Humins are a novel plant-based raw material with a unique polymeric structure similar to caramelised sugar, and a range of diverse chemical functionalities. One such functionality involves mixing humins with bio-based furfuryl alcohol to modify soft woods in order to considerably increase their durability. Avantium was granted a patent on a resin that is a mix of humins and furfuryl alcohol in 2015. Kebony successfully tested this resin and joined the PEFerence consortium as a partner to further develop applications of humins for wood modification. PEFerence is a consortium of organisations under the Horizon 2020 EU subsidy program aiming to replace a significant share of fossil-based polyesters with PEF. Avantium has now agreed to grant Kebony a license to its humin related patents.
Bart Langius, Commercial Director of Avantium Renewable Polymers, comments: “We are pleased with our collaboration with Kebony on humins, which we consider a valuable side stream from our PEF process. With Kebony, we share a common goal to replace fossil-based chemicals and materials with renewable alternatives.”
Norman Willemsen, CEO of Kebony, says: “We are thrilled that Avantium have granted us a license for the patented humin compositions and related manufacturing process. We believe that humins have potential as a valuable feedstock for wood modification. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnership with Avantium in the coming years.”
___________________
The PEFerence project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 744409.
