Pine oleoresin: Tapping green chemicals, biofuels, food protection, and carbon sequestration from multipurpose trees

Abstract

Plants of the genus Pinus are able to grow in a wide range of environments, many of which are quite harsh and extreme. High benefit-cost ratio of pine plantations resides on the relatively low demand for management investments and high economic and environmental services returns. Pine forests work as sinks of atmospheric carbon, contributing to greenhouse effect mitigation. They are important sources of numerous useful products, including not only wood and cellulose but also nonwood products used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for biorefineries. This review examines biological and economic aspects of pine trees concerning the chemical industry, especially the contributions of this natural source for replacing petroleum- derived chemicals and fuels, improving food safety, and increasing carbon storage. Future goals for this forestry sector, such as the establishment of super-resinous forests, are also discussed.