-lignin residue for renewable energy generation.
Partnership for Biobased Economy
Avantium, AkzoNobel, Chemport Europe, RWE, and Staatsbosbeheer have partnered to develop a reference plant at Chemie Park Delfzijl. This initiative aims to assess the feasibility of a wood to chemicals biorefinery in Delfzijl.
Zambezi Process Technology
The plant will utilize Avantium's Zambezi process, a cost-effective method for producing high-purity glucose from non-food biomass such as forestry residue and agricultural by-products. This technology converts woody biomass into sugars and lignin, suitable for producing biobased chemicals and materials like PLA, PEF, PBAT, and PHA. The lignin by-product is ideal for renewable bioenergy applications due to its high energy content.
Collaborative Strengths
Each partner contributes unique strengths to the project. Staatsbosbeheer will coordinate the supply of locally sourced forestry residue. The plant will leverage the infrastructure and expertise of the AkzoNobel site in Delfzijl. RWE will provide feedstock and utilize bio-lignin residue for renewable energy generation. Chemport Europe offers strategic support from the Northern Netherlands Region, facilitating the project through various initiatives.
Future Prospects
The partnership aims to leverage the geographical, technical, and logistical advantages of the Delfzijl area to enable cost-competitive production, accelerating the biobased economy. The reference plant will be constructed with an expansion-ready footprint, allowing for rapid capacity increases post-demonstration.