Periodic Reporting for period 2 - AFTERBIOCHEM (Anaerobic FermenTation & EsteRification of BIOmass for producing fine CHEmicals)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-11-01 do 2023-04-30
The AFTER-BIOCHEM project is dedicated to the construction of the first of its kind flagship biorefinery within the «CHEMESIS» chemical platform sited Carling Saint-Avold, France to turn agricultural processing co-products into multiple natural and high added value molecules. Applications will target various markets such as fragrances & flavorings, personal care, food & feed, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals.
The project core technology, based on 10 years of R & D at AFYREN and is based on an all-in-one cutting edge fermentation process coupled with separation and transformation steps. It is a non-GMO, environment-friendly and zero-waste process.
During the second reporting period, a pivotal moment arrived with the inauguration of the plant in September 2022. The feedstock supply plant was strategically chosen for its proximity and ability to validate and secure the required feedstocks. These sugar by-products met strict criteria, being GMO-free and in compliance with European food, feed, and hygiene laws. Exploration into potential non-food feedstock sources, such as sewage sludge, organic soups, and the residual fermentable fraction of household waste, revealed promising fermentative potential. Substantial progress was made in commissioning and launching the production unit, with a particular emphasis on unit operation and quality validation. The project also involved producing a biobased ester using AFYNEO's carboxylic acids with the assistance of a toll manufacturer. Efforts were made to achieve REACH registration for all commercial products, with the goal of securing 75% of the nameplate for commercially produced acid volumes. The project didn't only focus on production but also included a strategy for managing and valorizing potassium rich residues. Lastly, the project's results were disseminated to various target groups, sharing the knowledge and accomplishments with a wider audience.
Economy
• Building the first flagship biorefinery within the “CHEMESIS” chemical platform sited Carling Saint- Avold, France.
• Maximizing the valorization of the side streams of sugar refineries and securing the feedstock for the flagship biorefinery.
• Producing industrial quantities of multiple high added value natural products.
• Demonstrating a range of consumer-oriented biobased solutions competitive with equivalent fossil- based products.
• Ensuring the replicability of the production process on various resources.
Society
The AFTER-BIOCHEM project will have a concrete impact on the local area regarding the employment and trainings. Indeed, the project has created already circa 60 direct jobs as well as additional indirect jobs.
Environment
Reducing CO2 emissions, compared to equivalent fossil-based organic acid production.