Lignin-based biofuels

Byproducts of biofuel production are glycerin and lignin. The production of each gallon of biodiesel also produces a pound of glycerin. These materials can be used to replace oil-based products with bio-based ones. It is expected that in the decades to come, the development of the biofuel industry will result in the building of multiproduct biorefineries. 

The production of renewable raw materials (carbohydrates/wood derivatives, fats and oils, proteins, plant extracts), and petrochemical base chemicals is of the same order of magnitude are similar, but one has to consider that the use of renewable raw materials for the production of chemicals and biofuels is limited by the available land area and affects food production. Fats and oils are mainly consumed as food 10% is used for production of surfactants, candles, and cosmetic products, and another 10% for biodiesel. Wood consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The majority is used as fuel, mainly in developing countries 14% is used puipwood for production of cellulose and paper. Other important renewable raw materials are starch and sugar, which are both mainly consumed as food. Extracts and excreta from plants are natural rubber, natural dyes, and natural resins. 

---