Research Focus: Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass from waste and side streams for pulp and paper production.
The demand for renewable and environmentally friendly solutions is growing worldwide. The packaging industry is moving away from traditional materials derived from finite fossil resources in favor of renewable natural alternatives. This is leading to a growing interest in fiber-based solutions made from cellulose and especially wood as a resource. Due to slow growth and increasing pressure from climate change, alternatives to wood must be identified.
With regards to the bioeconomy, the focus is on the cascading use of existing material flows instead of developing new land competing solutions. Lignocellulosic residues and side streams, especially from the agricultural industry, offer excellent starting conditions for valorization scenarios with existing plants, procedures and processes.
My work involves using cellulosic biomass from residual and side streams. By analyzing their chemical, anatomical, and morphological properties, we establish quality parameters for potential intermediate products. Combined with digestion and processing routes specially designed for the material, this helps determine and enable their usability in existing paper production processes. The aim of my work is to understand the complex biomass of Chenopodium quinoa and to research its processing into pulp. This should promote the sustainable cultivation and use of this climate-resilient plant in Europe.
