Future cellulose based industries in Bangladesh – a mini review

Abstract

Lignocellulosic products can contribute to a low carbon economy, which can support in achieving the sustainable development goals of a country. The demand for pulp and paper in the developing world is constantly increasing. Due to environmental awareness, interest in bio-based products is mounting, encouraging the establishment of integrated biorefineries. Bangladesh is facing an acute shortage of fibrous raw materials, as forest resources are limited. This paper provides an overview of the characteristics of raw materials that would be available for pulping to future pulp industries in Bangladesh. Rice straw is the most abundant raw material in Bangladesh, followed by wheat straw. However, both rice and wheat straws contain a very high amount of silica, which restricts their use in pulping. An alternative technology has been developed to overcome the drawbacks of non-wood pulping, where all dissolved biomass fractions are used in the development of bio-based products.