Catalyst and process development for energy efficient production of bio-based vinyl acetate

Biobased ethanol as feedstock for the chemical industry is a promising alternative to fossil oil products, but the transition requires development of new chemical processes that are efficient in terms of both feedstock and energy consumption.

This project combines state-of-the-art research and methods with documented experience to develop a competitive process in which bioethanol derivatives are valorized into vinyl acetate (VAM), a chemical used in for example adhesives and foam materials.

The consortium includes a green chemical company producing the feedstocks and that has the ambition to commercialize the results (Sekab) and a university with published research on relevant catalysts (KTH). The process will be developed in a laboratory system, the performance of which will lay the foundation for demonstrating commercial potential and thus enabling further experimental development.