Covestro develops continuous bio-based aniline production to cut chemical industry carbon emissions

Covestro has started work on a continuous production process for bio-based aniline, a key chemical used in polyurethane manufacturing. The project, called Bio4PURConti and backed by the EU, replaces traditional batch methods with a continuous fermentation approach that uses plant-derived raw materials instead of petroleum. Current aniline production emits about 20 million tons of CO2 globally each year. The company will test the process at pilot plants in Ghent, Belgium and Leverkusen, Germany at a 1.5 cubic meter scale. Ten institutions from seven European countries are involved. If commercialized, this technology could allow mass production of bio-based aniline and significantly lower the carbon footprint of polyurethane supply chains.