The first step of this process utilizes Axens Futurol® technology by depolymerizing and fermenting naturally-occurring sugars found in a variety of common second-generation biomasses to produce high purity bioethanol. In the Futurol® process, the biomass feedstock undergoes destructurization to produce a consistent feed for the remainder of the process regardless of the original biomass fed to the unit, maximizing feedstock flexibility to accommodate site-specific availability, including seasonality. The critical steps of the Futurol® technology have been demonstrated at semi-commercial scale, and the technology selected for commercialization at one European biorefinery. For the second step, Axensâ Atol® technology provides a simple process to dehydrate varying qualities of bioethanol into polymer-grade bioethylene, while minimizing unintended byproduct formation. The Atol® process utilizes water produced during the dehydration reaction as a liquid recycle to manage reactor temperature and achieve bioethylene yields very near maximum stoichiometric targets. The Atol® process achieved its first successful startup in 2022 producing bioethylene from waste-based bioethanol. Easily integrated into this two-step pathway is the opportunity to capture CO2 and decarbonize process energy demand through the use of electric heaters, resulting in the production of a carbon-negative bio-based ethylene.
Relying on a vast portfolio of proven, de-risked technologies, Axens offers low-carbon processes to meet todayâs challenges of reducing GHG emissions in the production of sustainable chemicals.