Perspectives, challenges and future directions

Abstract

As discussed extensively in this book, biorefinery is perceived as a promising platform for the sustainable conversion of biomass into a variety of value-added products. As a result of attempts to replace a nonrenewable feedstock with renewable biomass, the technological advances in biorefineries have been immense in recent years. However, the commercialization of biorefineries currently face challenges from various directions, such as the availability of feedstock, the competitiveness of bio-based products, the processing technologies and unit operations, as well as methods and associated computer-aided tools for the synthesis and design of biorefinery processes. To facilitate readers’ insight, crucial elements are summarized in this chapter for each issue in terms of the current situation, the challenges, and the anticipated future developments.