The IMPRESS project is on its course, heading towards the Future of Biorefining. The project is advancing on multiple fronts. There has been a really good progress and the project partners have been working actively with the trial runs. We have been able to get sample flow running smoothly and to get high-quality samples from upstream to downstream. The preliminary results are looking good! 

Here are a few glimpses from our progress:  

plantMEG™  

plantMEG™ is identical to fossil-based MEG in quality and performance but with lower climate change impact since carbon footprint is lowered with 56-83%. IMPRESS project has supported the establishment of the plantMEG™ LCA. The cradle-to-grave LCA conducted by Sphera provides clear confirmation of the positive impact provided by Avantium’s plantMEG™. More than 99% of MEG today is produced from fossil feedstock, whereas plantMEG™ is a fully recyclable and plant-based. MEG is used for e.g. polyester textiles for clothing and furniture, antifreeze applications and plastic bottles and packaging. For further information, please see Avantium’s press release and LCA documentation package.

HCl research  

The hydrochloric acid (HCl) hydrolysis research topic executed by Aalto is progressing. By now, the focus has been on comparing the gas-phase HCl and liquid-phase HCl. Aalto utilizes a specialized equipment for the gas-phase HCl hydrolysis. The comparison with the existing applied conversion technology, liquid-phase HCl hydrolysis, was conducted with a lab scale Dawn process. The results show good progress and similar sugar yields have been achieved with both hydrolysis routes. Usage of gaseous HCl has potential impact since gaseous HCl is easy to recycle. The approach may also be relevant to processes with special requirements. Next step in this line of research is the selective removal of xylan from gas-phase HCl hydrolysate.

Education platform  

An important aspect of the IMPRESS project is to gather and provide information for future experts about biorefining. The information is compiled and provided as a massive open online course (MOOC) that is open and free for everyone. The MOOC, or e-platform, as we call it, will be opened step by step. The platform is now ready, and its content development is ongoing. We are pleased to inform that first part of the e-platform (Mass transfer) is already open!  Xamk has prepared course structure for Future of Biorefining course and together with partners, prepared timetable for different parts and their contents. Become the future expert of biorefining and start your journey here!  

Furthermore, follow us on social media and visit our website on a constant basis to catch up with the latest news about new course content.