Biomass Manufacturing

NREL's biomass research goes beyond chemicals and fuel manufacturing, crosscutting other energy-intensive industries such as forest products manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, and other related industries.

A photo of two researchers examining a colorful 3-D molecular model.

Capabilities

NREL supports advanced manufacturing through various biomass-related capabilities and projects.

Molecular model of individual chains of hemicellulose (purple and red 'sticks' representation) interacting with a cellulose microfibril

Pulp and Paper Manufacturing

NREL employs advanced molecular high-performance computer simulations to improve the efficiency of kraft pulp yield and help innovate the American pulp and paper industry.

U.S. Department of Energy's BOTTLE Research Consortium

Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE™) transforms plastic pollution through early-stage plastic recycling and upcycling research and development. NREL is helping to support these efforts, along with experts from industry, academia, and other national labs.