Succinic Esters from Renewable Feedstocks (SERF)
Lead Research Organisation:
Bangor University
Department Name: Biocomposites Centre
Abstract
This proposal is based on the utilisation of a low cost lignocellulosic feedstock for the production of specific target C3 and C4 platform chemicals for conversion to industrial feedstocks including PLA, polyols and succinic esters. The target feedstock is high sugar/ low lignin grass genotypes developed by IGER. Complementary expertise at The BioComposites Centre and IGER will explore chemical/ mechanical fractionation processes in combinations with novel enzyme and micro-organism treatments to develop the platform chemicals for conversion to a range of lactate, succinate and polyol based feedstocks. World class research expertise has brought together support from Frontier, Boots, Solvay, Fuchs and Industrial Co-polymers. This project will give the UK a significant advantage in affordable bioderived molecules for applications in coatings, plastics and cosmetics.
| Description | This project led to the development of a new process for lactic acid production and also developed a grass fibre pulp moulded product. |
| Exploitation Route | This was further exploited in another project funded by Welsh Government and Innovate UK |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals |
| Description | This project established the underpinning processes to develop grass fibres for packaging applications. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Collaborative Industrial Research (CIRP)-STARS Project |
| Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Welsh Assembly |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2013 |
| End | 12/2014 |