A new initiative in Scotland is examining whether sawdust can serve as a substitute for petrochemicals, aiming to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- Researchers are collaborating with a clean tech startup to convert forestry waste into natural chemical alternatives.
- The cosmetic, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries heavily depend on petrochemical ingredients, contributing significantly to global emissions.
- Sonichem, a Scottish startup, is developing an ultrasound process to break down wood waste into useful natural compounds.
- A feasibility study backs Sonichem’s approach, supported by industry and academic stakeholders.
A Scotland-based initiative is exploring the potential of sawdust as a replacement for petrochemicals, targeting a reduction in fossil fuel reliance. This innovative project is led by Sonichem, a clean tech startup focused on converting forestry waste into viable natural compounds to mitigate the environmental impact of petrochemical use.
The dependence of industries like cosmetic, packaging, and pharmaceuticals on petrochemical-based ingredients has positioned them as major contributors to global emissions. Petrochemicals, derived from refining petroleum, are integral to a wide range of products, necessitating a shift towards sustainable alternatives.
Sonichem’s innovative approach utilises a patented ultrasound process designed to decompose forestry by-products, such as sawdust, into natural compounds. These compounds have the potential to functionally replace petrochemicals in various industrial applications, marking a significant step towards sustainability.
The startup plans to establish a commercial plant by 2027, with an annual capacity to process up to 15,000 tonnes of forestry material. This effort is aligned with the UK government’s strategy to minimise fossil fuel dependency and promote greener alternatives.
Andy West, Sonichem’s chief chemist, highlights the versatility of lignin, an organic polymer found in wood, which could be pivotal in this transition. Although historically challenging to extract due to its structural role in trees, Sonichem’s technology offers promising results for utilising lignin effectively.
The progression of this initiative is underpinned by a feasibility study funded by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre and the University of Glasgow. According to Dr Liz Fletcher from the Centre, leveraging biomass generated by sawmills could significantly boost the economic value of Scotland’s forestry sector, currently worth over £1 billion.
Sonichem’s work exemplifies the pursuit of sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals, drawing on forestry materials typically relegated to low-value uses. The engagement with manufacturers and the forestry sector is crucial to secure a steady supply of raw materials necessary for future development.
Sonichem’s innovative exploration into sawdust as a petrochemical substitute illustrates a promising pathway towards sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
