Aromatics are the backbone of many products we use every day, from adhesives and coatings to cleaning agents and agrochemicals. Traditionally, they are derived from petroleum, but renewable alternatives are gaining ground. Cashew Shell Biorefinery (CSBR), located at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, the Netherlands, is leading the way. The company has developed a technology to produce sustainable aromatics from a surprising source: cashew nut shells.
Cashew nut shells, usually considered a waste product, form the basis of CSBR’s unique biorefinery process. This process results in products that can replace petrochemicals one-on-one, without compromising on performance. The use of carbon-neutral agricultural waste fits seamlessly with the growing demand for sustainable and circular solutions in the chemical industry.
CSBR offers bio-meta-aromatic solutions that accurately replace petroleum products. The company utilizes cashew nut shell oil, a feedstock that does not compete with food production for land. CSBR’s meta-aromatic products remove the typical limitations of standard cashew nut shell oil technology, such as processability and performance issues.
On the one hand, CSBR helps the cashew nut industry by providing a solution to the husk problem of 4,5 million tons by making optimal use of the oil. On the other hand, the company contributes to a safer and more sustainable use of chemicals by replacing the estrogenic substances from petroleum with safe alternatives, while also supporting the transition to carbon neutral production.
CSBR is recognized as a key player in the transition to a bioeconomy, both at regional and European level. The company has received a prestigious grant from the Just Transition Fund, specifically for the Limburg region. This support will enable them to scale up their chemistry process to tonne-scale production, taking an important step towards commercialization and broad application.
Global developments
In addition to CSBR’s efforts, other initiatives around the world are highlighting the potential of cashew shells. For example, a research team from the Korea Institute of Energy Research successfully converted cashew shells into environmentally friendly biofuel and biochar through a medium-temperature pyrolysis process. This shows that cashew shells can play a role not only in the chemical industry, but also in energy production.
More about CSBR can also be read at VNCI.nl
