A new European project aims to transform an overlooked byproduct from the potato processing industry into valuable bio-based chemicals. The PACE (Potato Juice to Fatty Acids for New Bio-based Value-Chains in Europe) initiative seeks to demonstrate the industrial-scale viability of converting potato juice into medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are used across the chemical industry. This effort not only addresses the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil and palm oil-based products but also strengthens Europe’s local and circular value chains.

## PACE’s Biorefinery Initiative

PACE is set to retrofit part of Royal Avebe’s existing facility to establish a flagship biorefinery. Through advanced fermentation and microbial chain elongation processes, the facility will transform potato juice into MCFAs. This venture highlights the potential of using existing industrial infrastructure to integrate sustainable chemistry solutions, eliminating the need to build new facilities from scratch.

The project kicked off on June 17, 2026, in Amsterdam, gathering representatives from the consortium to align on objectives and next steps. The partners, which include CHAINCRAFT BV and COOPERATIE KONINKLIJKE AVEBE UA from the Netherlands, and several others across Europe, are committed to making PACE a success. Over the next four years, they will focus on establishing the biorefinery, optimizing the production process, and validating MCFAs in industrial applications.

## Competitive Landscape and Potential Challenges

The PACE project enters a competitive landscape where sustainable chemistry is becoming increasingly vital. The chemical industry is under pressure to find renewable alternatives to traditional fossil and palm oil sources. However, the transition to bio-based chemicals is fraught with challenges, including cost competitiveness, scalability, and regulatory compliance.

PACE’s advantage lies in its use of an existing facility, which reduces initial costs and leverages current infrastructure. Yet, the project must navigate European Union regulations such as the AI Act, GDPR, and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), ensuring compliance while promoting circular economic practices. Success will depend on the project’s ability to demonstrate economic viability and scalability, encouraging further investment in bio-based solutions.

## Implications for the Irish and European Tech Ecosystem

For Irish and European founders, engineers, and investors, PACE presents an intriguing model of how industrial byproducts can be repurposed into valuable resources. It underscores the importance of collaboration across borders and industries to address sustainability challenges. By demonstrating the potential of circular chemistry, PACE could inspire similar projects in Ireland, where agriculture and food processing are significant economic sectors.

The project’s focus on sustainability aligns with broader EU goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering green innovation. For investors, particularly those focused on sustainable ventures, PACE offers insights into the potential returns of investing in green chemistry. Engineers and tech developers can look to PACE as a case study in integrating advanced technologies into existing industrial processes for sustainable outcomes.

As PACE progresses, it will be essential to monitor its development, particularly the outcomes of its biorefinery and market uptake assessments. The project’s success could pave the way for broader adoption of bio-based chemical production in Europe, offering a viable path for reducing dependency on non-renewable resources. Irish and European stakeholders should watch closely, as PACE may influence future regulatory frameworks and investment trends in the sustainable chemistry sector.