Japanese researchers find cheaper, better way to produce erythritol

In Japan, researchers at Tohoku University have found that using inedible waste glycerol as feedstock for erythritol rather than more expensive sugar and starch-based feedstocks can lower the production costs and provide another product for potential biorefineries to produce to diversify their outputs and revenue streams. Using glycerol was shown to have similar or even better yields as using glucose. Further processing of the erythritol through dehydration into 1,4-anhydroerythritol provides further opportunities as it is an intermediate for other C4 chemicals.