Speciality Chemicals Magazine SEP / OCT 2026 | Page 80

BIOBASED CHEMICALS

Biodiesel plant

Ethenolysis plant

Agriculture

Figure 2 – Production of 9-DAME from RME

Regional supply & process integration

Security of supply and process efficiency are becoming increasingly important in the chemical industry, alongside reliability in molecular specifications. Established supply chains for C 10 molecules are, however, exposed to various risks.

Global availability of linear alphaolefins such as 1-decene depends significantly on petrochemical complexes in the Middle East and is therefore closely linked to regional export infrastructure and maritime transport corridors. Meanwhile, the availability of tropical oleochemical feedstocks like palm and coconut is vulnerable to weather-related fluctuations in crop yields.

Here, the ethenolysis of European RME provides a regional source of C 10 molecules and diversifies the feedstock base. By drawing on rapeseed cultivated across several European regions and the wider Northern Hemisphere, this route can enhance security of supply while also contributing to a more stable price base.

This supply-side advantage is complemented by the energy integration of ethenolysis at Bitterfeld. By-products from ethenolysis are utilised within the production plants to generate energy to power the

process. This significantly reduces external energy demand, improving the cost-efficiency of production and contributing to the competitively low carbon footprint of the resulting molecules.

Stabilising supply & new options

From autumn 2026, Verbio Life Chemicals is set to supply the chemical industry with up to 60,000 tonnes / year of renewable products. This capacity includes 17,000 tonnes / year of the C 10 olefin 1-decene( Figure 1) and 32,000 tonnes / year of 9-DAME and( Figure 2).

1-decene is primarily intended for established applications. As a dropin component, it can supplement petrochemical 1-decene in existing value chains, particularly in the manufacturing of polyalphaolefins for synthetic group IV lubricants. It can also serve as a starting material for vicinal diols, amines, epoxides, synthetic fatty acids and alkylated aromatic compounds, as well as a comonomer for selected polymers.

Many applications are currently under review for 9-DAME as a new platform molecule for chemistries and to extend established C 10 value chains. Downstream hydrogenation can convert it into C 10 fatty alcohol( 1-decanol) as well as C 10 fatty acid methyl ester, while subsequent hydrolysis yields C 10 fatty acid.

Specification, scale & supply security

Product groups such as surfactants, detergents, lubricants and polymers require molecules with clearly defined properties and consistent batchto-batch quality. For manufacturers, product specifications, supply capability and process control are therefore key evaluation criteria from the outset.

At the same time, the question arises as to how supply chains can be structured to reduce their exposure to geopolitical risks. In this context, biobased carbon is relevant not only from a sustainability perspective, but also as a basis for developing additional and more resilient supply chains. The ethenolysis of RME extends this approach by providing an industrially scalable and cost-effective production route. ●

Reference: 1: Fortune Business Insights, Oleochemicals Market. https:// www. fortunebusinessinsights. com / oleochemicals-market-106250

J j

Dr Stefan Balk

HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING- SPECIALITY CHEMICALS & CATALYSTS

VERBIO sales @ verbiolifechemicals. com www. verbiolifechemicals. com

80 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981