Willow suitable as a cheap feedstock for ethanol, renewable chemicals says Finnish research project

April 4, 2016 |

In Finland, a study has found that willow is suitable as a source of sugar to produce ethanol, and the lignin fraction formed as a by-product of the process is suitable for the manufacture of renewable chemicals and bio-based materials. Willow’s competitive advantages as a feedstock include its quick growth, low price, and ability to grow on flood susceptible and nutrient-poor land.

The study found that in addition to sugars suitable for ethanol fermentation, “various fractions can be separated from willow: lignin, bark component fibres, and bioactive and antimicrobial compounds.” The research also demonstrated that debarking the biomass before processing “substantially” increased the yield.

The research was published by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Aalto University.

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Category: Research

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