Chemicals and Polymers from Biomass

While fossil energy prices remain relatively low and agricultural prices are maintained at a relatively high level as a result of production costs, the use of purpose grown crops as a source of fuels requires subsidies, tax support or other financial incentives to be viable. In the short term, the use of agricultural and forest raw materials as industrial raw materials for production of higher value products appears more attractive. However, simple substitution of a petroleum-based product by one derived from plants is seldom possible. Options are reviewed, covering both established commercial activities (such as starch, vegetable oil, paper-pulp and natural fibres), as well as the extensive research and development activities that should lead to new crops, new products and new markets.