PROVIDES

PROcesses for Value added fibres by Innovative Deep Eutectic Solvents

Project details

Type of project: Research & Innovation Action
Project focus: Bio-based chemicals
Feedstock origin: Forestry waste
Feedstock type: Cellulose
Lignin & wood residues

Project period: 1 July 2015 - 31 December 2018
Status: Completed
CBE JU Contribution: € 1 079 551
Call identifier: H2020-BBI-PPP-2014-1

Summary

PROVIDES will develop a new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology for wood and agro-based lignocelluloses. Using a new class of solvents, known as deep eutectic solvents (DES), offers the ability to reduce process energy intensity at least 40%and investment costs by 50% over existing chemical pulping technology.

DESs have the unique ability to dissolve, and thus mildly fractionate, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose at normal temperature and pressure, allowing for further processing into high added value materials.

The overall aim of PROVIDES is to provide tools that encourage radical innovations and a move towards low-energy mild pulping processes, which provide high quality cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions.

To develop a radically new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology for wood and agro-based lignocellulose raw materials based on deep eutectic solvents (DES)
Via DES: to decompose lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose at low temperature and atmospheric pressure for further processing into materials and chemicals with a high added value.
To transfer the scientific findings in novel lignin dissolving DES to a process concept level that can be evaluated in relation to the current pulping and product fractionation processes.

Achieving technological breakthroughs spurring innovation across cellulose-based sectors.
Reducing process energy intensity by at least 40% as compared to traditional pulping processes.
Reducing investment costs by 50% as compared to current pulping installations, thanks to a pressure-free layout and a simplified chemical recovery.
Strengthening the market position of current wood-based products (e.g. paper, board) as well as new applications with a high added value in the textile and chemical industries.

New sustainable pulping technologies
10 October 2018
The vision of the pulp and paper industry is to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions while improving energy and resource efficiency. Hence, a European initiative has developed a breakthrough technology for greener pulp production. Read more