The first tanker of sustainably produced bioacetone and biobutanol has been dispatched from Celtic Renewables’ flagship biorefinery in Grangemouth, marking a major milestone for the world’s shift to green chemicals.

This achievement is backed by over £60million in funding which enabled the construction of Scotland’s first biorefinery and its commercial-scale operations.

The cargo containing bioacetone and biobutanol is on its way to a processing plant in Chesterfield as part of a long-term deal with internationally renowned chemical distribution company, Caldic.

Caldic will distribute the green chemicals to their customers across the world, which include manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, personal care and homecare products, such as screenwash for cars, paints, shampoos, hand lotions, soaps, perfumes and more.

Celtic Renewables’ patented low-carbon technology converts by-products and waste from various industries such as food, drink and agriculture. For example, whisky residues are converted into high-value green chemicals used to make every day items.

These green chemicals generate up to a 65% carbon saving in comparison to petrochemicals and for every tonne of bioacetone or biobutanol produced, almost 3 tonnes of carbon is saved.

Celtic Renewables is addressing the $2billion global market for green chemicals. Recognising the significant threat of climate change, many large organisations reliant on the chemicals industry have set ambitious net zero targets, whereby the need to source green chemicals is now imperative.

As part of the distribution deal with Caldic, this tanker delivery marks the first of regular shipments to follow.

Mark Simmers, CEO of Celtic Renewables, says: “Our plant is the first of its kind, turning our ideas and aspirations into reality. As the world’s first biorefinery to produce and supply green chemicals at this scale, we are proud to lead the way in the green chemical revolution.

“From an idea that started out in the lab, our fermentation is now at a scale of 100,000 litres for each batch that we run through – a process that has been born, developed and proven in Scotland where our global technology centre is based.

“We are already looking into three to four larger scale biorefinery opportunities which we are aiming to develop in the next four to five years, with a combined output of 32,000 tonnes per annum. We are seeking to deploy our tech through licensing and partnerships across the globe.

“The chemical industry relies heavily on fossil fuels, but we know the demand for green chemicals is incredibly strong. Our bioacetone and biobutanol can reduce the chemical industry’s carbon emissions, and our technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of everyday consumer products. We now have the tools and commercial capability to displace the chemicals made from gas and oil in the manufacturing process.”

Bettina Brierley, Product Group Leader Caldic UK, says: “Celtic Renewables’ green chemicals directly improves our customers’ ESG ratings. They represent true circularity and will support our customers in reaching net zero by 2050.

“Our customers have been waiting for a solution like this for a long time. Demand for bioacetone and biobutanol is high, and therefore manufacturers are ready to shift away from fossil fuels. Our customers are driven by net zero targets and the desire to make cleaner and greener products. We have not seen such a significant carbon footprint reduction in any mainstream chemical before.

“With years of research and testing behind them, Celtic Renewables has developed high-quality green chemicals that can displace their petrochemical equivalents. This facility is at the forefront of green chemical production, and we are delighted to be able to support our clients in creating a more sustainable production model that is kinder to the planet.”

Celtic Renewables’ process reduces carbon emissions and helps to defossilise the chemical industry, but also offers a sustainable disposal solution for industries like food, drink and agriculture. The technology produces secondary products such as biogas and recycled water which can either be reintegrated into Celtic Renewables’ process, or sold back to suppliers – ultimately achieving a circular economy.

The chemical sector consumes 10% of all fossil fuels, and according to Celtic Renewables, its Grangemouth plant will be a major step forward in the UK’s journey to net zero which has been in focus at COP29.

Simmers adds: “Today’s milestone is timely with the backdrop of COP29, where the dialogue is very much focusing on accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels. During COP26 in Scotland, our Grangemouth biorefinery was still in the construction phase. Now, at COP29, we are shipping bioacetone and biobutanol in tankers.”

Celtic Renewables’ plant has been operational since 2023. The company launched in 2012 and construction of its first biorefinery was completed at the end of 2022.

Simmers adds: “There’s immense potential to scale this up around the world, to transform how we make everyday consumer products and accelerate the global transition to green chemicals. This is just the beginning. We’re really excited to push forward with fulfilling our commitments to Caldic, attracting new investment and developing our future plants.”

The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 mandates that organisations must reach net-zero by 2050. In recent years, businesses have become acutely aware of the need to focus on their progress towards net-zero and many are exploring carbon reporting and bureau service as a result, not least because of increasing expectations of reporting activities within supply chains and for their customers.

A recent survey revealed that 82% businesses in the UK have set targets to reach net-zero before 2050; however a lack of data around their operations has contributed to stifled progress.

Carbon reporting provides businesses with the ability to measure, report and monitor their carbon footprint. This service provides detailed insight into a business’ energy use, highlighting what improvements can be made to reduce carbon output and offset emissions, as well as making energy savings through reducing consumption of pollutive non-renewables such as grid-sourced energy.

Paul Rekhi, Head of Carbon Services at Advantage Utilities, commented that: “Carbon reporting is so essential to enabling progress towards net-zero. Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it and therefore can’t reduce it! That’s why we offer this service to our clients, who have been able to leverage it to not only reduce emissions, but also to reduce their energy bills and safeguard their reputation too.” 

Achieving certification of carbon neutrality is a growing asset for businesses, yet research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows that fewer than one in 10 SMEs in the UK fully understand what the net-zero target means for them.

Businesses using a bureau service can have additional confidence in their energy bills because of its use of bill validation, automatically highlighting billing errors in the process by carrying out 100 checks via the bureau service system – making energy savings where overpayments have occurred. Monthly reports are also produced on factors such as consumption, bills and carbon emissions, accessible through an online portal.

“Using a bureau service is crucial to measuring current bills and ensuring that no irregularities occur – and these are surprisingly common. By using carbon reporting in combination with this, businesses can better understand their needs and energy use so that bespoke solutions can be implemented, thereby maximising carbon offsetting and reduction. Through a carbon reporting platform, businesses gain insight into their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and facilitate supply chain reporting to plan, track and report their GHG emissions and their progress towards net-zero. Businesses must collaborate with their supply chain to tackle the most significant and complex part of its carbon footprint, however,” adds Rekhi.

Rekhi concludes, stating that: “Using both a bureau service and carbon reporting enhances working relationships with key retailer customers and suppliers, improves stakeholder engagement, fostering carbon neutrality and cost efficiencies in the process. These two services are also the most important tools for businesses in achieving net-zero.”

Further guidance and explanation on carbon reporting can be found on Advantage Utilities’ website here and further information on the bureau service can be found here. 

Turnover is expected to double over the next 12 months thanks to a number of client wins north of the border. Projects across Scotland include an onshore windfarm in the central belt, a redevelopment project in Dumfries & Galloway with demolition and archeology monitoring, and heritage planning for a Dundee listed building.

The recent appointment of renowned economist and academic Dr Greg Bremner as Regional Director in Scotland further bolsters the groups offering, with the Dundee office, their seventh in the UK opening later this month. Other locations are Edinburgh, Hexham, Barnard Castle, Darlington, Newcastle and Kent.  The Group employs more than 40 people and is currently recruiting in Scotland for an Archaeological Consultant.

The Rocket Group comprises, Rocket Heritage & Archeology Ltd, Rocket Construction Ltd, Rocket Ecology Ltd, and Rocket Architectural Design & Surveying offering the complete suite of planning services. Everything from heritage appraisals, archaeological excavation, large scale residential and mixed use developments, to energy and utilities projects, the conversion of historic buildings, and the design and construction of innovative new buildings.

Founded by Craig Huddart BA (Hons) MCIfA and Anthony Boyce, The Rocket Group was first established as Rocket Architectural Design, quickly expanding as more clients sought advice on built heritage assets and heritage planning.  The Rocket Group was then established as Craig and his partners Anthony, Graeme Matthews and Natasha Powers saw the need for a multidisciplinary organisation offering a suite of services delivering the same cost effective, efficient guidance including construction, ecology and surveying.

Craig Huddart, BA (Hons) MCIfA, Rocket Group co-founder, said: “I have worked extensively on archaeology and heritage sites both in the UK and internationally for over 20 years. I set up the business because there was a real gap in the market for a company with a pragmatic approach, focused on helping clients use their budgets effectively – who understand taking the time to invest in through research and investigation can save that same budget in the multiples, and more, by avoiding unexpected delays and issues.

“We offer realistic, understandable and straightforward planning guidance across many sectors. Our approach is agile and flexible and we evolve our offering depending on the each clients’ needs delivering different mitigation for planning issues. Our focus is on delivering results and expediting the process in order to save our clients money. It’s so often the case that more than one planning service is required, with one informing the next. With all the services as part of one group we can do this extremely efficiently.”

An key area of growth for Scotland is ecology with requests for services increasing significantly in recent months. Multiple bat, breeding bird and newt surveys, as well as assistance with Biodiversity Net Gain and nutrient neutrality assessments are currently underway for a variety of clients.

Recently appointed Managing Director of Rocket Ecology, Caroline Airson MCIEEM, said: “In the last two months we have saved one of our clients £90,000 through our expert reassessment of their Biodiversity Net Gain calculation. We want to be on hand to help our clients succeed in balancing the need for development against protection of the environment. The two shouldn’t be at odds with each other.”

As the business continues to grow, Craig is keen to give back to the communities in the areas where they are operating and so The Rocket Charitable Foundation has been established; a charity giving back to local and national causes including children’s charities and charities focused on inclusivity and disability. The Foundation will help wherever there is a need and has already supported several charities in northern England, with a number of Scottish charities lined up to receive donations in the coming months.

Craig Huddart said: “We have an extremely strong focus on growth as we know this is where we can add value for our clients as our services complement and support each other. Dr Greg Bremner’s (Regional Director – Scotland) appointment is the perfect of example of that growth as his knowledge and consultancy on economic issues can help our clients make strategic planning decisions crucial to their success – and the difference between spending thousands and millions of pounds.

“This growth is what has enabled us to establish The Rocket Foundation. I’ve personally been fundraising for Northeast Autism Society and The Alan Shearer Foundation, running 10km every single day and a half marathon every Sunday in 2022 – a total of over 4225km in just one year. I’ve seen first-hand what a difference donations and financial support can make for charities like this and if The Rocket Foundation can help make that difference we’d be privileged.”

For more information visit www.rocketha.com