Innovative bioproducts from underutilized biomass
At BeonNAT we aim to develop new and innovative bioproducts from underutilized biomass. But what does this all mean? In short, we take trees and shrubs that are too expensive or difficult to use. Then, using new technology, we turn them into new products that are economically viable and sustainable at the same time.
Underutilized biomass from marginal land
Marginal land refers to land that is not used nor usable for agriculture, residential purposes, or industrial use. This often happens because of location, soil properties, economic viability, lack of water supply, etc.
Such land usually has vegetation, even with lower density than other places. But these plants are generally not viable for commercial applications. Many plants can survive in harsher environments, but they seldom provide food or high-quality wood. We refer to this kind of vegetation as “underutilized biomass”.
New and innovative bioproducts
The fact that marginal land cannot grow conventional crops or trees does not mean nothing can grow. At BeonNAT, we explore what kind of plants can grow there to make marginal land economically viable. Not only that, but we will apply new technology to this biomass to turn it into other useful bioproducts.
At BeonNAT we are currently working to extract or make the following bioproducts from underutilized biomass:
- Essential oils: Concentrated oils from plants. They can come from leaves, flowers, or bark, and are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aromas among others.
- Herbal extracts: Bioactive compounds like polyphenols or alkaloids, like caffeine. They are usually extracted from leaves, roots, or other plant parts using solvents like water or alcohol. They can be used in medicine, food, and other industries.
- Wood pulp: The material used to make paper or cardboard packaging. It is produced by chemical or mechanical breakdown of wood or plant fibre.
- Particleboard: wood chips or sawdust with adhesives. The material is used for example in furniture and construction.
- Bioplastics: Carbohydrates can be made into polymers like petroleum-based plastic. These offer an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. We focus on the use of bioplastics for cosmetic packaging.
- Biochar: A material made by partially burning plant matter. Among others, it is used in animal food to improve gut health and absorb toxins, and we aim to produce it for that purpose.
- Activated carbon: Porous carbon material created from biomass burnt at high-temperature activation. It is used in water purification, air filtration, and industrial adsorption, but also for animal food as well.
- Absorbents: Materials that can capture liquids, be those water, oil, or other chemicals. From diapers to cat litter, they are used in many industries. We aim to produce them optimized for the pet industry.
Growing the biomass we need
Another thing we focus on is growing useful plant species sustainably in marginal lands to increase our resources and promote a circular economy. We will not only use what we need but grow it, turning plants that were considered unutilized biomass into productive, sustainable and economically viable goods.
Scope of the project
There are around 60 million hectares of marginal land in the EU. We can promote the use of this space for sustainable development, manufacturing key products and producing greener alternatives to fossil-fuel-derived materials.
To make the project as efficient as possible, we are growing different species and will then process them one step at a time. The goal is to maximize their usefulness and bioproduct manufacture. First, extract essential oils and extracts. Then, use carbohydrates to make bioplastics. After, use woody parts to make wood pulp and particleboard. Cellulose and other materials can also be used for absorbents. Last, the remnants can be burnt to produce biochar and activated carbon. This processing chain leaves unused as little as possible.
Conclusion
For Europe to produce the materials of the future, and in enough quantities, it needs to make good use of its land. We promote the use of unused lands with low viability for other projects, to grow vegetation that can be made into useful and valuable bioproducts. Through sustainable development, this will improve both industries and communities. First, it will revalorise rural areas, and reduce stress in other lands, which can serve other purposes. Second, it will produce materials for different industries. Lastly, it will do so sustainably, wasting as little as possible to promote a circular economy.
