The first tanker of sustainably produced bioacetone and biobutanol has been dispatched from Celtic Renewables’ flagship Biorefinery in Grangemouth, marking a major milestone for the world’s shift to green chemicals. This achievement is backed by over £60million in funding which enabled the construction of Scotland’s first Biorefinery and its commercial-scale operations.

The cargo containing bioacetone and biobutanol, which will be available for commercial use, is on its way to a processing plant in Chesterfield as part of a long-term deal with internationally renowned chemical distribution company, Caldic. Who will distribute the green chemicals to their customers across the world, which include manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, personal care and homecare products, such as screenwash for cars, paints, shampoos, hand lotions, soaps, perfumes and more.

Celtic Renewables’ patented low-carbon technology converts by-products and waste from various industries such as food, drink and agriculture. For example, whisky residues are converted into high-value green chemicals used to make every day items. These green chemicals generate up to a 65% carbon saving in comparison to petrochemicals and for every tonne of bioacetone or biobutanol produced, almost 3 tonnes of carbon is saved.

Celtic Renewables is addressing the $2billion global market for green chemicals. Recognising the significant threat of climate change, many large organisations reliant on the chemicals industry have set ambitious net zero targets, whereby the need to source green chemicals is now imperative.

Mark Simmers, CEO, says: “Our plant is the first of its kind, turning our ideas and aspirations into reality. As the world’s first Biorefinery to produce and supply green chemicals at this scale, we are proud to lead the way in the green chemical revolution.

“We are already looking into three to four larger scale Biorefinery opportunities which we are aiming to develop in the next four to five years, with a combined output of 32,000 tonnes per annum. We are seeking to deploy our tech through licensing and partnerships across the globe.

“The chemical industry relies heavily on fossil fuels, but we know the demand for green chemicals is incredibly strong. Our bioacetone and biobutanol can reduce the chemical industry’s carbon emissions, and our technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of everyday consumer products. We now have the tools and commercial capability to displace the chemicals made from gas and oil in the manufacturing process.”

Bettina Brierley, Product Group Leader, Caldic UK, says: “Celtic Renewables’ green chemicals directly improve our customers’ ESG ratings. They represent true circularity and will support our customers in reaching net zero by 2050.

“Our customers have been waiting for a solution like this for a long time. Demand for bioacetone and biobutanol is high, and therefore manufacturers are ready to shift away from fossil fuels. Our customers are driven by net zero targets and the desire to make cleaner and greener products. We have not seen such a significant carbon footprint reduction in any mainstream chemical before.

“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.”

Mark Simmers, CEO at Celtic Renewables & Bettina Brierely, Product Leader at Caldic.

The chemical sector consumes 10% of all fossil fuels, and according to Celtic Renewables, its Grangemouth plant will be a major step forward in the UK’s journey to net zero which has been in focus at COP29.

Simmers adds: “Today’s milestone is timely with the backdrop of COP29, where the dialogue is very much focusing on accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels. During COP26 in Scotland, our Grangemouth Biorefinery was still in the construction phase. Now, at COP29, we are shipping bioacetone and biobutanol in tankers.”

Celtic Renewables’ plant has been operational since 2023. The company launched in 2012 and construction of its first Biorefinery was completed at the end of 2022.

Simmers adds: “There’s immense potential to scale this up around the world, to transform how we make everyday consumer products and accelerate the global transition to green chemicals. This is just the beginning. We’re really excited to push forward with fulfilling our commitments to Caldic, attracting new investment and developing our future plants.”