Plaxica
has developed a robust process for the production of mixed sugars from a waste stream
produced by the dissolving pulp industry: pre-hydrolysis liquor. The process,
referenced as the Xylex technology, is able to separate hemicellulose from
lignin via extractive hydrolysis using sulfuric acid and butanol. The Xylex
technology allows high lignin removal efficacy and converts hemicellulose to a
mixture of C5 and C6 sugars.
NNFCC
worked with Plaxica to identify near-term commercial potential for other
bio-based molecules accessible from mixed sugars. Furthermore, NNFCC identified
future product developers with a possible interest and the potential to utilise
mixed sugar feedstock over the next two years. NNFCC collated and reviewed
published data and information on the production and sale of a list of 10
molecules identified by Plaxica. It reviewed the markets linked to the molecule
list identified including information on production technology and its
associated TRL, potential production volumes, price and access from C5 sugars.
“The study has identified several potential partners with fermentation
or chemical technologies to produce high value products from mixed sugar
feedstock. The work has also allowed Plaxica to rank these products in order of
priority, based on commercial attraction (e.g. market value, market size) and
technology readiness levels.” Ed Marshall, CEO, Plaxica.