Green Processes of the Future - Sustainability along the value chain
The message from the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report released in April 2022 is clear: climate change is unequivocally human-induced; urgent and drastic action is needed if we are to limit global warming to 1.5°C. [1]
DSM has committed to improve its GHG efficiency by realizing a 50% absolute reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and to reduce its indirect value chain emissions (Scope 3) by 28% per ton of product produced in the same period. Additionally, we are aiming for NetZero GHG emissions across our operations and value chains by 2050. To achieve these goals drastic changes along the whole product value chain are crucial, starting from the carbon source, over synthesis, and ending with product formulation.
Herein, we will demonstrate adaptations towards more sustainable production processes, with deeper insights into specific products e.g., isoprenoids like vitamin A, E, carotenoids, and others.[2,3,4] Furthermore, we will discuss various technologies enabling “greener” production methods in the future, aiming at better energy efficiency, new starting materials, a more efficient down-stream processing, and naturally derived ingredients for the product form development.
[1] 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, April 2022; ISBN 978-92-9169-160-9.
[2] Ralla T., Schex R., Porta F., Schaefer C., Chimia 2021, 75, 766.
[3] Bonrath W., Wyss A., Litta G., Baldenius K.-U., von dem Bussche-Hünnefeld L., Hilgemann E., Hoppe P., Stürmer R., Netscher T. (2021). Vitamins, 4. Vitamin E (Tocopherols, Tocotrienols). In Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
[4] Bonrath W., Kroon H., Létinois U., Marty M., May O., Müller M.-A., Schütz J., Wüstenberg B., Chimia 2021, 75, 757.