The objective of the IMPRESS project was to demonstrate a new hybrid biorefinery process for the first time, integrating disruptive upstream and downstream technologies developed by the project partners. The first main objective of the project was to develop and upscale separation and purification methods for the upstream process and modular downstream processes. The second main objective was to enhance the knowledge in the related technologies and their benefits to their operations and open new market opportunities based on the integrations. This was to be supported by the education modules for lifelong education development.
The IMPRESS project achieved its main objectives above, with the successful demonstration of the novel IMPRESS process routes from lignocellulose-based 2nd generation biomass to produce new high-value-added products and chemicals and of the technology integrations between upstream and downstream processes. An educational platform “The Future of Biorefining” of the project was generated. The project produced seven products via novel production routes as well as novel biobased feedstocks, like xylitol, CMF, fodder yeast, bio-based ultra-pure monoethylene glycol (MEG) and monopropylene glycol (MPG) and lignin-derived activated carbon and nanospheres. The integration of technologies such as Dawn, Ray, and Xylitol turned out to be the preferred IMPRESS concept from an economic perspective. The project resulted in larger than originally targeted CAPEX and OPEX savings when compared to the bio-based state-of-the-art production; compared with fossil-based MEG production, all the bio-based routes display higher capital and manufacturing cost.
The LCA study provided initial environmental results for the IMPRESS products, which will support the technology and product owners to further develop and optimize their processes.
The IMPRESS project resulted in 4 patent applications, 9 scientific publications, 10 non-scientific publications and 6 innovation radars and 7 reported as KER's. In addition, the project results have been presented in numerous conferences, workshops and seminars to academic and industrial audiences as well as to the general public.
