VITO builds the pilot infrastructure platform for plant-based chemical production

With the official launch of the RECIPE – Post-processing of plant-based chemicals at pilot scale - project, VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research) is taking an important step toward the development of safe, sustainable, and innovative materials. Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), RECIPE focuses on post-processing of plant-based chemicals at pilot scale, further accelerating the transition toward a bio-based economy in Flanders and beyond. 

Building on VITO’s existing LignoValue and PILLAR II pilot installations at the VITO Sustainability Park in Mol, the RECIPE project expands the infrastructure needed to produce bio-aromatics, renewable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals currently used in everyday materials such as adhesives, resins, and plastics. 

Large quantities of high-quality bio-aromatics

“With RECIPE, we are completing the missing links in our value chain,” says Dr. Kelly Servaes, project manager at VITO. “The new installations will enable us to produce larger quantities of high-quality bio-aromatics, solvent-free and with tailored functionalities for industrial applications. This will help bring innovative, safe, and sustainable materials to market faster.” 

Together, these installations will make Flanders a frontrunner in plant-based chemistry, strengthening the region’s innovation capacity and supporting companies in the chemical and manufacturing industries on their path toward sustainability. 

Unique testing ground for industrial partners

“By making this infrastructure accessible to industrial partners, VITO is creating a unique testing ground where new plant-based building blocks can be developed and validated,” adds Karolien Vanbroekhoven, manager of the sustainable polymers technologies at VITO. “RECIPE is a crucial step towards a pilot plant for plant-based chemicals in Flanders.” 

Running until April 2028, RECIPE will deliver a fully operational pilot platform that enables Flemish companies to innovate more efficiently and sustainably, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale production.