Making the Most Out of Biomass
The Glycell™ process represents a real economic breakthrough. It utilises every part of the biomass input. At least 94% of the cellulose (C6) is converted to sugars quickly and in large quantities. A separate stream of valuable hemicellulose (C5) sugars is produced and native form lignin is extracted – which unlike the lignin which is burned for energy, has a higher value in the chemical market. The lower price for Glycell™ sugars opens up possibilities to replace starch, particularly corn starch, as an input to the 200 corn ethanol plants in the USA. The ability to supplement existing ethanol mills with cellulosic sugar inputs will enhance environmental benefits.
Cost Efficient Biorefining
Using biomass as a feedstock has other benefits. Biomass already contains the oxygen necessary to develop a wide range of chemicals, as well as other elements required to develop plastics. By contrast, petrochemical production requires the introduction of oxygen and other key elements at additional cost.