Valorization of long-neglected spruce bark and bark-press effluents through integrated utilization of stilbenoids and pectin

Jinze Dou*, Evgen Multia, Xinyue Dong, Lei Wang*, Tapani Vuorinen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
96 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Wood bark has exclusively been used for energy at pulp mills, while long-neglected, this huge biomass resource has great potential for valorization. To maximize its value in new ways, here we propose using both fresh (industrial) spruce bark and its bark-press effluents as sustainable sources of natural stilbenoids and pectin. Ultrafiltration removed approximately 90% of the high molecular weight polyphenols as well as enriched stilbenoids from bark-press effluents. Based on a techno-economic analysis, the forest industry would obtain greater revenue potential up to €100 per ton of bark by processing bark side streams compared to their traditional combustion-based strategy if implementing the improved debarking technology. Overall the valorization of stilbenoids and pectin from bark-press effluents or spruce bark offers a promising strategy to produce bio-based, high-value UV-filter ingredients as alternatives to fossil-based ones, and high-grade pectin in an economic feasible and potentially environmentally friendly bolt-on process to the existing mills.

Original languageEnglish
Article number144122
Number of pages10
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume470
Early online date18 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2023
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Bark-press effluents
  • Pectin
  • Pulp and paper industry
  • Spruce bark
  • Stilbenoids
  • Techno-economic analysis

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