History and future of world's most advanced biorefinery in operation

Running a biomass biorefinery based on lignocellulosic feedstock is challenging both from a processing point of view as well as from a market point of view. Continuous process and product development is needed to meet the dynamics in the markets. Borregaard in Sarpsborg Norway is one of the most advanced biorefineries in operation today and has more than 40 years experience of running such a biorefinery. Based on this experience and presence in many markets, new strategies for converting lignocellulosic biomass to biochemicals and biofuels in a sustainable and profitable way has been implemented. The company is loyal to the biorefinery strategy of making the maximum amount of valuable products out of the biomass. Examples of potential new product lines are microfibrillar cellulose (MFC), water soluble specialty lignins from other sources than wood, lignocellulosic ethanol, proteins and sugar based chemicals. Both experience from the long history of running a biorefinery as well as the main development routes for future new bioproducts is analyzed and discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.