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Endless possibilities with the sugar beet
In the project “Functionalised carbohydrates for replacement fossil-based ingredients”, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) investigated the possibilities of valorising and applying pectin-rich side streams from sugar beet pulp in detergents and personal care, and chemicals for the leather-processing industry. This TKI project, which was carried out together with market partners, came to an end this year. The results? “Not everything we hoped came true, but we definitely found a few new applications.”
The current research is a logical follow-up to previous work by WUR in the field of beet pectin. Ben van den Broek, project lead: “We have been working on this for about 8 years now. Previous research already showed that we could use this pectin as a replacement for fossil-based substances.” But that didn't work for everything. This pectin differs somewhat in molecular structure from the pectin that is currently mostly used. “That is why in this research we mainly looked at what would happen if we were to adjust the pectin slightly, by changing the molecular structure.”
Adjusting the properties of the pectin could make it more widely applicable and thus increase its market potential. One of the methods is to make the pectins more hydrophobic (water-repellent), making it more suitable for emulsions. “We see more opportunities for applications, for example in dishwashing detergents and chemicals for leather processing,” says Van den Broek.
The research was carried out together with market parties. This way, modifications could immediately be tested in the ‘real world’. Also, working together with market partners ensures a quick deployment by companies. But it has more advantages. Van den Broek: “Working with different, non-competing parties provides a very pleasant synergy. People can talk openly and learn from each other. That helps the research move forward.”
Although no major breakthroughs have emerged from the latest research, Van den Broek is still very satisfied: “We have shown that beet pectin can have multiple functionalities, such as replacing traditional fossil-based ingredients in leather processing and replacing non-degradable polymers in dishwashing detergents. The palette has therefore been expanded to replace fossil raw materials. They may seem like small steps, but it is also with smaller steps that you learn how to walk.”
This research was carried out as a TKI-AF project on behalf of the Dutch Government. Private partners were COSUN, Dalli De Klok BV, Ashland Industries and Smit & Zoon.