The chemical pulp mill has unique prerequisites for large-scale production of wood-based “green” polymers and other materials and chemicals, a concept called biorefinery. The large amount of organic compounds in black liquor and bark as well as unexploited wood residues could be used to produce value-added chemicals and materials. The organic compounds can be used as such, or after chemical modification.
A step closer to a true biorefinery
Xylan is one example of a possible product from a biorefinery