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.

The Edinburgh Napier University spin-out company is backed by more than £60m in funding which enabled the construction of Scotland’s first biorefinery and its commercial-scale operations.

The cargo containing bioacetone and biobutanol, will be available for commercial use as part of a long-term deal with internationally renowned chemical distribution company, Caldic.

Caldic 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 everyday items.

Company Founder, Professor Martin Tangney OBE said:

“This major milestone for Celtic Renewables signals the commercial deployment of University-led innovation. 

“Universities like Edinburgh Napier are pivotal in fostering innovation that can be truly translated into industry, and the world needs this if we are to combat climate change”.

Celtic Renewables is addressing the $2bn 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.

As part of the distribution deal with Caldic, this tanker delivery marks the first of regular shipments to follow.

Mark Simmers, CEO of Celtic Renewables, 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.

“From an idea that started out in the lab, our fermentation is now at a scale of 100,000 litres for each batch that we run through – a process that has been born, developed and proven in Scotland where our global technology centre is based.

“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.”

Celtic Renewables’ process reduces carbon emissions and helps to defossilise the chemical industry, but also offers a sustainable disposal solution for industries like food, drink and agriculture. The technology produces secondary products such as biogas and recycled water which can either be reintegrated into Celtic Renewables’ process, or sold back to suppliers – ultimately achieving a circular economy.

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 was launched at Edinburgh Napier 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.”

Celtic Renewables: Spin-out case study

Read more about Celtic Renewables and how it started as a Edinburgh Napier research project to becoming a successful spin-out business with ambitions to revolutionise the biofuel industry on a global scale.

Environments Case Study Celtic Renewables