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BAroC: Bio-Aromatic Conceptual Factory

Jul 07, 2021

BAroC


Bio-Aromatic Conceptual Factory


Relement started in May 2021 with the creation of a conceptual process design of the best commercial production route to bio-aromatics MPA and HMA. This conceptual design will be made in a consortium with TNO, Stichting Circulair Biobased Delta and Catalok, funded by Topsector Energiesubsidie from the Dutch Ministery of Economic Affairs. 


This concept of process design will provide information for the business case and should strengthen confidence among the customers of bio-aromatics and lead to purchasing intentions for bio-aromatics MPA and HMA. The conceptual design is an important Milestone for Relement and should enable to attract further investment for a follow-up to a first commercial functional bio-aromatic plant from 2025. When the bio-aromatics plant is realized, a large energy and CO2 saving is expected, a raw materials transition and an economic value that will greatly strengthen biobased chemistry in the Netherlands. 


BAroC partners:

BAroC subcontractor:

Project Activities


In this BAroC project, the partners will go through in detail the status of the synthesis of functional bio-aromatics MPA and HMA from bio-based furfural. Together with engineerings company Transition Hero (as subcontractor of Relement), a technoeconomic and LCA analysis, based on mass- and energy balance and a simplified process description, will determine the selection of the best process route. The most critical process steps and missing information or critical process improvements are completed with literature research, possibly additional small-scale experiments and a recommendation for improvement. On this basis, the Concept Process Design for a first production plant for MPA and HMA is designed. BAroC will also realize an initial elaboration for REACH, CLD. 


Result


The BAroC project delivers an optimized conceptual process design of a first commercial factory for bio-aromatics MPA and HMA, including a cost estimate for CAPEX and OPEX and CO2 intensity and a sensitivity analysis containing recommendations for further research into the realization of the commercial plant. Furthermore, attention is given to a step-by-step plan of the further commercialization process of bio-aromatics MPA and HMA, which can be applied in coatings and lubricants, among other things.



About Bio-aromatics

More than 40% of all necessary chemical building blocks are aromatics, so far they can only be made from fossil raw material. The BaroC project is relevant because bio-aromatics are used in high-quality products that are difficult to recycle such as coatings and lubricants; a logical application of biobased.


Bio-aromatic technology development, based on furfural, is initially developed by TNO in Biorizon Shared Research Centre. On a kilogram scale, it has been confirmed that bio-aromatics MPA and HMA improve the properties of coatings and lubricant. Because of that, TNO established spin-off company Relement that will further commercialise these bio-aromatics. 





About Relement


Relement is a spin-off of TNO established in 2020 as a result of technology development in Biorizon Shared Research Centre. Relement converts biomass residues into high-quality chemical ingredients; bio aromatics. Aromatics are essential raw materials for coatings, adhesives, insulating foam and other high-quality applications. Aromatics are important chemical building blocks, needed today and in the future which can only be produced from fossil feedstock and are thus not sustainable.


Relement aims to replace current fossil aromatics with special bio-aromatics. These special bio-aromatics are not only much more durable, but above all of better quality: for example, paint becomes more resistant to sunlight and insulating foam becomes stronger. Relement is a company for the development, production and marketing of bio-aromatics.

 

If you want to know more about this Milestone or bio-aromatic technology implementation, please contact us


Contact

This project is made possible by a financial contribution from Topsector Energiesubsidie from the Dutch Ministery of Economic Affairs.

Relement part of AROMATICS consortium

14 Dec, 2023
We are excited to be part of the consortium AROMATICS in which 3 promising bio-aromatics production platforms will be further developed and scaled, including furfural based aromatics such as our launching product bio MPA The consortium consists of 14 partners and the entire value chain is on board including brandowners. We are looking forward to explore new applications based on bio MPA and bio HMA. AROMATICS stands for Aromatic Renewables as an Opportunity for MATerials with Improved Circularity and Sustainability and this 3-year project is performed with MOOI-funding from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate.

First biobased industrial coating demonstrated with partners Worlée Chemie and Baril Coatings

14 Dec, 2023
An important milestone for Relement has been achieved: the successful demonstration of bio MPA in industrial coatings! Relement teamed up with Worlée Chemie and Baril Coatings to successfully demonstrate this game-changer industrial coating: a first of a kind, high performance, waterborne alkyd coating. Incorporating our ingredient bio MPA to replace the fossil-based ingredient phthalic anhydride.

Pre-order bio MPA from our 2024 production

14 Dec, 2023
Relement is in the final stage of selecting a European Contract Manufacturing Organisation that will produce our launching product bio MPA at ton-scale in 2024. It is possible to pre-order samples now. Please indicate to us the volume bio MPA you would like to purchase in 2024 to boost the sustainability and performance of your products. Fill in the form below:

Carbon footprint study conducted for product bio MPA

28 Nov, 2023
Relement conducted a carbon footprint analysis as part of the initial Life Cycle Assessment for our launching product bio MPA (3-methylphthalic anhydride) A cradle-to-grave analysis has been carried out by E-hoch-3 and confirms: the production of specialty bio-aromatics from furfural, derived from non-edible residual streams, results in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to fossil equivalent. It’s Relement’s mission to change the world, starting with fossil free coatings. We provide the missing renewable element for coatings and more. Our specialty bio-aromatic products provide an unmatched combination of sustainability and performance. All elements matter. Are you interested in the details and would you like to join us and green the chemical industry together? Please contact Roger Blokland for more information at roger.blokland@relement.eu

Relement selected for the Pole Position batch 2023 of Techleap.nl

28 Nov, 2023
Relement is one of the 10 startups selected for the Dutch Pole Position Greentech Program of Techleap.nl in 2023. This batch showcases the brightest minds and boldest innovations with a focus on sustainability and environmental impact in the Netherlands. Relement is part of this the Greentech Pole Position program together with CarbonX, CyBe Construction, OneThird , Photanol, QuinteQ Energy, SeaQurrent®, Tarnoc, RIFT and Thorizon. The team will experienced coaches, entrepeneurs, investors and of course it is always good to challenge and learn from other passionate deep tech entrepreneurs. The program runs until January 2024 and will accelerate our biobased scale-up journey.

Relement received award for most promising startup in Brabant

27 Sep, 2023
We are honoured that Relement has won the prestigious Brabant40 award. The Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Mickey Adriaansens handed over the award to our CEO Roger Blokland at the Level UP Event on September 25th in front of 750 startups, investors and other stakeholders. Relement was nominated as 1 of the 40 most promising start-ups in the province of North Brabant, next to AI, medtech, SAAS and hardware deeptech startup companies. An expert jury selected 3 companies to pitch on stage in front of the audience from which Relement was selected as winner. The first response of our CEO Roger Blokland was “wow, this is really unexpected! All 40 nominated startups deserve to be winners, since change in the world is needed. Today we are the lucky ones, fantastic” The jury recognised the impact Relement can make with their company in providing the missing renewable element for coatings and more. This award is a great recognition to our Relement team and our commitment to getting rid of fossil resources by introducing bio-aromatic ingredients for coatings and more. Our launching product bio MPA provides an unmatched combination of sustainability and improved performance. All elements matter. A big thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far! Furthermore, we also congratulate the runners-up AgroExact and VivArt-X.

Relement is advancing into the next level – seeking manufacturing partnerships.

10 Jul, 2023
Following the successful technology demonstration at pilot scale, Relement is now ready to take the launching product bio MPA to the market. In order to expedite the introduction and adoption of this innovative solution, Relement is actively seeking a manufacturing partner to outsource the production process. Relement aims to leverage their expertise and make use of existing manufacturing facilities b y collaborating with a company specialized in chemical manufacturing processes, This strategic decision holds several key advantages. First, it enables us to accelerate the market entry of bio MPA. Second, Relement will be able to minimize capital investments, thereby reducing the risks associated with scaling up operations. By promoting the use of our launching product bio MPA and supporting the development of sustainable alternatives, we contribute to a greener and more responsible economy. Our commitment to core values, such as co-creation, is exemplified by the intention to co-operate with a manufacturing partner.  Relement created a whitepaper together with Dutch impact investor Invest-NL on why outsourcing can be a winning strategy especially for chemical start-ups. Relement wants to inspire other chemical start-ups to consider alternative scaling up routes. To download the whitepaper, follow the link below: Download whitepaper For more information, please contact CTO Stefano Iannacone: Stefano.iannacone@relement.eu

Relement featured in newly launched SER podcast

07 Jul, 2023
Our Chief Commercial Officer, Monique Wekking, was recently featured in the newly launched "Impact in the Polder" podcast by the Social and Economic Council (SER) of the Netherlands. The SER, which provides advice on social and economic policy to the Dutch Government and Parliament, released their recommendations on the Dutch National Program Circular Economy in April 2023. They highlighted the lagging progress in the chemical transition compared to the energy transition . In light of this, the SER created a podcast dedicated to exploring the chemical transition and circularity. Hosted by Marnix Kluiters, the podcast features interviews with Professor Henri de Groot from the University of Amsterdam, Joshua van der Hurk, the Founder of Bamboovement, and our CCO, Monique Wekking. During her interview, Monique had the opportunity to discuss our Relement mission and our efforts to revolutionize the chemical industry by introducing bio-aromatics, the crucial renewable biobased component for coatings and more. The podcast, -in Dutch language only, is available on various podcast platforms and can also be accessed on the SER website: (https://www.ser.nl/nl/actueel/zicht/podcast)
Relement CTO Stefano Iannacone in front of the pilot plant

Relement successfully completed pilot plant run for bio MPA

06 Jul, 2023
Relement proudly announces a major milestone achieved: the successful completion of a ground-breaking pilot plant run to produce 3-methylphthalic anhydride (bio MPA). Last year, Relement contracted Solvay Research and Innovation Centre in Lyon (F) for this scale-up. This achievement marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the chemicals industry with our sustainable and innovative solutions, starting with bio MPA which is a suitable ingredient for coating resins, epoxies, polyols and more. After extensive laboratory studies, Relement gave the green light to proceed with the pilot plant run. Throughout this process, several important optimizations to enhance the production process were implemented. Relement’ technology, hailed as "marvellous" by the experienced pilot plant crew, delivered flawless execution and consistent, robust production runs. What sets the bio MPA process apart is its accessibility. By utilizing commonly used industry-standard equipment, Relement has developed a solution that enables larger contract manufacturing organizations to produce substantial quantities of bio MPA. This accessibility positions Relement as a company capable to meet the increasing demand for sustainable chemical solutions. Bio MPA increases the biobased content of an application, and additionally, it can also boost the performance. The successful completed pilot plant run provided Relement 10s of Kgs of sample material for customers. With the delivery of the technology package to produce bio MPA, Relement is now ready to explore strategic partnerships with contract manufacturing organisations. Relement expresses gratitude to the Solvay R&IC team for their invaluable knowledge, support, and assistance throughout this endeavour. Their assistance has been instrumental in propelling us closer to our goal. Relement dares to inspire: all chemistry green!

Basis of design for the first commercial bio-aromatics plant completed

26 Apr, 2023
An important milestone for Relement has been completed: a conceptual process design for the first commercial plant for the production of specialty bio-aromatics is in place. Relement has recently completed, together with Dutch engineering company TransitionHERO, the basis of design for a flagship plant capable of producing 5.000 ton of bio-aromatic MPA (3-methylphthalic anhydride) and 1.000 ton of bio-aromatic HMA (hemimellitic acid) per year. The manufacturing process starts with the intake of bio-based furfural, a promising raw material for bio-based chemicals that is made entirely from agricultural non-edible residues such as bagasse, wood residues, sugar beet pulp, etc. The design includes a cost estimate for the investment, operational costs and a preliminary CO 2 -footprint calculation. Relement coordinated a consortium consisting of Stichting Circular Biobased Delta, Catalok and TNO to make this happen. Various technologies for the production of the bio-aromatics were evaluated. Subcontractor TransitionHERO integrated all data into a conceptual process design, to identify the main cost drivers, and to scale up the design from bench scale to a flagship plant for the production of bio-aromatics MPA and HMA. Conclusion and way forward The bio-aromatics flagship plant is commercially feasible. Due to the initial investment required, start-up Relement has decided to pivot its strategy into scaling up bio-aromatics by pursuing an asset light strategy. Relement’s choice is to set up production for our launching product bio MPA first, making use of a contract manufacturing organization. Our time to market for bio MPA will be shortened to 2024 which is an advantage for our launching customers. Relement is currently in the phase of selecting the right production partner. After bio MPA has been successfully launched at scale, Relement will revisit the opportunity to build a dedicated production facility. It is Relement’s mission to change the world, starting with fossil free coatings. We are crazy about chemistry and serious about getting rid of fossil resources. We provide the missing renewable element for coatings. Our specialty bio-aromatic products provide an unmatched combination of sustainability and coating performance. All elements matter. Are you looking forward to joining us on our scale-up journey and accelerating the development and commercial implementation of bio MPA? Please contact us for more information: Roger Blokland at roger.blokland@relement.eu Consortium partners for conceptual process design
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