A large part of the world is slowly transitioning from having an economy dependent on fossil fuel to one that is more environmentally sustainable, centered around biomass.1 To achieve this, countries have started looking into biobased chemicals from various biomass sources. In 2004, the United States Department of Energy (DoE) highlighted a dozen platform or base chemicals that could possibly replace the fossil or petroleum-based building blocks in value-added chemicals. These include carboxylic acids, isoprene, ethanol, amino acids, vitamins, and even industrial enzymes.2
Recent findings show that environmental concerns regarding dangerous chemicals and fossil fuel depletion is leading to increased production of biobased chemicals. The market for these chemicals is expected to grow from $6,474 million in 2016 to $23,976 million by 2025.3
In line with this, the industrial chemical application is anticipated to dominate the biobased market, along with the fastly growing agriculture application in the form of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers. Due to various factors like the need for medicine and rising populations, biobased chemicals in the pharmaceutical and food industry may also have a commanding share of the global market.
Inkwood Research’s study cites Asia-Pacific as the largest market for biobased chemicals and is forecasted to grow even more in the next few years. Europe comes in second on this list, attributing most of its market to newly developed biorefineries and the creation of biochemicals. In this region, Germany is the market leader followed by France, UK, and Italy respectively. North America is third driven by shifting consumer perceptions favoring eco-friendly goods and strong government initiatives.3
1. Bioplastics
Plastic is traditionally made with petrochemicals but recent years saw a shift to bioplastics, which are made in whole or in part of renewable resources. Plastics are classified into two general types – thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermosets permanently take the shape of its mold while thermoplastics can be molded again and again. Both can be made with bioplastics.
Bioplastics itself can be further classified to three different groups: (1) biobased or partly biobased non-biodegradable, (2) both biobased and biodegradable, and (3) fossil-based plastic that are biodegradable.4
2. Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is a biobased polymer produced from the fermentation of glucose into lactic acid in green plants. This is mostly fabricated into surgical implants and sutures. Biobased PLA is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, and processable that’s why it has many uses. On the other hand, it degrades slowly, lacks toughness, is hydrophobic, and does not have reactive side-chain groups.
3. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
PHAs are linear polyesters made from bacterial fermentation of sugars and lipids. It can be used to manufacture a number of items including films, coated paper, compost bags and molded to make bottles and razors.
4. Plant Oils
Plant oils are triacylglycerides that can be used for the production of some polymers. These oils are derived primarily from soybeans and castor oil plants. Castor oil derivatives, in particular, are used to produce brake fluid, waxes, polishes, soaps, lubricants, and dyes, among others.
5. Fatty Acids (FA) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)
Fatty acid derivatives are commonly used as surface active agents in detergents, soaps, and other personal care products. It is important in biodiesel production along with its co-product, glycerol.1
6. Biolubricants
Biolubricants are either vegetable-based oils or synthetic esters made from modified oils and mineral oil-based products. These are more commonly used for power tool lubricants and in aviation, marine or automotive application.
7. Biosolvents
Biosolvents like limonene, ethanol, glycerol, and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran are some of the most sought after biobased products.5 They are much safer to use compared to their petrochemical-based counterparts because they do not emit volatile organic compounds. Typical uses for these products include paint stripper, glue remover, and diluents for pesticides.
8. Biosurfactants
Biosurfactants mostly come from plant oils like coconut oil and palm oil and from plant carbohydrates. These surfactants are essential ingredients in a lot of household cleaning supplies such as detergents, soaps, personal care products, food processing materials, and agricultural cleaners.
9. Other Biosynthetics
Biosynthetics are ingredients meant to replace petrochemicals used in manufacturing synthetic rubber and commodity plastics from renewable resources. Some examples of biosynthetic end products include motor oils, car tires, hair care products, and cosmetics.
10. Inks and Dyes
Vegetable-based inks are becoming more popular over the years with more printers and pens choosing it over its fossil-based counterpart.
References:
1. Jong E, Higson A, Walsh P, Wellisch M 2012. Bio-based Chemicals Value Added Products from Biorefineries. IEA Bioenergy. (accessed February 2018)
2. Phil J, Ritchie R, Allan J. 2013. Biobased chemicals: the convergence of green chemistry with industrial biotechnology. (accessed February 2018)
3. Bio-based News 2017. Inkwood Research Press Release: Global Bio-Based Chemicals Market Forecast 2017-2025 .(accessed February 2018)
4. Golden, J.S., Handfield, R.B., Daystar, J. and, T.E. McConnell 2015. An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: A Report to the Congress of the United States of America. A Joint Publication of the Duke Center for Sustainability & Commerce and the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative at North Carolina State University. (accessed February 2018)
5. Clark, J, Farmer, T, Hunt, A, and Sherwood, J. 2015. Opportunities for Bio-Based Solvents Created as Petrochemical and Fuel Products Transition towards Renewable Resources. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. (accessed February 2018)
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 and is filed under Biobased Products .
