Innovative Bio-Based Chemicals: Key to a Sustainable and Circular Future
The global chemical industry, long reliant on fossil fuels, is undergoing a major shift as the demand for sustainable, bio-based alternatives surges. Petrochemical-derived products, used in everything from plastics to coatings, contribute significantly to environmental degradation, from high carbon emissions to long-lasting waste. Industries are now under increasing pressure to reduce their reliance on petrochemicals and adopt greener production processes that align with global sustainability goals.
Driving this transformation is a surging global demand for bio-based platform chemicals and products, as companies seek sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-derived materials. Bio-based chemicals have become a key focal point in the quest for eco-friendly solutions across industries, including packaging, bioplastics, and cosmetics. This rise in demand reflects the growing recognition of the need to transition towards a circular economy.
However, replacing petrochemicals with bio-based alternatives presents a complex challenge. Traditional methods for creating bio-based chemicals often involve large amounts of energy, hazardous chemicals, and high costs, limiting their widespread adoption. The key to meeting this demand lies in developing innovative, scalable technologies that can efficiently transform renewable resources into high-value, eco-friendly chemicals.
This is where Sonichem steps in: by leveraging soundwave technology, Sonichem has developed a patented biorefining process that converts woody biomass, such as sawmill by-products, into valuable bio-based chemicals. These chemicals can be used to produce bioplastics, bio-based coatings, packaging, and cosmetics—providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived materials while advancing the global push towards a circular economy. By transforming sawmill by-products into high-value, eco-friendly chemicals, Sonichem is leading the way in sustainable chemical production, paving the path to a greener future for the chemical industry.
Why Sonichem:
- Innovative technology: Sonichem’s innovative technology leverages ultrasonic waves to efficiently fractionate 2nd generation woody biomass, such as sawdust, into high-value biochemicals. Unlike competitors, Sonichem’s process requires less energy and uses non-food-grade feedstocks, offering a scalable and unique solution in the biorefinery market, backed by four patents across 11 markets.
- Commercial traction/Government backing: Commercial letters of support. Grants including EU funding towards and early pilot plant, acknowledging their potential. 2021 winner of the “Best Enabling Technology” prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry. £3.2m equity investment raised, including £1.4m in Feb 2022.
- Market potential: Their FOAK (First Of A Kind) commercial plant will generate revenues from chemical companies buying their bio-based chemicals in bulk. Later, Sonichem will move into a technology licensing model, whilst considering further plants. Customers will be global chemical companies seeking reduced reliance on fossil-fuel derived chemicals and improved carbon footprint of their processes. New bio-based products are also being explored by both commercial and academic partners.
Investment Snapshot:
- Type: pre-Series A round
- Target amount: £1.8m
- Minimum contribution: £50k
- EIS tax relief pre–assured for UK Investors and relevant Funds
For further information or to speak with Sonichem directly contact:
Annika Borrmann at [email protected]
Adrian Black – CEO
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjblack/
