A biorefinery is not a new concept; many traditional users of biomass. Sugar, starch and pulp industries run biorefineries today. However, it is the rapid expansion in biofuel production and the need to derive value from all the co-products which is driving the development of modern biorefineries at the moment. To be a viable proposition, the production of bio-based energy, materials and chemicals alongside biofuels should improve the overall economics of biorefinery operation and, in some cases, may even be the primary revenue stream.
Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based chemicals and polymers.
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