The global annual demand for propylene glycol currently stands at approximately 2.5 million tons, with an annual growth rate of about 5%. The demand for ethylene glycol is even higher, at around 30 million tons, with an annual growth rate of approximately 4%. As the primary raw material for these diols is currently petroleum, shifting to biogenic and sustainable processes can ensure long-term availability and reduce reliance on fossil resources. Initial studies indicate that this approach can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, representing a step towards a sustainable, future-oriented economy.



The project aims to investigate the use of second-generation sugars, derived from carbohydrate-rich waste materials, as a raw material. Various methods have already been developed for obtaining these carbohydrates. The project will focus on utilizing sugars from these methods, which need to be appropriately purified for use in thermochemical-catalytic processes. Relevant purification methods will be developed as part of the project.



In addition to utilizing second-generation sugars, the project will optimize the gradual conversion of these sugars into glycols. Particularly, hydrogenolysis to glycols results in a broad product spectrum with many by-products. Reducing these by-products will improve both the ecological footprint and value creation, and simplify the purification of the product mixture.



All investigations will consider process engineering aspects and will be integrated into a comprehensive process where all steps are efficiently coordinated, laying the foundation for commercial implementation.

Cusati, G., Fergen, H., Bouge, M., Bücker, T., Vogel, K., Taherkhani, M. and Ehret, R. (2025), Carbohydrate Wastes to Chemicals (CtC): From Second-Generation Sugars to Glycols. Chemie Ingenieur Technik.

 https://doi.org/10.1002/cite.202300226