Butanediol from forest based residual streams

More specifically, the project will develop 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 contributes to increasing sustainable production and consumption and reducing the use of fossil-based raw materials. 

RISE's role in the project is to further process lignocellulose with the help of microorganisms to butanediol. Using high throughput facility, diverse collection of microorganisms and knowledge base RISE will identify potential microorganism for the process. Fermentation process for efficient conversion of fiber sludge and saw dust in to Butanediol will be developed at RISE’s fermentation facility. RISE will also contribute with its expertise in chemistry for optimal recovery and purity of the product. The overall process of production of butanediol from forest residue will be identified and optimized in the view of scaling up for industrial level.