ReSolve

The overall objective of ReSolve is to replace common, fossil-derived solvents that the European REACH regulation has identified as substances of very high concern (SVHC) or has already put restrictions in place. The specific objectives will be to:

• Produce novel carbohydrate-based solvents to replace the existing toxic solvents NMP and toluene. The acceptance of these bio-based substitutes will be based on their application performance and toxicity, which should be at least equal to the benchmark solvent with toxicity below European regulatory thresholds.
• Create an additional pipeline of non-toxic bio-based solvents, evaluate their potential in pertinent applications and ensure they pose minimal risk to human health.
• Establish an innovative, cost-effective integrated testing strategy for rapidly evaluating the toxicology of candidate solvents.
• Production of at least two novel carbohydrate-derived solvents on a scale that is suitable for application testing in a relevant industrial setting.
• Evaluate potential production processes for the most advanced bio-based solvent candidates, environmentally and techno-economically benchmarked against the conventional solvents they will replace. This will include an analysis of market uptake potential and the feedstock supply security.
• Reach out to, involve and train stakeholders by using a variety of channels and platforms and incorporate feedback from market actors in market uptake analysis.

Project ReSolve expects to have the following impacts. It will

• Allow at least two hazardous or toxic substances used in consumer products and industrial settings to be substituted with safer, bio-based alternatives.
• Create employment in the sector, by replacing the demand for NMP solvents – the majority of which are currently imported – with bio-based products manufactured in the EU.
• Improve public health and safety by reducing the use of the toxic and environmentally damaging substances that present hazards to people and sensitive ecosystems.
• Deliver reduced costs and higher market potential. This will reduce use of toxic and environmentally damaging substances.  
• Increase the bio-based content of new end-products while maintaining technical performance.
• Improve EU innovation capacity and integrate new knowledge.

ReSolve project developed bio-based alternatives to replace toxic solvents used in the chemical industry
7 May 2021
Solvents are ubiquitous in everyday life – from paints, personal care products and pharmaceuticals to cleaning products and inks. A new generation of bio-based solvents will now replace certain harmful, carcinogenic, toxic elements to make chemical processes more sustainable. Read more