BIOMASS HUB

According to the Seattle-based Wood Resource Quarterly, the global pulp and paper industry has increased its use of woody biomass for energy during the past few years Recycling Today reports.

A key finding from the report is that pulp mills are increasingly sourcing their biomass feedstock material from third parties.  According to the analysis, 53 percent of woody biomass was purchased in the open market in 2006 compared to 69 percent in 2009.  During that time, energy generated from biomass has risen more than 50 percent and accounted for 18 percent of the energy consumed by the pulp and paper industry worldwide.

Annual consumption of biomass used for energy generation by the industry in 2009 was an estimated 75 million tons, according to the analysis.  While North American and Europe are the largest users of biomass material, the biggest increase between 2006 and 2009 occurred in Latin America and Asia.

According to the report:

Numerous pulp and paper plants have made the strategic decision to invest in the equipment needed to make the switch from fossil fuels to woody biomass fuels.

More information on the report is available here.