Ethanol Energy has joined a research program under the National Competence Centre aimed at developing technology for producing lactic acid from second-generation materials, such as leftover baked goods or waste from the milling industry.
We are working with leading Czech research institutions, including Tomas Bata University in Zlín, the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Brno University of Technology, SYNPO Pardubice, and the Association of the Chemical Industry of the Czech Republic. We are proud to be part of the development of innovative solutions that have a real impact on the environment.
Lactic acid holds great potential, especially due to its application in the production of biodegradable plastic. We see a significant opportunity in the fertilizer industry—biodegradable coatings on fertilizers allow for the gradual release of nutrients, reducing the need for repeated applications and minimizing the ecological footprint. Lactic acid also has important uses in healthcare, for instance in the production of absorbable fixation materials for medical procedures. And last but not least, it’s worth mentioning packaging and plastic tableware—such as drink cups made from this material, which decompose much faster than conventional plastic.
We are currently building a processing line for second-generation materials, such as milling by-products and bakery leftovers. In the first phase, we will be able to produce 10% lactic acid, which can then be further purified and concentrated. The line is scheduled for completion in October of this year. For now, however, our primary focus remains on research—expected to continue for approximately three years before we move into full-scale production.
