biorefineries and biomass: options for the chemical industry · dib profile structure: −the...

DEUTSCHE INDUSTRIEVEREINIGUNG BIOTECHNOLOGIE

Biorefineries and Biomass:options for the chemical industry

Dr. Ricardo Gent

German Association of Biotechnology Industries

within the German Chemical Industry Association

Frankfurt am Main, Germany


2Deutsche Industrievereinigung Biotechnologie Dr. Ricardo Gent

DIB Profile

� Structure:

− The German Association of Biotechnology Industries (DIB) is the biotechnology division of the Association of the German ChemicalIndustry (VCI), the VCI sector groups and the VCI sector associations.

� Sectors:

− DIB represents the biotechnology sector operating in Germany (Health Care, Industrial Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Environment).

� DIB’s members constitute all in all over 95 % of th e market of biotech-related products in Germany.

� Mission:

− advocate science and risk-based national, EU and international policies and legislation that rewards the introduction of new technologies and practices



Raw Materials Chemical Industry - Present Use in Europe

8 to 10% of feedstock for the organic chemistry production is biobased:

− 74,1 Mio t/p.a. fossile raw materials

− At least 6,4 Mio. t renewable raw materials p.a.

Renewable raw materials used

− if cheaper than fossile raw materials

− If they offer technical advantages compared with fossile raw materials



� About 2/3 renewable raw materials are being imported.

� About 1/3 are grown in Germany.

More than 10% of the total raw material consumption is processed in the organic chemistry production.

� About 17.5 Mio. t oil and gas

� About 2.3 Mio. renewable raw materials

Source of Biomass for the German Chemical Industry (2003)



Biomass: Alternative Feedstock for Chemical Industry – Why?

� Economical reasons:

− Economical advantages:

cheaper raw materials

− Technical advantages:

more simple processing,

better products

� Political reasons:

− Security of supply:

fossile feedstock limited,

biomass seems unlimited

− Climate change:

biomass considered as

„CO2-neutral“



Biomass as alternative feedstock for the chemical in dustry -Economical reasons: cheaper raw materials

[US Cent/l]

Source: Christoph Berg, F.O.Licht‘s Sugar & Ethanol Brazil 2005

Production costs of ethanol from different sources

0 10 20 30 40 50

Gasoline (NY harbour)

Gasoline (from Rotterdam)

Ethanol Brazil (Cane)

Ethanol Thai Tapioca

Ethanol USA (corn)

Ethanol EU (wheat)

Ethanol EU (sugar beet)




Price development:

5 year chart of crude oil, soja and wheat[USD/barrell, USD/t]

oil

wheatsoja



Study: Raw materials cost are the most significant cost part of production using renewable raw materials.

� Prices for renewable raw materials are following in parallel to

the fossile fuel prices.

� In the future there will be a price for „Carbon“ and no longer

for the carbon source.




Technical Concepts for the Use of Renewable Raw Materials in

the Chemical Industry



Raw Materials Change in the Chemical Industry:Three „Generations“ of Use of Biomass

„Yesterday“

Use of naturally synthesized molecules as they are

Main part of today use – further potential: low

„Yesterday“

Use of naturally synthesized molecules as they are

Main part of today use – further potential: low

„Today“

Use of biomolecules in biotechnological processes

Today very high dynamics – potential: big

„Today“

Use of biomolecules in biotechnological processes

Today very high dynamics – potential: big

„Tomorrow“

Use of biomass in biorefineries to produce basic chemicals

Today: basic research – potential: very big

„Tomorrow“

Use of biomass in biorefineries to produce basic chemicals

Today: basic research – potential: very big



Steps to 3 rd generation: Knowledge-based bio-economy

Life Science Know-how sustainable, eco-efficient an d competitive



Source: Enzing and Kern (2004)

Food and Feed

Specialised and supportive products and services (c onsultancy, instruments, software, recruitment, etc.)

Production and preparation ofbiofeed stocks (vegetable oils,

sugars, etc.)

ConsumerBioplastics

Biomaterials, etc.

Others

Chemicals(enzymes,

vitamins, acids,antibiotics,

steroids, etc.)

Biofuels (bio-enthanol, biodiesel)

Textile / Leather

Pulp and Paper

Detergents

Cosmetics

Health Care

Bioremediation

Biosensors

Energy

Steps to 3 rd generation: The Industrial Biotechnology Production Chain



Hurdles in the Use of Biomass in the Chemical Indus try



� Thank you.

biorefineries and biomass: options for the chemical industry · dib profile structure: −the...

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