Several technologies still in the relatively early stages of development (TRL 3-4), including deep eutectic solvents and alternative drying and forming processes, could help raise energy efficiency considerably.

Black liquor gasification, which can produce carbon-neutral energy products for use in pulp and paper as well as other sectors, has already reached the initial stages of commercialisation but still requires further development and deployment.

Lignin extraction, which has been pilot-tested at commercial scale, could make lignin available for use as a biofuel or for new industrial products.

Black liquor gasification

Gasification of black liquor can produce carbon-neutral energy products such as electricity and steam for use in pulping plants, and liquid biofuels for use in transport.

Technology principles: Black liquor is a biomass-based by-product of chemical pulping. It can be combusted as a fuel in on-site utilities to generate steam and electricity, or it can be upgraded through gasification to create syngas.

Using deep eutectic solvents as low-carbon alternatives to traditional pulping

The process could use significantly less energy for pulping than the traditional chemical pulping processes because deep eutectic solvents enable pulp production at low temperatures and at atmospheric pressure. This process could also add value for the pulp industry by producing pure lignin that can be sold as a fuel or a material.

Technology principles: Deep eutectic solvents function by dissolving wood into lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose.