Biorefining as solution for total valorization of biomass sidestreams
Edwin Hamoen (eh@newfoss.com)
NewFoss
In recent years many attempts have been made to use lignocellulosic biomass as a large scale source for sustainable materials. Although several have proven to be technologically viable, an economically viable large scale concept has not been commercialized so far. Next to the technological issues the real challenge in the breakthrough of such innovations is to deal with the hurdles to make a viable value chain in which all stakeholders cooperate with the same goal despite different drivers.
The NewFoss concept is a breakthrough as it is a simple, robust and low cost patented process making use of abundantly available biomass residue streams. Roadside grass and nature grass, which are regarded as waste, are treated in a biorefining process where the cell contents are separated from the fibrous structure. By opening the plant cells in a mild biological process the present components such as protein, sugars, acids, minerals and salts are extracted. This results in an inert fibrous fraction and an aqueous juice rich in valuable components which can be used for natural fertilizer, feed additives or bioplastic. The process itself uses no heat or pressure and has a low water consumption due to a number of water purification and recycling steps. The inert fibers have proven to be an excellent raw material for various applications such as paper and cardboard, insulation materials and as peat replacement in potting soil and in substrates for mushroom cultivation. With respect to the latter a number of experiments have been executed showing the fibers have to negative effects on yield, occurrence of pathogenics and mushroom quality.
In all these cases this is an economically viable alternative for the current practice having an enormous impact on the CO2 footprint of these products.
The presentation discusses both the technological breakthroughs as well as the opportunities and hurdles on the way to successful innovation.,
