Bulk Chemicals

The CatchBio Bulk Chemicals Cluster is structured around the concept of existing (i.e. starches, sucrose, vegetable oils, proteins and glycerin) and future bio-refineries (including the valorisation of the major fraction of ligno-cellulose-based resources). Biomass is thereby first fractionated and separated into primary product streams. Those are then chemo-catalytically converted into high volume intermediate products that are further converted into a slate of important bulk chemicals for the chemical industry. Following this approach, the following important prime products that will serve as feedstocks for bulk chemicals production are proposed: lignin, carbohydrates (i.e. cellulose and hemi-cellulose), glycerin, fatty acids and proteins. Novel catalysis technology capabilities will be developed to convert these feedstocks into final products.