Integrating a Biorefinery into an Operating Kraft Mill

Abstract

Kraft pulp and paper mills have several advantages for serving the emerging biorefinery industry as a source of raw materials. This review examines technologies for producing liquid biofuels, chemicals, and advanced materials from woody feedstocks to generate new sources of revenue. Market pull comes in part from government policies that drive substitution of petroleum-based products with biobased equivalents. Kraft mills have ample networks to supply feedstocks, whether these are forest residues or byproduct side streams. Pulp mills are well suited to expand sufficiently to accommodate production of value added platform chemicals that are in demand because of brand owner sustainability commitments.

Keywords

• Biofuels
• Biorefinery
• Kraft pulping
• Biochemicals
• Platform chemicals
• Pyrolysis
• Hydrothermal treatment
• Enzymatic hydrolysis