The first tanker carrying sustainably produced bioacetone and biobutanol has departed Celtic Renewables’ flagship biorefinery in Grangemouth, marking a significant milestone in the global transition to green chemicals. This achievement has been made possible by over £60 million (€71 million) in funding, which facilitated the construction and operation of Scotland’s first commercial-scale biorefinery.
The shipment is destined for a processing plant in Chesterfield as part of a long-term partnership with Caldic, a globally recognised chemical distribution company. Mark Simmers, CEO of Celtic Renewables, remarked “Our facility is a groundbreaking achievement, transforming our vision into reality. As the first biorefinery globally to produce and supply green chemicals at this scale, we are proud to lead the green chemical revolution. What began as a lab concept has evolved into a commercial-scale fermentation process, with each batch reaching 100,000 litres—a feat developed and proven in Scotland, home to our global technology centre.”
“We are already exploring opportunities for three to four larger biorefineries, which we aim to develop over the next four to five years, with a combined output of 32,000 tonnes annually. Our goal is to deploy our technology globally through licensing and partnerships.”
“The chemical industry remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, but demand for sustainable alternatives is growing. Our bioacetone and biobutanol significantly reduce carbon emissions in the chemical sector and have the potential to lower the environmental impact of everyday products. With our proven technology and commercial capabilities, we are ready to replace petrochemical-based materials in manufacturing processes.”
Bettina Brierley, Product Group Leader at Caldic UK, added “Celtic Renewables’ green chemicals are transformative for our customers’ ESG performance. They embody true circularity and play a crucial role in achieving net-zero targets by 2050. Demand for bioacetone and biobutanol is high, and manufacturers are eager to transition away from fossil fuels. These green alternatives offer an unprecedented reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional chemicals.”
“Celtic Renewables’ years of research and development have resulted in high-quality green chemicals that can seamlessly replace petrochemical equivalents. This facility sets a new benchmark for sustainable chemical production, and we are thrilled to support our clients in adopting cleaner and greener manufacturing practices.” 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.
