Grace project

Problem statement

Creating alternative uses for marginal and underutilised land through the development of bio-based materials from industrial crops

Executive summary

Within the BBI JU GRACE project, two industrial biomass crops miscanthus and hemp have been investigated on their potential for new value chain development based on marginal and underutilised lands. These were chosen based on their distinctive characteristics, which render them a possible sustainable biomass source, and the quantity and quality of the biomass they produce. The project has investigated the possible conversion of these crops into a range of different applications including a) biopolymers (biobased plastic, biobased resin), b) biobased chemicals (Bioethanol, bio butanediol, azelaic acid, hydroxymethyl furfural, phenols), c) biobased building materials (formaldehyde free binder for particle boards, mycelium-based panels, insulation material, light weight concrete, d) composite natural fiber reinforced composite, e) pharmaceutical (cannabinoids) f) green herbicides (pelargonic acid).

Value chain description

The project successfully demonstrated at pilot plant level the production of the platform chemical HMF, from miscanthus biomass. HMF can be used to produce PEF, a bio-based polymer which can replace fossil-based PET. Butanediol and azelaic acid were used to produce bio-based polymers which are biodegradable in soil, making them highly relevant for agriculture to overcome recycling limitations and to avoid microplastic pollution. Mulch films and planting pots were created as a proof of concept and are currently being commercialised. Various miscanthus fibre reinforced composites were developed for the automotive sector

Market deployment considerations

The global natural fibre composites market was valued at $4.2 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $8.3 billion by 2032. The global 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5- HMF) market was valued at US$ 62 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 69 million by 2029.

Environmental considerations

Significant carbon mitigation, biodiversity and soil quality improvement

Social Considerations

No risk of food security through use of marginal land, creation of jobs in rural areas, strengthening the local economy by developing novel biobased medicine

Stakeholders Involved

Farmers and foresters, technology providers, downstream collaborators (e.g., fibre and chemical users)

Feedstock used

Miscanthus, hemp

TRL

6

Value Chain name

Grace

Type of process

Thermochemical pretreatment followed by hydrolysis and fermentation

Technology output

Environmental insulating material (thermal and sound insulation) for building insulation

Processing capacity point of view (annual feedstock requirement)

NA

Country

Germany

Year

2020