Forestchemistry - Sustainable Chemistry and Materials
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SP PROCESSUM AKTIEBOLAG - Processum Biorefinery Initiative AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 9 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2012 - November 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
Purpose and goal
The project goal to perform pre-FEED studies and systems analysis for the 3 value chains butanol, olefins and methanol starting from sugar and syngas has been fulfilled. The general aim has been to lay the foundation for a sustainable and competitive production the Swedish forest- and chemical industries. Besides the technical results, the project has also contributed to this aim by setting up new networks and through by improving the understanding of the value chains with the help of systems analysis tools.
Results and expected effects
Technologies for production of butanol and olefins from ethanol and methanol are mature. Large-scale conversion of forest feedstock to methanol and ethanol carries uncertainties. Some of the projects appear economically feasible if the product is sold as transportation fuel with current policy incentives, while the chemicals markets are less promising. LCA results show significantly lower climate impact for forest-based chemicals than for fossil alternatives. Perhaps most importantly, the project has led to new collaboration and networks and personal trust has been built.
Approach and implementation
The project has been complex with many partners. For the main part, the project has been executed as planned, although certain modifications have been done in the execution of the individual sub proejcts. The project has achieved its goal and has been successful. We have encountered two general difficulties in the execution of the project: The first has to do with IPR issues, and the second with the coordination of activities and information exchange that involves several of the subprojects. The was solved through monthly project meetings.