The AFTER-BIOCHEM project, a flagship EU initiative under Horizon 2020 and the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), officially concluded on April 30, 2025, after five years of innovation in circular bioeconomy. Led by AFYREN, the project aimed to create a scalable, sustainable biorefinery model that transforms sugar industry byproducts and organic waste into high-value bio-based acids and esters — providing green alternatives to fossil-based chemicals.
The €33 million project (with €20 million EU funding) successfully established a biorefinery in Carling Saint-Avold, France, capable of producing 16,000 tons/year of bio-based acids. This plant created nearly 80 direct jobs and supports over 250 indirect roles, showcasing strong industrial and regional development.
The biorefinery runs on AFYREN’s proprietary AFYNERIE® process, an anaerobic fermentation-based technique that mimics natural decomposition while yielding high-purity bio-based chemicals. Partnering companies such as Südzucker AG, SUEZ, and TERRIAL helped ensure sustainable feedstock sourcing and sidestream valorization, promoting zero-waste circularity.
Environmental and economic outcomes were remarkable:
- Supply contracts worth €165 million were secured during the project.
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) confirmed that the bio-based production process has five times less environmental impact compared to fossil-based alternatives.
- Strong commercial interest from major players like KEMIN, FIABILA, Firmenich, and Celanese validated market readiness.
As next steps, AFYREN aims to ramp up production, achieve breakeven, and replicate its biorefinery model in new locations using regionally sourced biomass. The project stands as a proof-of-concept for Europe’s transition to green industrial chemistry, aligning innovation with sustainability and socio-economic growth.