Amsterdam, Netherlands

Developing processes - proprietary "YXY" technology - that use catalytic dehydration/esterification of carbohydrates (e.g. cellulose, hemi-cellulose, starch and sucrose) to produce furan derivatives that can substitute hydrocarbons deived from petroluem. These furanic building blocks may be used to create biofuels, biopolymers and other products. The process also yields heat and power. Avantium is currently focused on production of PEF (Polyethylene furanoate) from FDCA (furan-dicarboxylic acid), but is also developing the use of furanics as advanced biofuels. The company successfully conducted a range of engine tests using blends of diesel and Furanics (in different ratios), as well as blends of gasoline and Furanics. Avantium has since collaborated with DAF Trucks and Volkswagen for more extensive engine testing programmes.