Scale-up and implementation of anaerobic fermentation of forestry-based residual streams to 2,3-butanediol and glycerol

The chemical industry accounts for ±14 % of industrial greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest industrial consumer of fossil oil. This project aims to address these challenges by converting lignocellulosic residues from forestry into biobased chemicals, fostering a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

Sekab’s CelluAPP® technology will convert the residual streams into sugars, which will be fermented with KTH’s engineered yeast strain to produce 2,3-butanediol (23BD) and glycerol, which are essential platform chemicals for production of high-value products. Glycerol, a key component in Sustainalube’s lubricants is a green alternative to petroleum-based products, while 23BD provides opportunities for expanding Sekab’s portfolio and conversion into butadiene.

The scaled-up fermentation and purification process will have strong commercialization potential, enhancing the competitiveness of biobased chemicals in the Swedish and European markets, and contributing to a fossil-free future.