Utilization of tree bark as a renewable resource for sustainable solutions
Using the forest, more specifically wood and biomass from other plants, as a raw material resource for developing chemicals and materials contribute to a more sustainable society and reduces the production of materials from fossil-based resources.
Project description
In pulp and paper industries, the whole tree is used to produce materials and energy. For example, the logs are used for boards, design, and pulp, while the tree bark is seen as a side-product and, therefore, burned to produce energy. Instead of incinerating the bark, the components may be separated beforehand. By applying the bark biorefinery concept, where tree bark is used as a raw material, components such as cellulose, lignin, and extractives may be isolated which can be further used to produce value-added products, chemicals, and materials.
For this project, the bark biorefinery concept is applied where Norway spruce and silver birch bark are used. From the Norway spruce bark, we separate components such as the extractives (stilbene glucosides, tannins, pectin, etc.) and cellulose via different extractions. Nanocellulose is produced from bark cellulose which is a high-value product that can be used for different applications. From the silver birch bark, we isolate betulin and suberin.
Financing
Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation
Collaborators
Monica Ek, KTH