Butanediol from forest based residual streams

More specifically, the project has developed processes to produce butanediol from forest-based residual streams from the pulp and sawmill industry that can contribute to sustainable production and reduced use of fossil-based raw materials.

The platform chemical butanediol has many different applications and can be used for further production of polyesters, paints and varnishes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, in the food and beverage industry and elasticising chemicals. The production of butanediol is currently mainly based on fossil-based chemical processes. By using forest-based biomass as residual streams from the pulp and sawmill industry in the form of fibre rejects, lignin and sawdust, the use and value of these residual streams, which are currently only burned for their energy value, increases. The project also contributed to increasing sustainable production and consumption and reducing the use of fossil-based raw materials.

RISE's role in the project was to further process lignocellulose with the help of microorganisms into butanediol. Using a high-throughput facility, a diverse collection of microorganisms, and its knowledge base, RISE identified potential microorganisms for the process. A fermentation process for the efficient conversion of fiber sludge and sawdust into butanediol was developed at RISE’s fermentation facility. RISE also contributed its expertise in chemistry to achieve optimal recovery and purity of the product. The overall process for producing butanediol from forest residues was identified and optimized with a view to scaling up to industrial level.