Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North America, bagasse in South America or wheat straw in Europe and can be adapted to various plant concepts.
The production cost can compete with those of first-generation bioethanol and the greenhouse gas savings of the sunliquid ethanol are up to 95% compared to fossil fuels. Since the sunliquid utilizes agricultural residues, it is not affected by fuel-versus-food-debate. In addition, sunliquid paves the way to a second generation sugar platform for the production of biobased chemicals.
Clariant’s Martin Mitchell gave this illuminating overview of Clariant’s promise and progress to date at ABLC Next in San Francisco.
