Sonichem, a clean-tech startup based in Scotland, is pioneering the use of forestry byproducts like sawdust and woodchips to produce eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based chemicals.
With support from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and the University of Glasgow, the company is preparing to establish its first commercial plant, expected to open in Scotland by 2027.
Using patented ultrasound technology, Sonichem extracts lignin, a natural polymer found in wood that acts as a "glue" binding plant cells and fibers. The extracted lignin is chemically modified to create sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals used in resins, coatings, foams, and other products.
The plant aims to process up to 15,000 tonnes of forestry material annually, addressing a key challenge in the UK, where 4.5 million tonnes of wood residues are generated each year, much of it underutilized.
“Compounds derived from petrochemicals are essential in everyday products, but we must transition to sustainable alternatives,” said Andy West, Sonichem’s chief chemist. He emphasized the importance of aligning forestry practices with manufacturing needs to ensure a consistent and sustainable supply of raw materials.
Dr. Liz Fletcher of IBioIC highlighted the opportunity to enhance Scotland’s £1 billion forestry sector by repurposing biomass into high-value applications. Globally, 270 million tonnes of synthetic resin are used annually, underscoring the scale of the market Sonichem seeks to address.
This initiative represents a promising step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the chemicals sector while supporting Scotland's transition to a circular economy.
