Processing Swedish lignocellulosic material to valuable furan chemicals

Purpose and goal

Furu2Furan established industrial partnerships capable of developing large scale biorefining of residual streams to high value furanic-based chemicals through active involvement of all partners by identifying and using best-practice methods to extract, concentrate, modify and use furfural and HMF. Through reviewing existing knowledge, modifying experimental techniques and implementing technical competences of partners the project delivered its goals of efficient processing and developing spin-off projects.

Results and expected effects

Effective biorefining of wood and agri-fibre was demonstrated to yield useable levels of hemicelluloses and ultimately furanic compounds (particularly furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural), producing large volumes of hydrolysates. The use of membrane technology to concentrate the hydrolysate solutions to more economically feasible resource streams was successfully carried out, as was the use of HMF and furanic products in connected projects.

Approach and implementation

Processing routes were defined and used, with development based on the catalysts, solvents and experimental conditions used. Small scale design allowed optimal conditions to be tested and eventually applied at commercially feasible levels, with input and testing from industrial partners. The project showed technical routes and initial economic evaluations by partners will be used in follow on projects. Consideration of design specifications for full commercial production was made by partners.