Biorefinery Bundle

​Improving efficiency of paper mills through hot-water extraction of biomass 

Background: While wood is an abundant and sustainable resource, many pulping processes used to produce paper and cardboard only purify and use cellulose, leaving lignin and hemicellulose to go to waste. Through hot water extraction of the biomass, these components can instead be separated out and used for the production of biofuels and other biocomposites while at the same time improving the quality of the pulp.

Technology Overview:  

The Biorefinery Technology Portfolio at SUNY ESF comprises the following:

• Method of hot water extraction of biomass for bleached and un-bleached pulp
• Method of hemicellulose extraction from lignocellulosic materials
• Method for extraction of lignin

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Advantages:  

• Improve efficiency of existing paper mills
• Enhance quality of paper fiber and paper products
• Produce feedstock ethanol and biofuel production
• Extract precursors for the manufacture of bioplastics

Applications:  

• Biofuel/bioethanol production
• Pulp and paper production
• Biocomposites