The chemical industry faces a pressing global challenge—reducing its reliance on fossil fuels as feedstocks.
About 13% of global fossil fuel production (~30 EJ) is used for non-energy purposes, with two-thirds allocated to the chemical sector. This dependency results in around 1 GtCO₂ emissions annually, making the industry one of the hardest to decarbonize.
A Nature report estimates that up to 62% of fossil-based feedstock use in the chemical sector could shift to bio-based or recycled materials by 2050. Yet, the industry has technical, economic, and logistical hurdles to solve.
A small Lithuanian company, Ecorbio, is using thermochemical processes to produce bio-polyols, a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-derived polyols used in polyurethane production. The startup turns leftover plant materials and industrial waste into useful chemicals for construction, automotive, furniture, and nautical industries.
We interviewed Ecorbio’s CEO, Lukas Jasiūnas, to understand how the startup is creating eco-friendly and cost-effective chemicals that can reduce the carbon footprint of multiple industries.
This interview is part of our exclusive Scouted By GreyB series. Here, we talk to the founder of innovative startups to understand how their solutions address critical industry challenges and help ensure compliance with industry and government regulations. (Know more about startups scouted by GreyB!)
“Polyol is a key ingredient in polyurethane. It’s kind of the flour equivalent in a cake, one of the major ingredients. And this type of chemical itself is, let’s say, a 35-plus billion market globally. 11 million tons every year.”
– Lukas Jasiūnas
Lukas Jasiūnas is a Lithuanian entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in waste biomass solvolytic liquefaction and value-added product synthesis from the Kaunas University of Technology. His multidisciplinary expertise spans chemical, mechanical, and process engineering. In addition to Ecorbio, Jasiūnas co-founded Healthier Hens, an initiative to improve the welfare of cage-free hens through nutrition. He has been actively involved in industry events and educational programs on sustainability, like European Sustainable Energy Week.
Want to know more about Ecorbio’s Technology and how its biochemicals can impact your industry? Watch this exclusive conversation with Lukas Jasiūnas.
Overview: Ecorbio Upcycling Waste Materials to Create Industrial Chemicals
Ecorbio is a chemical engineering start-up focused on sustainable chemical production. It develops bio-polyol production technologies to offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional polyurethanes used in industries like construction and automotive.
The startup’s technology transforms waste biomass and industrial by-products into cost-effective, eco-friendly biopolyols. Ecorbio produces high-quality biochemicals like Crudyol using its patent-pending thermochemical processes.
By leveraging waste materials, Ecorbio promotes circular economy principles, reducing reliance on virgin feedstocks and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are key highlights from the discussion to read at a glance.
1. Which specific chemicals are Ecorbio targeting?
Lukas: We’re starting with polyurethane, an insulation polymer used in many industries, such as construction and home appliances. Our aim is to make the production of materials like polyurethane more sustainable, which will directly reduce the environmental footprint of everyday products.
2. Could you give us an estimate of the scale of this issue and Ecorbio’s potential impact?
Lukas: Polyol, a key ingredient in polyurethane, represents a global market of about $35 billion, amounting to 11 million tons annually. The bio segment of this market is growing rapidly, at over 10% each year. We’re focusing on making this segment more sustainable and less reliant on critical resources like land and water.
3. Are there competitors in this space? How does Ecorbio stand out?
Lukas: Yes, there are other players, including those exploring technologies to derive chemicals from captured CO2. While still in its expensive stages, this field is advancing. Our unique approach involves upcycling waste into chemicals, offering a more immediate and cost-effective solution.
4. What technical challenges has Ecorbio faced in developing these innovations?
Lukas: One major challenge is ensuring the quality of the end product, as we start with low-value waste feedstocks. We collaborate extensively with research organizations to enhance our formulations and ensure our polyurethane products meet high standards.
Replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly biochemicals will help companies reduce their impact significantly and meet sustainability goals. However, identifying the most suitable feedstock, finding cost-effective processing methods that do not compromise quality, and anticipating potential obstacles can slow your progress.
Author’s note: While researching, we found startups making green chemicals without hazardous substances or processes. Click on the link to learn more about them.
Meet our Interviewer – Shabaz Khan, Marketing Manager at GreyB
Shabaz Khan, a seasoned marketing manager at GreyB, leads the Scouted By GreyB campaign. With a decade of experience, he specializes in delivering critical insights to Innovation leaders, R&D, and IP teams about evolving tech landscapes, innovation trends, and emerging breakthrough startups. Shabaz excels at aligning research data with business needs and developing strategies to solve innovation challenges. His leadership and problem-solving skills make him a valuable asset in R&D and IP research.
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Authored By: Naveen Kumar, Market Research
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