AkzoNobel, Avantium, Chemport Europe, RWE and Staatsbosbeheer create a breakthrough technology deployment to accelerate the biobased economy

Avantium, a leading chemical technology company and forerunner in renewable chemistry, announces a partnership with AkzoNobel, Chemport Europe, RWE and Staatsbosbeheer for the development of a flagship biorefinery at the Chemie Park Delfzijl. This important step marks the next stage of a collaborative effort to determine the feasibility of a wood to chemicals biorefinery in Delfzijl.

Breakthrough technology: the Zambezi process
The new flagship biorefinery in Delfzijl will be based on a new technology that has been developed by Avantium. This Zambezi process aims for a cost-effective process for the production of high-purity glucose from non-food biomass such as forestry residue, pulp or agricultural by-products, so called second generation feedstock. This breakthrough technology converts woody biomass into sugars and lignin. It is particularly suited for making high purity glucose required for the production of a wide range of biobased chemicals and materials for the chemical industry of tomorrow. This glucose is suitable for both catalytic and fermentation processes for the production of a new and growing generation of sustainable materials (such as PLA, PEF, PBAT, PHA). The lignin is an excellent feedstock for renewable bioenergy applications, as its energy content is significantly higher than that of woody biomass.

Partnership of strengths
Each partner brings their core strength to the project; from feedstock, throughout the supply chain to end products. The main feedstock of the plant will be locally sourced forestry residue coordinated by Staatsbosbeheer. The planned biorefinery builds on the strong synergies of the infrastructure, utilities and expertise of the AkzoNobel site in Delfzijl. RWE will provide the expertise and demand for lignin deployment for renewable energy generation. Chemport Europe brings strategic support from the Northern Netherlands Region working via a range of initiatives to facilitate the project. Further synergistic partnerships and collaborations are currently under development.

The partnership expects, together with the geographical, technical and logistical benefits of the Delfzijl area, to enable the cost competitive production that will help accelerate the roll out of the biobased economy. The Flagship Biorefinery will be constructed with an expansion-ready footprint enabling rapid trebling of capacity after demonstration.

Chemical Park Delfzijl, where Avantium and her partners plan the biorefinery