Technological watch

Sulzer and Swiss-based AVA Biochem have entered into an exclusive license agreement to commercialize AVA Biochem’s innovative technology to produce sustainable commodity chemicals from biomass. These are renewable and non-toxic alternatives to fossil-based materials and serve to produce chemicals used in a broad range of applications, for example laminates for flooring. Sulzer’s Chemtech division will commercialize the licensed technology along with its proprietary key separation equipment for bio-based products to offer a one stop solution.

AVA Biochem AG is a pioneer in enabling the decarbonization of traditional chemical and adjacent B2B industries, and it is known for its proprietary COBRIS™ process (Conversion of Biomass to Renewable Industrial Substances). The process turns sugar-rich biomass into a renewable and non-toxic compound (the platform chemical 5-HMF) used to produce a broad range of widely used chemical products such as adhesives, food additives, textile fibers, packaging, films as well as alternatives to formaldehyde used in chipboards.

Sulzer Chemtech will commercialize the licensed technology along with its proprietary key equipment for the purification of 5-HMF. Chemtech’s separation equipment is already being used in the unique demonstration plant in Muttenz, Switzerland, where 5-HMF is produced in different forms for a total capacity of six metric tons per year.

The partnership supports the large-scale production of bio-based materials, enhancing the sustainability of both the manufacturing and processing sectors.

We are proud to expand our portfolio of technologies for the production of renewable, bio-based and recyclable materials with AVA Biochem’s technology. This new solution, which includes our advanced separators, is an excellent fit with Sulzer Chemtech’s offering. We look forward to implementing this technology globally to support companies in the manufacturing and processing sectors interested in improving the sustainability of their operations with this unique, green system. - Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Sulzer Chemtech.

We strive to create a circular economy that will contribute to a positive environmental future. We are at the right time and place, with a suitable commercial and industrial technology at the ready. Key topics like CO2 footprint, conversion of biomass according to Green Chemistry principles are more prominent than ever. Mindful consumers are increasingly aware of biodegradability, the impact of plastics and alternatives to fossil resources. They care about reducing waste, recycling or upcycling. AVA Biochem AG pioneered the Hydro-Thermal Technologies (HTx) for various applications more than a decade ago, accompanied and financed by a group of private entrepreneurs with both a sustainability mindset and a long-term perspective. Together with Sulzer Chemtech, we are bringing proven fully scalable eco-excellence to the table enabling sustainable and renewable technologies. – Dr. Christoph Kolano, Chief Executive Officer of AVA Biochem AG.

The technology serves the ever-increasing demand for circular applications in the chemical sector, with companies looking for biodegradable products, alternatives to fossil resources, and recycling or upcycling technologies to reduce their CO2 footprint and waste.

About AVA BiochemAVA Biochem is the global leader in the industrial development, production, sale, and licensing of the 100% bio-based platform chemical 5-Hydroxy Methyl Furfural (5-HMF), a renewable and non-toxic alternative to a range of fossil-based materials. 5-HMF has a broad range of applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Since 2014, Swiss-based AVA Biochem is producing high-purity 5-HMF for research purposes and specialty chemicals markets, as well as technical-grade 5-HMF for bulk chemistry applications and downstream chemicals like PEF.

Source: Sulzer, press release, 2021-05-06.