Anellotech successfully extends catalyst lifetime of biomass-to-chemicals process

Anellotech has developed proprietary technology to extend catalyst lifetime in its Bio-TCat process for low cost conversion of biomass into valuable aromatic chemicals and renewable fuels. The new MinFree technology reduces mineral (ash) content of biomass feedstocks, thereby enabling economic catalyst lifetimes. 

“This is a breakthrough innovation for the industry and vital to technological success. It opens up the possibility to use many types of low-cost biomass feedstocks that contain high levels of well-known catalyst poisons. MinFree technology represents a major step forward, enabling the cost competitiveness of Anellotech’s biomass conversion process,” said Chuck Sorensen, CTO, Anellotech.

David Sudolsky, president and CEO, Anellotech, added, “MinFree is an important development needed to advance our Bio-TCat process toward commercialisation as it contributes to our ability to achieve attractive returns even in a low oil price environment, whether licensees opt for using Bio-TCat products as renewable fuels or chemicals. The recent demonstration of MinFree at ton scale was a significant accomplishment.” 

Anellotech has partnered with leading technology providers IFPEN/Axens for process development and Johnson Matthey for catalyst technology. “We are fortunate to have our R&D team working side-by-side with industry-recognised experts who have long-term commitments to this program. Together with partners Suntory and Toyota Tsusho, our Alliance is dedicated to developing an efficient, economic, and commercially viable end-to-end process, of which biomass handling and pre-treatment are critical components,” said Sudolsky.

By using renewable and readily available non-food materials, such as sustainably harvested wood, corn stover and bagasse, the Bio-TCat process is less expensive compared to processes relying on sugar as a feedstock, and avoids competition with the food chain. As a result, these renewable chemicals are expected to be produced and sold profitably either against identical, petroleum-derived BTX counterparts, or as renewable fuel blend stocks. 

Anellotech complements its world-class R&D team with in-depth, highly-interactive, and long-term alliances with leaders in process development, catalysis, engineering design, and licensing to accelerate development and drive cost-competitiveness. IFPEN is its process development and scale-up partner, Johnson Matthey is its catalyst development partner, and Axens is the partner for industrialisation, commercialisation, global licensing and technical support. Industry-leading strategic partners in the BTX supply chain, including Suntory and Toyota Tsusho have also provided capital to Anellotech.