GREEN CHEMISTRY benefits, including lower energy consumption, reduced waste and safer operational conditions. Unlike thermochemical processes, enzymatic processes operate at milder temperatures and pH levels, preserving product integrity.
However, widespread adoption has been hindered by cost-in-use concerns, particularly enzyme stability and reaction time efficiency. To address these challenges, Thyssenkrupp Uhde has developed the Jet Reactor technology, a process that provides gentle reaction conditions and efficient water removal at high circulation rates allowing sustainable ester production with low-temperature biocatalysis( Figure 1).
These improvements extend enzyme catalyst lifetime and reduce reaction times significantly. For example, the production of glycerol tricaprylate and tricaprate( MCT) has been accelerated from over 36 hours to just 12, while maintaining high product quality and reducing overall production costs.
A key component of this process is Novonesis’ s lipase product, Lipura * Flex, which has demonstrated remarkable longevity and efficiency. Lipases are a class of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis and formation of ester bonds, enabling selective and highyield reactions.
In laboratory studies, Lipura Flex retained its activity for more than 1,000 hours at 85 ° C. When translated to the Jet Reactor process, this results in an enzyme cost-in-use of less than 5 % of the final product value, making enzymatic esterification economically viable at an industrial scale.
To validate the technology, pilot trials have been conducted using a 25 L Jet Loop Reactor. These trials successfully produced speciality esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl caprylate and caprate, glycerol tripalmitate and MCT. The demonstrated efficiency and cost savings suggest that this technology is now ready for commercial implementation( Figure 2).
Outlook
The introduction of Jet Reactor technology marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of enzymatic esterification in the speciality chemicals sector. By enabling a cost-competitive, low-temperature process, this innovation has the potential to replace conventional thermochemical methods, thereby reducing the industry ' s carbon footprint and enhancing overall sustainability. Additionally, this approach aligns with global efforts to minimise waste, improve energy efficiency, and support Green Chemistry principles.
The future of enzymatic esterification, powered by Jet Reactor technology, holds immense potential for further advancements in the speciality chemicals industry. As research and development continue, enzyme formulations may become even more robust, extending catalyst longevity and reducing costs even further. This will encourage broader adoption across various industries, including cosmetics, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals and food production.
Additionally, as regulatory pressures increase to minimise carbon emissions and reduce hazardous chemical use, enzymatic processes will be positioned as a key solution for sustainable manufacturing. The ability to produce high-purity esters with minimal by-products will also appeal to manufacturers looking to enhance product performance and environmental compliance.
Furthermore, advances in process automation and AI-driven optimisation by Thyssenkrupp Uhde Digital Solutions could enhance the efficiency of enzymatic esterification, making real-time monitoring and control more precise. These innovations will help further drive down costs and improve scalability, making enzymatic esterification an even more attractive option for commercial production.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Thyssenkrupp Uhde and Novonesis has resulted in a transformative approach to speciality ester production. By overcoming cost barriers and improving process efficiency, the enzymatic Jet Reactor technology paves the way for a greener and more economically feasible future in speciality chemical manufacturing. As the industry continues to prioritise sustainability, such innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of speciality ester production. ●
*- Lipura is a registered trademark of Novonesis
Antoine Schillebeeckx
PRODUCT MANAGER
Figure 2- Enzymatic esterification of MCT using Thyssenkrupp Uhde enzymatic esterification technology & Novonesis Lipura Flex enzyme
THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH k + 49 176 21758032 J antoine. schillebeeckx @ thyssenkrupp. com j thyssenkrupp-uhde. com
MAY / JUN 2025 SPECCHEMONLINE. COM
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