Fractionation technology for biomass utilisation

Photo: Chempolis

We aim to fractionate lignocellulosic biomass in biorefineries to its main components: cellulose (pulp), purified hemicellulose and sulphur-free lignin. Our biorefinery concept is based on the formico® fractionation technology developed by Chempolis, Fortum’s interest company. The technology is at the core of Bio2X.

With high yields and purities, the technology allows for more efficient capture and use of the biomass fractions. It can use a wide variety of biomasses as feedstock, does not use environmentally hazardous chemicals and has a high chemical circulation rate.

The fraction properties can be adjusted in a flexible manner and used to replace fossil-derived raw materials in many industrial and consumer sectors. After fractionation, the material can be further processed to high-value products.

Overview of the technological concept

Several technological innovations:

Several biomass raw material sources
Integrated production, paper grade pulp as the main product
High pulp quality for several applications
Up to 90% raw material efficiency
Efficient circulation of the main process chemicals
Purified hemicellulose, up to 60% xylose content
Sulphur-free granulated lignin

Up to 90% raw material efficiency

High pulp quality for several applications

Circulation of chemicals

Re-inventing the technology

Currently there are virtually no advanced straw-based materials on the market. Straw fibres were used widely in the European paper industry until the 1950s, however, due to technical and financial issues arising from the refining processes, the production has almost completely disappeared.

The fractionation technology has overcome those challenges and can use up to 90% of straw for material production.

Textile fibre: a product made of straw-based cellulose

Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions can be further processed into products that have numerous application possibilities in a wide range of industries. In 2021, Bio2X and designer Rolf Ekroth introduced a fashion collection that uses textile fibre made of straw.