Biomass and CO2 – alternatives to fossil-based feedstocks

Biomass and CO2 drive the circular economy and decarbonisation, and reduce supply vulnerability

Efficient use of biomass and CO2 requires a substantial modification of the usual manufacturing processes. Innovation in these processes will lead to products with similar or enhanced properties, obtained from biomass and CO2, which boost the circular economy and decarbonisation and reduce supply vulnerability associated with fossil-based feedstocks.

Technological Solutions

TECNALIA works on several types of technological solutions for this efficient use, developed within the framework of a number of European initiatives in which they are involved.

• New bio-basedadhesives and coatings formulated from polyphenolic fractions and cellulose nanofibres from forest biomass, applicable to wooden panels with enhanced properties.
• Production of functional cellulose micro-nanofibres and solutions based on fibres and micro-nanofibres with a high degree of recyclability for the food packaging and construction sectors (e.g. insulation panels).
• Production of polyester based on CO₂ capture, to be used for textiles.

The field of hydrogen, which is becoming so important for the decarbonisation of the energy system, is no stranger to these innovations. TECNALIA innovates in membranes for gas separation, based on Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) copolymer chemistry, which can be used both for the production of renewable hydrogen and for CO₂ capture and recovery.

Developments around the production of biofuels and energy carriers

• Together with other renowned partners, TECNALIA is working on a artificial photosynthesis process based on a hybrid system with non-photosynthetic micro-organisms and photosensitising organisms. Using natural light as an energy source, it turns CO₂ into fuels, energy carriers and/or high value-added chemicals.
• TECNALIA also collaborates in the production of biofuels for aviation and for the marine sector through biorefinery and biological processes, from the organic fraction of solid urban waste.

The developments described above are being carried out in the framework of a number of European innovation initiatives such as CARBIOW, CUMERI, PHOTO2FUEL, REDYSIGN, SUPERBARK, and THREADING-CO2

**CARBIOW, CUMERI, PHOTO2FUEL, REDYSIGN, SUPERBARK, and THREADING-CO2 have received funding from the Horizon 2020 EU research and innovation programme in accordance with Subsidy Agreements 101084443, 101091812, 101069357, 101112521, 101112447 and 101092257