Process Design and Integrative Analysis for the Coproduction of Bioplastic Monomers and Biochemicals from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Journal
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
31
Start Page
12767
End Page
12781
ISSN
21680485
Date Issued
2025-08-11
Author(s)
Abstract
Plastic pollution remains a major global issue, primarily caused by the excessive consumption and improper disposal of petroleum-based plastics. As a promising alternative to the conventional plastic monomer, terephthalic acid (TPA), 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), derived from biomass, has emerged as a viable solution. This study outlines the simultaneous production of FDCA, ethyl levulinate (EL), and adipic acid (ADA) as part of an integrated process. Two strategies are proposed─the first involves upgrading lignin to produce value-added chemicals (Strategy A), whereas the second focuses on generating energy (Strategy B). Heat integration strategies are additionally suggested for both approaches. According to a thorough techno-economic assessment (TEA), Strategy A resulted in an FDCA minimum selling price (MSP) of 945 USD/ton. This price falls within the competitive cost range of TPA (930 to 1480 USD/ton). The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the EL price has the greatest influence on MSP compared to other parameters. Compared to Strategy B and traditional TPA, life-cycle evaluation demonstrated that Strategy A substantially reduces environmental impacts in terms of water consumption, stratospheric ozone depletion, and global warming potential. Overall, these illustrate how the integrated biorefinery process offers both ecological and economic benefits by producing sustainable materials and decreasing dependence on fossil energy resources.
Subjects
2
5-furandicarboxylic acid
adipic acid
ethyl levulinate
heat integration
life cycle analysis
technoeconomic analysis
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article