Lignocellulose-Biorefinery II

Background and Objective

A lignocellulose-biorefinery produces bulk chemicals from lignocellulosic feedstock. Processing industries convert these to biobased products. For the first time, all main components of the primary material - cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin - can be used equally. They can be processed to intermediates as well as to adhesive agents and filling material for derived timber products and plastic materials. For the sustainablity assessment we developed and applied a new method, which allowed us to evaluate the process chain of a lignocellulose biorefinery for non-energetic products. Alternative fossil and biobased production processes for phenol and sugar were used as references for the beechwood-based process chain of the biorefinery.

Approach

Since no suitable method for assessment was available, we developed an innovative approach within the project time span. With the so-called "Logical Framework Approach to Sustainablity Assessment (LOFASA)" we were able to derive and analyze sustainabilty indicators in a logic and transparent way.

Data and Methods

To evaluate the relative effects of the biorefinery on sustainability, we determined 26 indicators. The evaluation was based on material flows, databases, expert views and literature. Ten out of twelve quantitative indicators were rated with positive relative sustainability effects. As a result of the available information we rated four out of nine qualitative indicatotrs neutral, three positive and one negative. For evaluation of the remaining five indicators there was no sufficient data from the pilot plant available at the end of the project phase.

Our Research Questions

Will a lignocellose-biorefinery process chain generate positive sustainability effects compared to convetional production processes?

Results

The sustainability assessment showed, that the innovative biorefinery process chain can be a sustainable option to substitute fossil and biogenic raw materials for the chemical industry. The final report is currently being reviewed by the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR), a soon publication date is expected.

The positive sustainability effects of the biorefinery, in comparison to the fossil and biogenic reference, were particularly high for ecological indicators. The ecological indicators and sustainability themes have also been weighted of highest importance for the sustainability of the biorefinery by the project consortium. Due to incomplete data the final results should be interpreted under reserve. On the basis of the evaluated indicators so far, the lignocellulose biorefinery process chain is rated positively from a sustainability point of view.

Links and Downloads

www.lignocellulose-bioraffinerie.de