Verbio develops and produces innovative specialty chemicals based on European, palm oil-free, and GMO-free rapeseed oil. These sustainable solutions open up a wide range of application possibilities for the chemical industry. The renewable molecules can be used to manufacture lubricants, plastics, or detergents and cleaning agents. At Verbio’s Bitterfeld site, the world’s first large-scale ethenolysis plant for the production of renewable chemicals based on rapeseed methyl ester (biodiesel) is currently under construction. At full capacity, the plant will produce up to 60,000 metric tons of renewable products annually for the chemical industry. Under the Verbio life chemicals brand, Verbio is establishing a new product division for the international marketing of bio-based chemicals.
Specialty chemicals represent a distinct segment of the chemical industry. These products are characterized by their high efficacy, unique properties, and precisely defined effects in end-use applications. Verbio has developed an innovative production process for green molecules.
The production of our bio-based chemicals is based on rapeseed methyl ester (biodiesel) derived from sustainably grown regionally sourced rapeseed. The metathesis catalysts required for the manufacturing process are provided by our Hungarian subsidiary XiMo Hungary kft.
In 2005, XiMo founder Prof. Dr. Richard Schrock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discoveries in the field of metathesis in organic chemistry. Metathesis is a reaction method that can be controlled using innovative catalysts to selectively form new carbon molecules. Since the acquisition of XiMo by Verbio in 2018, the team has successfully further developed the process for industrial applications.
9-DAME from Verbio
The platform molecule 9-DAME (methyl 9-decenoate, CAS#: 25601-41-6) offers numerous opportunities for use as a medium-chain and bifunctional fatty acid. The molecule can be used in the production of detergents and cleaning agents. Other examples of the use of 9-DAME include the production of high-performance lubricants or the production of polymers. Verbio plans to produce up to 32,000 tonnes of 9-DAME in Germany annually.
1-Decene from Verbio
1-Decene (CAS#: 872-05-9) is used for the production of high-performance lubricants. Bio-based 1-decene offers a direct, 1:1 replacement for its fossil-based counterpart, enabling the substitution of conventional lubricants for modern engines, gearboxes, and wind turbines. We plan to produce 17,000 tonnes of 1-decene in Germany annually.
Our biomass molecules have green carbon atoms. Carbon is the basis of many parts of the chemical industry. Verbio will support the chemical industry in the green transformation. Our current focus project, the construction of an ethenolysis plant in Bitterfeld, is the first significant step in this direction.
Claus Sauter
CEO of Verbio SE