Biorefineries: a safe option on the path toward circular bioeconomy

Abstract

This paper entitled “Biorefineries: a safe option on the path toward circular bioeconomy” provides an overview of the comprehensive valorization of biomass through biorefinery technologies, addressing aspects related to the production of energy, fuels and value-added chemical products.

First, the author emphasizes the importance of biorefineries as facilities that integrate biomass conversion processes to obtain multiple products, as a basis for reducing dependence on fossil fuels within the circular bioeconomy model.

One of the central aspects of the work is the classification of mechanical, thermochemical, biochemical and chemical conversion routes applied to sugar-based, starch-based, oil-based and lignocellulosic biomass, demonstrating that lignocellulosic biomass stands out for its abundance and capacity to partially replace fossil fuels. This enables applications in the production of bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas and advanced materials.

Additionally, examples are presented such as the valorization of olive leaves through steam explosion, demonstrating the production of fermentable sugars, phenolic compounds and nanocellulose, with a cascading approach that can be extrapolated to coffee residues.

Finally, the study discusses challenges related to biomass heterogeneity, pretreatment and transport costs, and uncertainty in bioproduct markets, and highlights the importance of technological innovation and institutional support to promote the global expansion of biorefineries.