Solvents are essential in various industries, with an annual demand of 20 million tonnes. Biobased solvents are gaining popularity as they can reduce the environmental footprint of industries such as mining, nutraceuticals, and printed electronics. These solvents are made from renewable sources, are biodegradable, and less toxic to human health and the environment. They are phasing out toxic petrochemicals, which are used in various applications, including paints, inks, and pharmaceuticals. Biobased solvents are being developed for use in coatings, paints, and inks, replacing petrochemicals. Researchers are also exploring their use in printed electronics, biofuels, and even extracting bioactive compounds from winery waste. Cyrene, a biobased solvent, has been developed for use in printed electronics, while another, 2-MeTHF, is being used to extract bioactive compounds from winery waste. Additionally, biobased solvents are being used in lignin extraction, metal processing, and even in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The demand for biobased solvents is increasing as companies like Pfizer and GSK are investing in sustainable solvent selection and replacing toxic petrochemicals with greener alternatives.
The versatility of biobased solvents is revolutionizing applications from paint and coatings to cutting-edge electronics and beyond.
