Sidestream valorisation - Sustainable chemistry

In addition to new, non-fossil chemical feedstock such as biomass, reuse of what used to be considered waste (sidestreams of various industries) can remarkably reduce the demand for non-renewable raw materials. Waste as a resource is the underlying philosophy.

Sidestream valorization at the University of Antwerp

Significant research effort or focused on the utilization of carbon dioxide as feedstock for chemicals and fuels. To this end, variety of technologies ranging from transition metal catalyzed chemical synthesis to the plasma chemistry are explored. Another example of research on side and waste streams is transformation of waste animal fats and vegetable oils into high-added value products for chemical and food industry. Furthermore, research on protein-rich streams aims to develop their complex valorization into animal feed and alkyd resins for applications in inks and paints.