10 green chemicals driving industry in UK

In the United Kingdom, a new report by The Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Network, a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, highlights how to ensure Britain becomes a world leader in bio-based chemicals.

According to the report, the UK government should focus on 10 specific bio-based chemicals, in order to boost industrial growth, jobs, trade and investment in the UK. The top ten includes green chemicals which can be used to make biodegradable plastics, superabsorbent sanitary products, nylon, perfumes, skin creams, and detergents. These products create billions of pounds of global revenue and are all currently made from petroleum. The 10 bio-based chemicals were agreed based on commercial viability, UK strengths to exploit, functionality and sustainability. They are 1. Lactic acid, 2. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), 3. Levoglucosenone, 4. 5 Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), 5. Muconic acid, 6. Itaconic acid, 7. 1,3-Butanediol, 8. Glucaric acid, 9. Levulinic acid, 10. n-Butanol.