From sawdust to chemicals

Sonichem has revealed plans for the first commercial plant using its patented ultrasound technology. This will break down forestry co-products, including woodchips and sawdust, to supply natural compounds that can be transformed into biochemicals. The plant is expected to be based in Scotland, where the company itself is located, and to process up to 15,000 tonnes/year of materials. 

The announcement follows a feasibility study funded by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, with support from the University of Glasgow.  The target organic substance being collected is lignin, a polymer that acts like a natural glue to binding cells and fibres in trees and other plants together. All five chemical routes tried to date have worked well. Applications are envisaged in resins, films, coatings and foams, which are all very large-volume markets. 

“The next step in the process is about engaging with both the manufacturers already using resin, as well as the forestry sector, to ensure that the right number and type of trees are planted now to secure the availability of the product for years to come,” said Andy West, chief chemist at Sonichem.