The Netherlands – Vertoro, a pioneering company specializing in bio-oil production, has been awarded a substantial subsidy to enhance its operations. The company, situated on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, is poised to not only amplify its bio-oil manufacturing but also revolutionize the chemical industry by extracting valuable sustainable raw materials from its bio-oil.
Vertoro has carved a distinctive niche by producing bio-oil from biomass derived from agricultural and forestry residuals, including sawdust. Central to their innovation is the conversion of lignin, a component found in these residuals, into crude lignin oil. This bio-oil serves as a sustainable fuel, particularly for the shipping industry. The company’s commitment to environmental consciousness and industrial sustainability has earned it recognition and a grant from the European Just Transition Fund (JTF).
JTF impact
The JTF grant, surpassing 1.2 million euros, marks a pivotal moment for Vertoro and the broader sustainable industry landscape. The grant signifies the convergence of financial support and vision, empowering Vertoro to scale up its operations significantly. This scalability is poised to bring about game-changing advancements not only in bio-oil production but also in extracting sustainable raw materials that can reshape the chemical industry.
Vertoro’s innovative approach extends beyond conventional bio-oil applications. By employing cutting-edge extraction techniques, the company is unlocking the potential of its bio-oil to yield valuable compounds with applications in the chemical industry. Among these breakthroughs, Vertoro has succeeded in extracting a molecule reminiscent of vanilla, poised to become a building block for fragrances and flavors. Additionally, a bio-oil-derived antioxidant, poised to replace vitamin E, has been unlocked.
Scaling up for impact
The JTF subsidy serves as a catalyst for Vertoro’s ambitious plans to scale up its production. This expansion is more than a numerical increase; it signifies the scaling of possibilities, opportunities, and impacts. With increased production capabilities, Vertoro’s sustainable raw materials are poised to attract the attention of chemical companies operating within Chemelot. This transition from concept to scalable reality bridges the gap between innovative ideas and tangible solutions.
