Improve the logistical and pre-processing steps of locally sourced biomass to serve as feedstock for the bio-based industry (IA-DA)

Specific challenge: Getting biomass feedstock from its sources in rural16 and coastal areas to processing plants in the bio-based industry today has to contend with many hindrances. These relate to the (often varying) quality of the biomass, its quantity, location and distance from the operating facilities and state-of-the-art logistical systems and equipment.
Besides adding weight in transportation, high water content may cause the biomass to degrade during transportation and storage. Compacting or drying techniques to reduce weight, volume and moisture could modify the biomass composition and properties.
Also, residual biomass in particular often occurs in relatively small quantities in scattered locations, and its low value does not justify an efficient, modern logistical system for valorisation. Consequently, residues that are potential feedstock for the bio-based industry are left on the field or are burnt.
In many areas, too, the disconnect between actors in the rural and coastal areas and those in the bio-based operational stages prevents the introduction of new and innovative technologies and practices into the supply chain.
This lack of connection between the planning and resource management and downstream value chain operations often means that there is no business case for efficient integration of locally sourced feedstock with bio-based industry operations.
The specific challenge of this topic is to cost-effectively mobilise local biomass, from source to the gates of an advanced biorefinery, for further processing into value-added market applications, thereby avoiding losses in feedstock quantity or quality.

Identifier:BBI 2018.SO1.D1

Deadline:  06.09.2018