Yokogawa Bio Frontier Inc. and Bloom Biorenewables SA (Bloom) reach a proof-of-concept milestone in the production of a new generation of cellulose materials
Yokogawa Bio Frontier Inc. and Bloom Biorenewables SA (Bloom) are collaborating since 2019 on the development of biomass valorization methods, the feedstock supply chains and the markets of innovative bio-based product. Bloom’s proprietary aldehyde-assisted fractionation (AAF) technology has been a cornerstone to produce materials with potential performance, as recently proven with sulfate ester functionalized cellulose nano-fibers (S-CNF™).
In addition to produce the only uncondensed and sulfur-free lignin on the market [Shuai et al] and the production of di-functionalized sugars for bio-plastics production [Manker et al], AAF cellulose pulp is applicable for S-CNF™ production. Also, it has the potential to extend its functionality in various applications. S-CNF™, which are developed by Yokogawa Bio Frontier’s proprietary technology, is a cellulose nano-fibers with a sulfate ester group in powder form, providing users a high flexibility in blending and a greater ease in handling during storage and transport [ref to S-CNF™]. In addition to S-CNF™ production, efficient valorization of Japanese cedar and cypress wood was demonstrated using Bloom’s proprietary aldehyde-assisted fractionation (AAF) technology.
This proof-of-concept is a solid basis for further development of bio-circular economy through Bloom and Yokogawa Bio Frontier’s S-CNF™ and Bloom and Yokogawa Bio Frontier intend to enter in a long-term commercial relationship on the cellulose products.
About Bloom Biorenewables SA:
Bloom is a Swiss chemical company active at the forefront of the global transition to a circular bioeconomy. The company turns wood and residual biomass into sustainable alternatives to petroleum for key products such as plastics, fine chemicals and fuels. Bloom’s approach differentiates from existing solution by an increased control over the chemistries occurring during biomass fractionation, enabling the quality and low prices of current petro-based solutions.
For more information, visit www.bloombiorenewables.com
About Yokogawa Bio Frontier Inc,:
Yokogawa Bio Frontier Inc, is a subsidiary of Yokogawa Electric Corporation. Yokogawa Bio Frontier focuses on technology development and commercialization of high value-added biomass materials such as nanocellulose and microalgae, aiming to realize a sustainable carbon cycle. Yokogawa Bio Frontier will also provide biomass materials by leveraging its many years of experience and knowledge in the industrial automation (IA) industry.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com/ybf/
About Yokogawa Electric Corporation:
Yokogawa Electric Corporation provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa Electric Corporation addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa Electric Corporation continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 122 companies spanning 61 countries.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com
The names of corporations, organizations, products, services and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Yokogawa Electric Corporation or their respective holders.