Verbio hits initial milestone for world’s first large-scale rapeseed-based ethenolysis plant

In Germany, the initial milestone in the construction of the world’s first large-scale ethenolysis plant based on rapeseed oil methyl ester has been reached: the first distillation column has been erected. Starting in 2026, large quantities of renewable molecules for the chemical industry will be produced at the Verbio site in Bitterfeld. These specialty chemicals are used, for example, in detergents and cleaning agents, high-performance lubricants for engines, and plastics. In this way, Verbio is driving forward the transition from fossil to renewable raw materials in the chemical industry.

The distillation column is used for the preparation of the raw ester from the biodiesel plant before further processing in the ethenolysis process. The liquids are heated at the bottom of the column and can be separated due to their different boiling points. This process is essential for chemical production processes.

Using ethenolysis, Verbio provides the market with the bio-based speciality chemicals methyl 9-decenoate (9-DAME) and 1-decene, which can be used as key components in a wide range of applications. 9-DAME is a component of detergents and cleaning agents and serves as a raw material for lubricants and polymers. 1-decene is an important basis for products in the field of high-performance lubricants used in modern engines, gearboxes and wind turbines. In the future, Verbio will also produce additional specialty chemicals that can be used for pharmaceutical or cosmetic products.

The Bitterfeld plant will have a nominal annual manufacturing capacity of 32,000 tons of 9-DAME and 17,000 tons of 1-decene. The objective is to manufacture a total of 60,000 tons of renewable products for the chemical industry annually. Verbio plans to launch production at the plant in 2026.