AIMPLAS converts biomass and coffee grounds into industrial solvents

In Spain, the Plastics Technology Centre AIMPLAS has launched the SOLRESS project, a four‑year initiative to turn post‑consumer coffee grounds and lignocellulosic biomass into five renewable industrial solvents.

Backed by €7 million (US$7.7 million) from the Circular Bio‑based Europe Joint Undertaking, the project aims to replace fossil‑derived raw materials with biobased alternatives that meet industrial purity standards.

The solvents, which included ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butyl acetate, 2‑MeTHF, and gamma-valerolactone, will be tested in paints and coatings, cosmetics, and material processing.