The term “fermentation chemicals” refers to chemicals produced through a fermentation process of biomass using microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and microalgae. . They are a subset of biobased chemicals. As momentum builds, fermentation chemicals are experiencing steady market growth, indicative of a wider trend among manufacturers. One recent example from June of this year is BASF’s research into producing carbon-neutral bio-based fumarate. This precedes their already licensed bio-BDO technology, Genomatica, in 2023.
A biobased material does not automatically equate to being carbon neutral or biodegradable. To accurately assess sustainability, it is essential to consider factors beyond greenhouse gas emissions, including land use changes, biodiversity impacts, and social aspects.
Plant-based solutions are generally seen as more sustainable than fossil-based synthetics, but questions about their carbon neutrality remain. Issues like estimating carbon footprints, measuring emissions, and changes in land use make it difficult to confirm their true environmental impact.
Fermentation chemicals offer a complementary approach with unique advantages:
- Allows for high-potential customisation of products and processes.
- Can achieve negative carbon emissions by utilising biowaste, CO2, or methane as feedstock.
- The processes can be tightly controlled and optimised, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
- Not limited by seasons, does not compete with the food supply, and is not constrained by raw material availability. Depending on the feedstock used, it can also have a lower impact on land and water resources.
- The process can be enantiospecific and tailored for various applications, providing precise and desired outcomes.
PLA is produced from renewable plant-based feedstocks such as corn and sugarcane. The organic sources provide carbohydrates that are fermented by bacteria to produce lactic acid, which is then polymerised into PLA. PLA, in turn, is prized for its transparency and strength, making it suitable for various packaging applications.
PHA, on the other hand, is synthesised by microorganisms such as Ralstonia eutropha and Pseudomonas species. The bacteria use organic waste and byproducts as carbon sources, accumulating PHA as an energy reserve under nutrient-limited conditions. PHA’s versatility, including its biodegradability and biocompatibility, makes it an attractive alternative to conventional plastics.
The potential of PLA and PHA to disrupt traditional plastic markets is substantial in the foreseeable future. PLA and PHA material properties can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics. For instance, producing PLA from municipal solid waste can lead to a net reduction of 73 kg CO2 per ton. PHA can potentially help reduce fossil energy consumption by 95% and greenhouse gas emissions by 200%.
From a broader perspective, Dr. Marija Jovic, PreScouter Technical Director emphasises that “Fermentation chemicals are an attractive strategic option for meeting the growing demand for green chemistry solutions.
They enable the creation of sustainable bio-building blocks that can be used to develop innovative chemical products and solutions across a wide range of applications. Investing in these technological advancements is key to staying ahead of the curve.”
Dr. Jovic’s insight aligns with the broader trend towards sustainable materials, highlighting the critical role of fermentation-generated bioplastics like PLA and PHA. These bioplastics offer a promising avenue for sustainable plastic production, combining environmental benefits with growing market demand. However, while their potential to reduce environmental impact is significant, overcoming production costs and regulatory challenges remains essential for their widespread adoption and success.
