Building a sustainable & circular economy through innovative, biobased manufacturing lines

ongoing

NewWave will contribute to building a circular economy by introducing sustainable raw materials in different manufacturing lines, replacing toxic chemicals and lowering the environmental footprint of the products. The raw materials are obtained from thermochemical fractionation of biomass. This process converts biomass residues by fast pyrolysis into Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO). Subsequently, the FPBO is fractionated -based on chemical functionality- yielding a reactive lignin fraction and a sugar-rich fraction, both being excellent starting materials to produce sustainable, bio-based chemicals & materials. The selected product lines fully exploit the unique chemical functionalities already present in biomass residues and organic waste streams. Moreover, the lines are interlinked, and output from one line will further improve the sustainability of the other. Waste water treatment and water re-use is integral part of the concept. NewWave aims at wood-based products for the construction industry, including Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to replace steel and concrete as structural components and modified wood to replace tropical hardwood or chemically treated wood for outdoor use. Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and plywood will be produced for interior usage. Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and creosote will be replaced by non-toxic, bio-based alternatives. A small building will be constructed with these materials to demonstrate the products and test durability. The bio-based chemicals can also be used as green solvents, antifreeze & coolant and in the bulk & fine chemical industry. The European market potential is enormous (Billion ?/y range). The GHG emission avoidance ranges from 30% to over 90% depending on replacement ratio and end application. The individual manufacturing lines as well as the integrated value chain will be assessed in detail on technical, economic, social and environmental performance to ensure the production is truly sustainable.