Celtic Renewables has shipped its first tanker load of green chemicals from its Grangemouth plant, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey to commercialise its ground-breaking technology.

The company, which was spun out of Edinburgh Napier University, utilises a patented process to convert by-products from the food, drink, and agriculture industries, including whisky distilleries, into high-value green chemicals such as bioacetone and biobutanol.

This innovative approach aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimise the carbon footprint of everyday products, from medicines to cosmetics.

The Grangemouth plant, made possible through £60 million in public and private sector investment, including £20m from Scottish Enterprise, represents a significant step towards scaling up the technology and expanding its global reach.

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"What we have in Grangemouth represents almost two decades of dedication and determination, supported by forward-thinking investors," said Mark Simmers, CEO of Celtic Renewables.

"Scottish Enterprise first backed us 16 years ago when we were conducting lab-scale research and has continued to provide support as we have grown and broken new ground. It shows real vision and belief in our potential."

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes praised Celtic Renewables as an example of Scottish innovation driving progress towards net zero targets. "Celtic Renewables is a great example of the talent, energy and commitment which will ensure Scotland plays an important global role in reaching net zero targets and demonstrating how the path to net zero is a means of creating wealth and prosperity for communities," said Ms Forbes.

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, highlighted the company's success as a testament to the potential of Scottish innovation.

"Celtic Renewables is a fantastic example of a home-grown success story that has gone from pioneering university research team to an exporting business planning its next stage of growth," said Mr Gillespie.

The company is now attracting significant global interest as it prepares to scale up production and deploy its technology worldwide. This development aligns with a recent House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report that emphasised the need for increased investment in engineering biology and support for the growth of biotechnology companies.