Further expansion of pilot infrastructure for lignin processing, adding important down-stream processing capabilities.
Within the ERDF-funded project RECIPE (Post-processing of plant-based chemicals) VITO is currently working on a further expansion of the pilot infrastructure for lignin processing and valorisation.
This expansion includes the realisation of a pilot-scale post-processing unit for the efficient removal of the solvent used in the process, at sufficiently high capacity.
In addition, a multi-purpose reactor will be designed and built for the chemical modification and synthesis of lignin-based building blocks. By altering properties such as functionality, the building blocks can be better tuned to the requirements for further processing in applications such as polymers and additives.
This new infrastructure adds essential steps to the process for lignin valorisation towards industrial applications and thus helps to de-risk the transition from lab scale to large-scale industrial processes.
“With RECIPE, we are completing the missing links in our value chain. The new installations will enable us to produce larger quantities of high-quality bio-aromatics, solvent-free and with tailored functionalities for industrial applications. This will help bring innovative, safe, and sustainable materials to market faster.”
Dr. Kelly Servaes, project manager at VITO