Chempolis selected as technology provider for NordFuel’s biorefinery

In Finland, Chempolis Oy has been chosen as technology provider for NordFuel’s biorefinery, which is planned to be established in Haapavesi, Finland. With the technology license, Chempolis brings to the collaboration its extensive know-how of producing bioproducts and of their valorization into industrial chemicals and materials. NordFuel’s biorefinery will produce value-added products from sawmill and forest industry residues. These include bioethanol, lignin and biochemicals, among others. The products will enable considerable reductions in traffic emissions as well as replace fossil raw materials and chemicals in several industries.

Chempolis’ license encompasses the biorefinery’s production technology, which is based on selectively fractionating biomasses by utilizing formic acid. In addition to bioethanol, the process yields high-quality, pure lignin. Along with bioethanol and lignin, biogenic and technical carbon dioxide, furfural, and acetic acid are also formed in the process.

All the products are suitable for replacing fossil-based products and materials. Consequently, the positive environmental impact of the whole value chain is significant. Chempolis’ persistent development work with the technology and products in its Oulu demonstration plant also ensures the NordFuel biorefinery exceptional reliability of operation. The biorefinery is planned to be in operation in 2028, meeting well the new EU Renewable Energy Directive effective in 2030.