By: María del Pilar Noriega E., PhD - Daabon - R&D and Innovation Director
Colombia is one of the largest producers in the
Americas of biodiesel from palm oil and bioethanol from
sugar cane. This industry
involves more than 800,000 planted hectares, 160 municipalities and 21
departments of the country, as well as more than 130
strategic
production alliances. These biofuel production plants have by-products,
with potential
for future value- added creations such
as liquid and solid biomass (see images), glycerin, biobased products
and other
sub- products, which may be developed by biorefineries. These products
have a
high probability of use in sectors such as food, animal feed,
pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, personal care (incl. soaps), green chemicals and others.
The concept of biorefinery is increasingly related to
the
circular economy: closing the loops of materials and products. Existing
industrial facilities must be redesigned with the objective of
integrating
residues and by-products in to current production, thereby increasing
the
product slate and improving the profitability of the process.
Green chemistry is
also being related to the design of chemical products and processes that
reduce
or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. Green chemistry practices
apply
across the life cycle of a chemical product, from its
design,
manufacture and use until its
ultimate disposal. This conceptualization, with its respective R&D
and
innovation projects, will enable DAABON Group to enter different sectors
in
Colombia and other countries. It will also help the transition to more
environmentally friendly materials and energy.