Prof J Pieter H van Wyk presents on valorizing biomass waste for medicinal purposes

📣 Answering the public consultation opened by the European Commission about the future of the Bioeconomy strategy towards 2030, the #BIOMATTERS cluster submitted a series of recommendations. 🥇 This was put together by the cluster projects #NewWave AMBIANCE Project Horizon EU Green-Loop VITAL Project BIO-UPTAKE and Waste2BioComp 📚 Read the full contribution: https://lnkd.in/daE-wr5s #bioeconomy #consultation #biomass #bioproduct #circularity #Biomatters #cluster BTG Biomass Technology Group BV Blue Synergy SL AEP Polymers InnoRenew CoE TransFurans Chemicals Foreco Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW FORESA Technologies

Furanics: Platform Molecules for the Future of Sustainable Chemistry & Fuels As industries accelerate toward net-zero, the role of biomass-derived platform molecules becomes increasingly critical. Among them, furanics (furfural, HMF, DMF) are emerging as strong contenders for the “molecule of the future.” Feedstock advantage – Derived from lignocellulosic biomass (agri-residues, bagasse, corncobs), avoiding food-fuel conflict. Chemical versatility – Furfural and HMF can be upgraded into solvents, resins, polymers, and high-value fine chemicals. Fuel pathways – Catalytic hydrogenation of furans yields DMF and furan-to-jet routes for SAF, with promising yields and drop-in compatibility. Carbon efficiency – Furanics preserve carbon atoms from sugars during processing, offering higher efficiency than traditional biofuel pathways. Scalability – Integration with biorefineries can enable large-scale production, complementing green hydrogen and CO₂-utilization technologies. In the long-term, hydrogen may lead as the universal energy carrier, but furanics provide the indispensable molecular building blocks for fuels and materials in a circular bioeconomy. #Furanics #FutureMolecules #PlatformChemicals #GreenChemistry #SAF #Bioeconomy #NetZero #SustainableFuels

📢 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 2025 We are excited to announce the release of the September 2025 issue of Biofuel Research Journal (BRJ), featuring cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of bio-based innovation and sustainability. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: ● Rewiring 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 central carbon metabolism for the sustainable bioconversion of waste glycerol into biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) ● Microbial photoproduction of n-heptane as a renewable hydrocarbon fuel ● Distillable amine-based solvents enabling effective pretreatment of diverse biomass feedstocks ● Metabolic engineering of 𝘒𝘭𝘶𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘺𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘹𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 to boost the biosynthesis of succinic acid These contributions reflect the journal’s mission to advance transformative solutions in biofuels, bioproducts, and the sustainable bioeconomy. 📖 Read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/dkZBqiF #Biofuels #Sustainability #Biotechnology #Bioeconomy #BRJ #RenewableEnergy #GreenChemistry #CircularEconomy #SyntheticBiology #MetabolicEngineering #WasteValorization #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #FutureFuels

These are some excellent examples of how biotechnology is paving the way for a sustainable future. My work in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) reinforces the critical role that microbial cell factories play in the broader bioeconomy

Europe’s push to commercialize bioethanol from non-conventional feedstocks faces key challenges in pretreatment methods. Innovative techniques like ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) and liquid hot water pretreatment show greater efficiency than traditional steam explosion. However, their high costs and operational complexities currently hinder large-scale industrial adoption. This gap highlights the need for further technological advancement and cost reduction to unlock Europe’s full potential in sustainable bioethanol production from diverse biomass sources. As Europe aims to scale bioethanol sustainably, balancing efficiency with economic feasibility in pretreatment is crucial for advancing the bioenergy transition. How can industry and policymakers accelerate innovation to overcome these barriers and make advanced bioethanol production commercially viable? #Bioethanol #Bioenergy #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy Source: https://lnkd.in/gm7P2Nqt

Excited to be heading to The Materials Show in Portland on August 27–28! We will be showcasing our latest innovations in sustainable intermediates, including PolyTHF® 1000 & 2000 and 1,4 Butanediol (BDO)—available in both Biomass Balance (BMB) and Biobased variants. These solutions are designed to meet the growing demand for low-carbon, high-performance materials across industries. Stop by to learn how BASF is driving market transformation through chemistry and sustainability. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dacGst-W #BASF #MaterialsShow #SustainableChemistry #PolyTHF #BDO #Biobased #BMB #Portland2025

Are you working with biomass or biochar and looking for reliable ways to measure carbon, hydrogen, sulphur, and nitrogen? Accurate elemental analysis is essential for advancing projects in soil health, biofuel production, and environmental sustainability. ELTRA's CHS analysers use the Dumas Method to deliver precise results for your research and operational needs. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gvn6_Ghb Feel free to connect or reach out if you have any questions! #Eltra #DumasMethod #VerderScientific #Biomass #Biochar

🚀 Don´t miss my presentation of the 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 on 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟱 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗜𝗝 at the 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 in Minneapolis!! This project highlights not only a 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀, but also demonstrates the 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. Looking forward to sharing insights and engaging in discussions on how biochar can play a key role in advancing sustainable practices across the Globe 🌱. #Biocharconference #NABC #biochar2025 #CarbonRemoval #Biochar #Sustainability #NGE #ClimateTech #Innovation #CircularEconomy #PyroDry #PyroPower #CleanProduction #ClosingTheLoop #NGH #forabetterfuture #CircularSolutions ♻️

🚨 New project alert! The CBE JU-funded #SOLRESS project is developing an innovative biorefinery system that will turn coffee waste and plant biomass into safe, bio-based solvents such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate and butyl acetate. These greener alternatives will help industries reduce emissions and health risks without compromising performance. What SOLRESS will deliver: ▶️ Production of bio-based solvents from coffee grounds and wood waste ▶️ Conversion of CO₂ and biomass hydrolysates into lactic and acetic acids ▶️ Scale-up of bioethanol, biobutanol, and furfural for solvent synthesis ▶️ Demonstration of 400 litres of ester solvents and 50 litres of furfural solvents from 2 tonnes of biomass waste ▶️ Recycling of 100,000 tonnes of coffee and wood waste annually, producing up to 50,000 tonnes of solvents ▶️ More than €100 million in revenues and 300 new jobs in the EU bioeconomy The project is supported with €7.04 million in CBE JU funding and has 15 partners from 11 countries.

📢 We are proud to share that last week, GALACTIC and the 16 other European actors participating in the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), called Solress, held their first kick-off meeting in Spain, led by the project coordinator, AIMPLAS · Technological Institute of Plastics. Our two project managers, Pieter Van der Weeën and Carlos Antonio López Fletes, represented Galactic, which plays a key role in the success of this European project. Our efforts will focus on developing an innovative biorefinery system that will turn coffee waste and plant biomass into safe, bio-based solvents such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate and butyl acetate. Discover more about the project in the carousel below 👇 or via the website: https://lnkd.in/enUY8mjF And if you're interested in the project and want to know more, don't hesitate to contact us!