To tackle the climate crisis greenhouse gas emissions from fossil sources must be stopped and
biobased chemicals and materials must be promoted. This requires a transformation from a
petroleum-based economy to a bioeconomy. In the chemical industry this shift has been referred
to as "Green Chemistry" since the 1990s but only a small fraction of chemicals are currently
biobased. This dissertation examines using the example of a lignocellulose biorefinery that
produces platform chemicals like hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from Miscanthus the obstacles to
its implementation. A major challenge is the "valley of death " caused by a lack of investment
in technology transfer from research to practice. Using business design and literature studies
it is shown that commercialization fails due to a lack of evidence for scalability economic
viability and sustainability. The study tests the lignocellulose biorefinery concept for
scalability and feasibility. Simulations demonstrate scalability. A techno-economic analysis
(TEA) considers the necessary biomass supply and refutes concerns about biomass availability.
The work also addresses the economic viability of the products. A value-based pricing model
shows how higher prices for biobased chemicals can be justified. The environmental
sustainability is evaluated through a life cycle assessment (LCA) which identifies Miscanthus
as more advantageous compared to fructose. By integrating transdisciplinary methodologies
including process engineering chemistry agricultural sciences economics and innovation
management a comprehensive concept for a biorefinery is developed. This provides a foundation
for attracting investors and partners and bringing innovative technologies into practice.
