Product developments in the bio-based chemicals arena

Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today's fossil-based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realization of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost-effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products could generate US$10-15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery 'value added products'. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com (C) Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2012