News & Insights

The aviation industry faces a critical challenge: reducing its carbon footprint while meeting growing demand for air travel. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a promising path forward, especially when produced from agricultural residues. In 2026, lignocellulosic technology has emerged as a key player in converting these residues into cleaner, efficient fuels. This post explores how innovations in this field, particularly the Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) process, are reshaping th

The bio-chemical industry faces constant pressure to bring products to market quickly while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. One critical decision in project execution is the choice between modular and stick-built construction methods. This choice can significantly affect timelines, costs, and operational flexibility. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach helps project managers and engineers select the best path forward. Th

The biorefinery sector stands at a critical crossroads. As the world pushes toward cleaner energy and sustainable production, the reliance on fossil steam in biorefineries presents a significant challenge. Can these facilities truly eliminate fossil steam and move toward full decarbonization? This post explores the possibilities, challenges, and practical solutions, including how Sulzer’s technologies support this transition. Steam rising from biorefinery equipment at eye lev

The promise of second-generation biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol, lies in their ability to convert non-food biomass into sustainable energy. Yet, a major hurdle slows progress: fermentation inhibitors such as furfural and acetic acid. These compounds form during biomass pretreatment and severely damage yeast cells, reducing ethanol yields and increasing production costs. Overcoming this challenge is essential to unlock the full potential of cellulosic ethanol and make

Lignin, often dismissed as a low-value byproduct of the paper and biofuel industries, holds untapped potential as a source of valuable aromatic compounds. This complex organic polymer, found in plant cell walls, is typically burned for energy or discarded as waste. Yet, recent advances show lignin can be transformed into high-value chemicals that serve as building blocks for a variety of products, from plastics to pharmaceuticals. Exploring this "lignin gold mine" offers a pa