Scottish technology-led producer of green chemicals, Celtic Renewables Ltd, has dispatched its first tanker truck of sustainably produced bioacetone and biobutanol from its flagship biorefinery in Grangemouth, marking a major milestone for the world’s shift to green chemicals.
This achievement is backed by over GBP 60 million in funding which enabled the construction of Scotland’s first biorefinery and its commercial-scale operations.
The cargo containing bioacetone and biobutanol is on its way to a processing plant in Chesterfield as part of a long-term deal with internationally renowned chemical distribution company, Caldic UK.
Caldic will distribute the green chemicals to their customers across the world, which include manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, personal care, and home care products, such as screenwash for cars, paints, shampoos, hand lotions, soaps, and perfumes.
Celtic Renewables’ green chemicals directly improve our customers’ ESG ratings. They represent true circularity and will support our customers in reaching net zero by 2050. Our customers have been waiting for a solution like this for a long time. Demand for bioacetone and biobutanol is high, and therefore manufacturers are ready to shift away from fossil fuels. Our customers are driven by net zero targets and the desire to make cleaner and greener products. We have not seen such a significant carbon footprint reduction in any mainstream chemical before, said Bettina Brierley, Product Group Leader Caldic UK.
Proprietary process
Celtic Renewables’ patented low-carbon technology converts by-products and waste from various industries such as food, drink, and agriculture. For example, whisky residues are converted into high-value green chemicals used to make everyday items.
According to the company, these green chemicals generate up to a 65 percent carbon saving in comparison to petrochemicals and for every tonne of bioacetone or biobutanol produced, almost three tonnes of fossil carbon is avoided.
Our plant is the first of its kind, turning our ideas and aspirations into reality. As the world’s first biorefinery to produce and supply green chemicals at this scale, we are proud to lead the way in the green chemical revolution. From an idea that started out in the lab, our fermentation is now at a scale of 100,000 litres for each batch that we run through – a process that has been born, developed, and proven in Scotland where our global technology centre is based, said Mark Simmers, CEO of Celtic Renewables.
Global rollout
Celtic Renewables is addressing the estimated US$2 billion global market for green chemicals. Recognizing the significant threat of climate change, many large organizations reliant on the chemicals industry have set ambitious net zero targets, whereby the need to source green chemicals is now imperative.
The chemical industry relies heavily on fossil fuels, but we know the demand for green chemicals is incredibly strong. Our bioacetone and biobutanol can reduce the chemical industry’s carbon emissions, and our technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of everyday consumer products. We now have the tools and commercial capability to displace the chemicals made from gas and oil in the manufacturing process, said Mark Simmers.
Celtic Renewables’ plant has been operational since 2023. The company launched in 2012 and construction of its first biorefinery was completed at the end of 2022.
We are already looking into three to four larger-scale biorefinery opportunities which we are aiming to develop in the next four to five years, with a combined output of 32,000 tonnes per annum. We are seeking to deploy our tech through licensing and partnerships across the globe, Mark Simmers said.
As part of the distribution deal with Caldic, this tanker delivery marks the first of regular shipments to follow.
With years of research and testing behind them, Celtic Renewables has developed high-quality green chemicals that can displace their petrochemical equivalents. This facility is at the forefront of green chemical production, and we are delighted to be able to support our clients in creating a more sustainable production model that is kinder to the planet, Bettina Brierley added.
A circular bioeconomy
Celtic Renewables’ process reduces carbon emissions and helps to defossilize the chemical industry, but also offers a sustainable disposal solution for industries like food, drink, and agriculture.
The technology produces secondary products such as biogas and recycled water which can either be reintegrated into Celtic Renewables’ process or sold back to suppliers – ultimately achieving a circular economy.
The chemical sector consumes 10 percent of all fossil fuels, and according to Celtic Renewables, its Grangemouth plant will be a major step forward in the UK’s journey to net zero which has been in focus at COP29.
Today’s milestone is timely with the backdrop of COP29, where the dialogue is very much focusing on accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels. During COP26 in Scotland, our Grangemouth biorefinery was still in the construction phase. Now, at COP29, we are shipping bioacetone and biobutanol in tankers. There’s immense potential to scale this up around the world, transform how we make everyday consumer products, and accelerate the global transition to green chemicals. This is just the beginning. We’re really excited to push forward with fulfilling our commitments to Caldic, attracting new investment, and developing our future plants, ended Mark Simmers.
