More products from wood processing
Only a part of the valuable wood biomass ends up in high value applications such as paper and cardboard. The rest is channelled into side-streams that currently support production of low-value compounds. The side-streams are a virtual treasure chest of novel compounds waiting to be found with the appropriate separation and fractionation techniques. Scientists initiated the EU-funded project AFORE(opens in new window) to develop bio-based solutions to isolate and upgrade natural chemicals from forest residues or process side-streams. Focus was on the kraft pulping process, one that produces stronger pulp than other processes. Scientists included concepts both for today’s industry as well as for tomorrow’s biorefinery technologies. Researchers developed many advanced and novel methods to extract and upgrade materials from both solid and liquid wood-derived samples. Nine were chosen for up-scaling and six were eventually tested at pilot or industrial scale. Out of these, three were for existing kraft mills and three were self-standing concepts for new biorefineries. Techno-economic evaluations and life cycle assessments have supported analyses of market potential and environmental impact of the technologies. Several inventions and two patent applications are witness to project success. AFORE has achieved significant progress with regard to efficient and effective isolation and up-grading of targeted green compounds from solid materials and liquid process liquors. This has laid the foundations for further forest biorefinery research and development. Successful outcomes will increase the competitiveness of the European wood and pulp industries and have a positive impact on waste generation and sustainability.
