The intense discussion on global warming, challenging
legislation and the increased interest of consumersin
sustainability have boosted the use of bio-feedstocks for the
production of transportation fuels or heating oil substitutes
during the last years. Bioethanol and Biodiesel might be the
best know examples for this development.
BASF is an active player in the field of biofeedstocks and
biofuels with a broad portfolio of existing catalysts as well as a
full pipeline of catalysts under development. In-house
research and development programs as well as joint developments
with customers are on the way to improve exsisting processes or to
allow next generation technology.
Some examples of such developments are:
- Catalysts for the production of propylene glycol from
glycerin
- Catalysts for the production of hydrocarbons from vegetable
oils
- Catalysts for the production of dioles from sorbitol