Renewable chemicals Gradually Replacing Fossil fuel-based Chemicals

Renewable chemicals are industrial chemicals and materials that are produced from bio-based feedstock such as plant biomass including agricultural crops, plant residues, and organic wastes. These renewable feedstock are replenished rapidly and are therefore sustainable. Increasingly, recyclable chemicals are replacing traditional fossil fuel-based chemicals that are produced from petroleum. There are several advantages of recyclable chemicals over fossil fuel-based ones.

Reason to shift to Recyclable Chemicals
Recyclable chemicals are better for the environment: Production of recyclable chemicals results in a much lower carbon footprint when compared to fossil fuel-based chemicals. They can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the carbon present in them is recycled from the atmosphere instead of being released from long buried fossil fuels. Many recyclable chemicals can biodegrade after use and do not persist in the environment.

Fossil fuels are depleting resources: Oil, natural gas and coal that are used to produce most current industrial chemicals are finite resources. With growing global population and economies, fossil fuel reserves are being rapidly depleted. Recyclable chemicals provide a sustainable solution as their feedstock can be replenished.

Energy security concerns: Many countries import majority of their fossil fuel needs making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Recyclable chemicals produced from domestic feedstock enhances energy security.

Feedstock Diversification: Agricultural and forestry residues that are used for recyclable chemicals provide new revenue streams for farmers and forest product companies to diversify their products. This supplements their income.

Major types of Renewable Chemicals

Bioplastics: Various types of plastics and plastic substitutes that are either biodegradable or renewable are produced from renewable feedstock instead of petroleum. Examples include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bio-polyethylene.

Solvents and monomers: Important industrial chemicals like ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, ethylene and propylene that are traditionally made from petroleum now have renewable counterparts produced from sugarcane, corn, cellulosic biomass etc.

Surfactants: Renewable surfactants used in detergents, personal care products, oil recovery etc. are made by deriving the hydrophobic tail from plant oils instead of petroleum. Examples are alkyl polyglucosides and fatty acid alcohols.

Lubricants: Lubricants produced from Estolides, that have properties similar to mineral oil-based lubricants, are made by esterifying fatty acids from plant oils.

Major Producers of Renewable Chemicals

The US, Brazil and European nations have emerged as major producers of renewable fuels and chemicals. While the US leads in ethanol production, Brazil is the highest producer of ethanol globally, meeting over 50% of its transportation fuel needs with ethanol from sugarcane. Several European nations have adopted ambitious targets for renewable energy and low carbon fuels.

Leading US companies in this sector include Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, DuPont, BASF, Dow Chemical etc. While many started with a focus on biofuels, they are increasingly launching new lines of recyclable chemicals. Brazilian firms like Braskem are prominent producers of "green polyethelyne" made from sugarcane ethanol. Europe based companies such as Corbion, Evonik and Koninklijke DSM N.V have significant initiatives in recyclable chemicals.

Asia developing capabilities rapidly

Several Asian nations have recognized recyclable chemicals as a key part of their energy and economic strategies. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and India are expanding their palm oil and sugarcane industries that can become feedstock for recyclable chemicals production.

China in particular has emerged as a major market for recyclable chemicals. Several Chinese petrochemical giants such as Sinopec and CNOOC have invested heavily in biorefineries. Other leading industrial firms like Sinomach and Tri-Ring Group are also entering this segment. Governments of India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand offer various incentives to make recyclable chemicals competitive against fossil fuel-based ones. Many international recyclable chemical companies are examining South and Southeast Asia for new plants.

Renewable Chemicals Industry Expected to grow strongly

It is estimated that the global recyclable chemicals market will increase substantially in coming years from current market size of around $14 billion. Factors like regulations to limit fossil fuel use, carbon taxes, growing preference of consumers for green products along with advancements in technologies are driving this transition. Financial analysts project major capacity additions in production of key recyclable chemicals by 2030. International bioeconomy frameworks and policy support across nations indicate the priority being given to scaling up recyclable chemicals industry globally. The future certainly looks bright for this important sector that offers sustainable solutions for large scale industrial and consumer needs.