Applications
The SOLRESS project develops a portfolio of green, bio-based solvents — including ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl lactate,γ-GVL, and 2-MeTHF — to replace fossil-derived solvents in key industrial applications. These sustainable alternatives demonstrate high versatility across multiple sectors:
Paints & Coatings
The ester-based solvents developed in SOLRESS, such as butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, are key components in paints and coatings. They are being tested as bio-based alternatives to traditional fossil-derived solvents. Additionally, these solvents can be used in the formulation of adhesives and printing inks. γ-GVL has also been proposed as a new green solvent capable of replacing hazardous chemicals such as toluene in paint formulations.
Chemical Industry
All SOLRESS solvents can be applied in various chemical industry processes, including purification, extraction, synthesis, and the production of lacquers and thinners. Specifically, within the project, γ-GVL will be tested in the extraction and purification of cellulose from forestry residues, ethyl lactate in the extraction of caffeine from coffee beans, and several solvents will be evaluated in recycling and delamination processes of discarded wood products.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Solvents such as ethyl lactate and bioethanol are widely used in cosmetics and personal care for different formulations. In SOLRESS, bioethanol is being explored as a bio-based building block for the production of liposomes to encapsulate cosmetic active ingredients.
Pharmaceuticals
The solvents produced are suitable for chromatographic separations, extraction of bioactive compounds, and drug production, particularly lactic acid, ethyl lactate, and 2-MeTHF. Their bio-based nature offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional solvents used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Food & Beverages
Bio-based solvents can be used in flavoring agents, flavor enhancers, and coatings for flexible packaging, providing a sustainable solution for food processing while maintaining product safety and quality.
Building & Construction
Applications include paints, coating materials, and flame-retardant formulations. In SOLRESS, 2-MeTHF is being tested for the synthesis of a new bio-based flame retardant, suitable for construction materials and compliant with environmental standards.
Energy Sector
Some of the bio-based building blocks, such as bioethanol and biobutanol, can be employed directly as solvents with applications in drilling operations and biofuel production, providing more sustainable alternatives in the energy sector.