Forests play a strategic role in global sustainability, and restoration is essential to meet ESG targets. Seedling quality strongly influences reforestation success, but standardized evaluation protocols are often lacking. This study aimed to identify and prioritize critical technical parameters of forest seedlings and determine the highest-priority factor affecting field performance. A total of 100 seedlings of Handroanthus impetiginosus and Sparattosperma leucanthum were evaluated using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), considering reforestation as the client to translate field performance requirements into nursery-level technical parameters. Seedling characteristics were compared to standards based on the literature and nursery best practices. QFD analysis revealed that stem thickness and integrity, absence of borers, well-developed and firm roots, and complete and healthy leaves were the most critical attributes. Hardiness, combining structural robustness, disease resistance, and vigor, emerged as the central factor. Observed non-conformities included disease (15%), stem bifurcations (10%), and substrate deficiencies (12%). These results demonstrate that QFD is an effective tool for systematically identifying and prioritizing seedling attributes. The study provides a structured approach for nursery evaluation and quality control, supporting informed decision-making to enhance the success of forest restoration projects.

Polyester resin biocomposites containing biochar have attracted attention for improving mechanical strength and thermal stability while promoting sustainability. The pyrolysis temperature of biochar and its proportion in the polymer matrix are key factors affecting biocomposite performance. This study examined how biochar pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600, 800 degrees C) and incorporation levels (10, 20, 30 wt.%) influence the physical, chemical, mechanical, flammability, and morphological properties of polyester-based biocomposites. The samples were analyzed for density, water absorption, FTIR, XRD, flexural and tensile strength, ignition time, structural degradation, volumetric loss, and SEM microstructure. Biocomposites with 30 wt.% biochar produced at 800 degrees C showed the best mechanical properties, with a flexural strength of 95.3 MPa and an elastic modulus of 4417.4 MPa, representing increases of 14.5% and 45.7%, respectively, over the control. FTIR and XRD results revealed decreased aliphatic groups and increased aromaticity at higher pyrolysis temperatures, improving interactions between the matrix and biochar. These biocomposites also demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with an ignition time of approximately 963 s, delayed structural degradation, and reduced volumetric loss (similar to 19.3%). Overall, pyrolysis temperature and biochar content significantly influence the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyester biocomposites, showing that biochar serves as a sustainable, performance-enhancing component in thermoset polymer matrices.

The integration of cellulose into thermoplastic and polymer matrices for fused deposition modeling (FDM) represents a transformative approach to sustainable, high-performance additive manufacturing. This review systematically examines chemical functionalization strategies that enhance the compatibility, printability, and structural integrity of cellulose-based composites. Functionalization approaches, including etherification, esterification, oxidation, silanization, acylation, and grafting, are critically evaluated with respect to their effects on thermal stability and mechanical reinforcement. Comparative assessments indicate that controlled substitution levels and grafting densities promote improved dispersion, enabling the fabrication of dimensionally stable filaments within the narrow processing window of FDM. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between chemical modification and cellulose reactivity, as well as emerging pathways aimed at reducing dependence on conventional thermoplastic matrices. The discussion further addresses opportunities for all-cellulose composites, the need for standardized modification protocols, and the scalability of functionalized systems. Collectively, these insights provide a framework for the rational design of chemically tailored, recyclable cellulose-based filaments that combine environmental benefits with advanced performance, thereby advancing the role of bio-based materials in next-generation FDM technologies.

The rapid growth of 3D printing in university makerspaces has created a new but often overlooked waste stream: discarded polylactic acid (PLA) filament from failed prints, support structures, and design errors. Although PLA is a bio-based and recyclable thermoplastic, most of this material currently ends up in landfills. This paper outlines a pilot project at NC State University to close this loop by collecting, processing, and re-extruding PLA waste into new 3D printing filaments. The system, developed through collaboration between the D.H. Hill Makerspace and Hodges Lab, employs a straightforward four-step process—collection, sorting, grinding, and extrusion—thereby achieving over 90% material efficiency. Besides demonstrating technical feasibility, the project emphasizes how campus-scale circular systems can reduce waste, lower costs, and serve as educational models for sustainable manufacturing. This initiative provides a replicable framework for universities and small-scale fabrication facilities seeking to incorporate circular economy principles into their operations.

Food smoking is significantly influenced by the biomass used, affecting aroma, flavor, and process intensity. Pellet production for smoking still relies heavily on traditional woods, while agro-industrial residues such as husks, bagasse, and pruning waste are underutilized. This study investigates the physical, chemical, energetic, and thermal properties of pellets produced from lignocellulosic residual biomass, aiming for its efficient application in food smoking. For this purpose, the pericarp of Dipteryx alata, Carya illinoinensis, Citrus sinensis, Psidium guajava, and Citrus sinensis bagasse were used for pellet production. Diameter, length, apparent density, moisture, chemical composition, hardness, calorific value, energy density, combustion index, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted. ANOVA, Tukey’s test, correlation, and multivariate analysis were applied to identify significant differences and similarities between the treatments. Pellets made from woody biomass (Carya illinoinensis, Citrus sinensis, and Psidium guajava) exhibited higher energy density (> 11.5 GJ m–3) and thermal stability, favoring efficient combustion. On the other hand, non-woody residual biomasses (Dipteryx alata and Citrus sinensis bagasse) displayed higher fixed carbon (> 21

This research examines the relationship between fiber morphology, chemical composition, and tissue paper properties, comparing fibers from alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) derived from alternative feedstocks—wheat straw, bamboo, and miscanthus—with traditional wood fibers from bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) and northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK). The APMP process produced high-yield pulps (> 70%). FTIR spectra exhibited pronounced aromatic C=C stretching vibrations between 1600 and 1450 cm⁻ 1 , while XPS analysis showed lower oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratios (0.51–0.53) compared to traditional bleached kraft pulps (0.63–0.75). These findings indicate higher surface lignin in APMP non-wood fibers than BEK and NBSK. The APMP non-wood fibers enhanced tensile strength and water absorbency due to improved fiber bonding and bulk. However, the increased tensile strength led to reduced softness, demonstrating a trade-off like that observed with conventional fibers. Replacing NBSK with non-wood fibers improved softness while retaining tensile strength and absorbency compared to the benchmark. To balance softness with tensile properties, a 10% reduction in basis weight showed that it is possible to maintain or improve tissue paper quality compared with the benchmark. These results demonstrate that strategic blend adjustments and basis weight reduction can leverage the properties of high-performance hygiene tissue paper made from non-wood fibers, highlighting the potential utilization of alternative fibers.

When the public is asked to name the most globally sustainable industries, they typically respond with solar, wind, geothermal, or EVs. Yet, who would ever imagine the pulp & paper industry, which is often caricatured as a relic, is in fact one of the largest and most secretly sustainable manufacturing sectors. Its entire infrastructure and operations are built on replenishable forests and powered by renewable energy streams to produce recyclable, biodegradable products. The pulp & paper industry has a story that deserves retelling in the age of sustainability metrics and ESG frameworks. Our editorial embarks on a short simple journey to reframe pulp & paper not as a legacy industry, but as a model for sustainable manufacturing by using a clear, quantifiable system to demonstrate its global environmental impact.

Worldwide concern regarding the need for more sustainable textile supply chain prompted emphasis on innovation in the coloration process, often considered the most problematic segment of the supply chain. Digital textile printing, an emerging coloration technology, has the potential to improve sustainability significantly. This study undertakes an environmental sustainability analysis that compares the impacts of rotary-screen printing, the traditional, more established printing method, and digital textile printing. Researchers partnered with Creditex S.A.A., a vertically integrated textile company from Peru, to perform the research in a realistic factory setting. Creditex printed a 16-color design for an order of 1000m cotton fabric with reactive dye occupying both rotary-screen printing and digital textile printing and collected environmental impact data throughout the production process, including consumption, usage, and wastage. The findings suggest that digital textile printing is favorable to rotary-screen printing in terms of environmental sustainability impacts within the research context.

Originating from furniture scraps, packaging, urban tree pruning, and construction waste, urban wood waste generates surprisingly large annual volumes. Due to its abundance and interesting physical–chemical characteristics for its use, it can be an excellent alternative for generating renewable energy for heat and electricity. In this context, urban wood waste’s physical, chemical, and energetic properties were investigated, proposing alternative environmental routes for its introduction into the urban and industrial electricity sectors. Waste collected in Piracicaba (Brazil) was evaluated for physical and chemical composition, such as moisture, bulk density, particle size distribution, mineral contaminants, immediate chemical composition, chemical composition, and calorific value analysis. The waste studied presented potential characteristics for bioenergy generation, with ash and contaminant contents (such as metallic materials and sand) within the quality thresholds established by the energy sector. Among the waste materials analyzed, plywood, chipboard, wood, and OSB stood out for their high energy density (averaging 2.97 GJ/m3) and low ash content (averaging 1.13

Bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) pulp dominates global pulp production, yet the environmental impacts of its bleaching sequences in Brazil are not fully explored. Addressing this gap, we conducted a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of three bleaching sequences: conventional elemental chlorine-free (ECF), ECF with oxygen delignification, and ECF with oxygen delignification plus acid washing. We estimated the average global warming potential (GWP) for BEK delivered to the U.S. and examined how forest carbon cycle (FCC) elements, specifically biogenic GWP (GWPbio) and potential soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, influence GWP outcomes. Results show that the ECF sequence with oxygen delignification and acid washing reduces GWP by 11% and outperforms conventional ECF in 10 out of 11 environmental impact categories. The average GWP for Brazilian BEK delivered to the U.S. is 576 kg CO2-eq/ton. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that adding GWPbio increases GWP by 18%, whereas accounting for potential SOC sequestration reduces it by 39%. These findings highlight the necessity of optimizing bleaching processes and developing a standardized BEK LCA model for comparing the environmental impact of different fibers. This work sets a precedent for integrating FCC elements into LCAs and underscores the potential of SOC sequestration in mitigating climate change impacts.

Disposal of waste plastics is an environmental problem that has gained attention over the years. Co-pyrolysis is a promising alternative for transforming this material into solid and liquid products with high added value. This study evaluated how heating rates and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) proportions influence the properties of char obtained by co-pyrolysis. The co-pyrolysis process was carried out using Eucalyptus spp biomass, in three proportions of PET (0, 15 and 25 %) and three heating rates (1, 3 and 5 degrees C min(-1)), at a final temperature of 450 degrees C. We investigated the physical, chemical, energetic and thermal properties of the char produced, which included its morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average yield of co-pyrolytic char, under all conditions of co-pyrolysis, decreased by 5 % compared to the biomass-only pyrolytic material. In addition to yield differences, the percentage of ash decreased by about 7 % in char with PET. The produced material had a maximum heating value of 32,17 MJ kg(-1) and maximum energy density of 4.7 Gcal m(-3) (1.10 GJ m(-3)). These results show the synergistic effect between PET and biomass, pointing to improvements in char generated through co-pyrolysis. The addition of PET in the process, in all conditions investigated, contributed to potentiating the energy characteristics of the material. This co-pyrolysis process can be an alternative for generation and biofuels. The co-pyrolysis of biomass and polyethylene terephthalate is a promising strategy for generating energy products and ensuring the reuse of plastic materials.

There is a growing demand for wood products from forests located in dry regions, which includes the Caatinga, a biome in Northeast Brazil. This study evaluates the relationship between volumetric production, energy potential, and the rotation cycle. Information was collected from forest stands in different stages of regeneration located in an arid region of Brazil. Based on the forest management plan, four fields were selected with post-logging ages of 9, 11, 13, and 16 years. This inventory recorded circumference at chest height, circumference at base height, total height, volume, stored energy, technical cutting age, and rainfall index. The results showed that the species that presented the most significant quantity of stems did not always correspond to those that obtained the most significant amount of biomass. The technical cutting age was determined at 16 years, aiming to maximize wood utilization. Regarding energy density, the 9-year-old field reached 7,281 kcal ha-1, the 11-year-old field obtained 14,448 kcal ha-1, the 13-year-old field recorded 41,526 kcal ha-1, and the 16-year-old field reached 98,190 kcal ha-1. The species that contributed most to energy accumulation included Mimosa tenuiflora with 3,740 kcal m–³, Piptadenia stipulacea with 3,271 kcal m-3, and Cenostigma pyramidale with 3,101 kcal m-3.

The current pellet industry primarily relies on woody biomass. Inclusion of a diverse feedstock, such as herbaceous biomass, is necessary to meet the rising demand for pellets in heat and power generation, and for biofuel production. This study was motivated by the need to densify biomass, improving its naturally low energy density, to reach the required pellet standards for biofuel conversion. We developed value-added miscanthus pellets blended with different ratios of corn stover and switchgrass and analyzed their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Pure miscanthus pellet durability index (PDI) was less than 85%, well below the ISO 17225-6 standard for herbaceous pellets. While increasing switchgrass and corn stover ratios increases durability beyond 94%, it also increases ash content from 1.6% to 4.6%, a quality unfavorable for biofuel conversion. The moisture content of the blended pellets varied from 7.12% to 12.45%, and positively correlated with the durability of the pellets. Pure miscanthus pellets had the highest bulk density, 633 kg/m3, while pellets containing 75% miscanthus and 25% corn stover had the lowest density, 564 kg/m3. The findings of this study also identified a decrease in the pellet bulk density with the increase in ash content and pellet diameter.

The sustainability of the biofuel industry depends on the development of a mature conversion technology on a national level that can take advantage of the economies of scale: the nth-plant. This study addresses the logistic challenge of mobilizing national cellulosic feedstock supplies for a sustainable bioenergy industry. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed and updated to deliver on-spec biomass that considers both a desired quantity and quality at the biorefinery. Our supply chain analysis includes multi-modal transport (truck and rail), varying depot and biorefinery sizes, and feedstock blends of corn stover (harvested by either a two- or three-pass method), switchgrass, and miscanthus. The following US states: Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas were identified as key locations for producing accessible miscanthus. Based on our most optimistic scenario, using trucks as the only transportation mode in 2040 with a cost target of $79/dt, corn stover, switchgrass, and miscanthus could help meet 48% of the EPA target, 173 million dry tons that translate into 7.8 billion GGE. The addition of rail transportation for biomass delivery to biorefineries could help meet 79% of the EPA target, 283 million dry tons that translate into 12.7 billion GGE.

This study demonstrated a process control strategy for extending tool life in wood-based machining. A feedback control technique regulated tool spindle speed while cutting to maximize tool performance. Machining of melamine-coated particleboard was conducted on a computer numerical control router with tungsten carbide inserts. Four cutting scenarios were applied: constant low spindle speed, constant high spindle speed, step function cutting and cutting using feedback control technique. After each test, panel chipping and tool wear were assessed to determine the effect of varying the spindle speed on tool wear and panel chipping. The findings indicated that although tool wear increased, panel chipping decreased when the spindle speed remained continuously high. A constant low spindle speed increased panel chipping and decreased tool wear. Raising the spindle speed in the step function setting reduced tool wear and panel chipping, but it was not apparent when these speed adjustments should be made. The feedback control technique greatly extended the tool life, improving surface quality. The study contributes significantly to wood-based machining procedures and greatly impacts the woodworking sector. The advantages of improved tool life and increased productivity justify the need for more research in this area.

Bamboo, recognized for its rapid growth, high yield, and fiber performance is prominent in the fiber-based bioproduct industry. However, the absence of US industrial bamboo plantations for fiber production necessitates reliance on imports or locally manufactured products using imported bamboo fibers, predominantly from China. This study evaluates the economic viability of cultivating bamboo in the Southern US for fiber production, with a case study on hygiene tissue products. The supply-chain analysis was assessed to calculate bamboo chips' minimum selling price (MSP) at the farm gate for an 8% internal rate of return (IRR). The MSP, influenced primarily by land rental costs, ranges from USD 48 to 55 per bone-dry metric ton (BDt). Despite an initial establishment cost of similar to USD 2 000 ha(-1) and profitability by year 5, bamboo is a viable, long-term fiber alternative. Successful bamboo cultivation in the US could lead to a more sustainable implementation of alternative non-wood fibers for hygiene tissue applications. (c) 2024 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The growing interest in bamboo fibers for pulp, paper, and board production in the USA necessitates a comprehensive financial viability assessment. This study conducts a detailed technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of bamboo fiber production, primarily for the consumer hygiene tissue market although it is also applicable to other industrial uses. The economic viability of two pulping methods - alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) and ammonium bisulfite chemical pulping (ABS) - was explored within three different pulp mill settings to supply pulp to two nonintegrated tissue and towel mills in South Carolina, USA. The target was to produce wet lap bamboo bleached pulp at 50% consistency and 70% ISO brightness. Despite higher initial capital invesment and operating costs, ABS achieved a lower minimum required selling price - USD 544 to 686 per bone dry metric ton (BDt = 1000 BDkg) - in comparison with USD 766 to 899 BDt-1 for APMP. This price advantage is partly due to an additional revenue stream (lignosulfonate byproduct), which not only boosts revenue but also circumvents the need for expensive chemical recovery systems. When compared with traditional kraft pulping, both methods require significantly lower capital investments, with minimum required selling prices (estimated to achieve 16% IRR) below current market rates for extensively used bleached kraft pulps in the USA tissue industry. The economic benefits derive from several factors: the low cost of bamboo as raw material, reduced capital needs for new pulping technologies, lower transportation costs from the pulp mill to tissue and towel manufacturing facilities, and the high market price of bleached kraft pulp.

The cycling stability of lithium-sulfur batteries is significantly compromised by the shuttle effect. Herein, we employed a preformed process to successfully load spherical nanoparticles of Iron hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (FePcF16) with sizes between 10 and 20 nm onto oxidized graphene sheets. The FePcF16 spherical particles with lithium and sulfur-affinitive sites maximally expose catalytically active sites, facilitating effective adsorption and catalysis of polysulfides (LiPSs). Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the electron-rich fluorine substituents enhance the conjugation effect of FePcF16, facilitating electronic communication between the catalyst and graphene oxide (GO), achieving precise modulation of the electronic structure of Fe-N-4 active centers. The electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the nanostructured and Fe-N-4 site-containing FePcF16 integrated with the robust two-dimensional graphene structure synergistically facilitates both redox reactions and lithium affinity effects. Consequently, in extended cycling tests at 2 C, the initial discharge-specific capacity reached 857.7 mAh g(-1). After 500 cycles, the capacity remained at 737.7 mAh g(-1), with a minimal capacity decay rate of only 0.028 % per cycle.

This work demonstrates the technical, economic, and environmental viability of integrating enzymatic hydrolysis, mechanical refining, and total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching processes for industrial-scale production of glucose from textile waste. The process features an innovative mechanical refining pretreatment coupled with TCF oxidation of dyes to achieve over 90% improvement in enzymatic hydrolysis yields of cotton textile waste while also promoting the purification and recycling of synthetic fibers. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was performed based on a 14,000 bone dry tons (BD tons) annual glucose production line, utilizing both 100% cotton and cotton/polyester blends, which reveals capital investments ranging from USD 5.6 to 7.9 million, with manufacturing costs per ton of glucose varying between USD 215 and USD 475, depending on the textile blend used. The cotton/polyester 50/50 blend scenario had the lowest minimum selling price (USD 290 per ton of glucose) due to the revenue from the unhydrolyzed synthetic fibers, which are a valuable and key co-product. A sensitivity analysis highlights the significant influence of recycled polyester content and market prices on the economics. Additionally, a life cycle assessment was performed to compare the carbon footprint of the four scenarios. In contrast to other existing pretreatments that can contribute to up to 70% of the emissions in enzymatic hydrolysis of textiles, the mechanical refining pretreatment can contribute as low as 10% of the total emissions in the process proposed in this work. Even when certain challenges remain, such as the development of a robust supply chain model, the conversion pathway shown in this work for upcycling cotton textile waste into value-added chemicals represents a promising opportunity to combat textile landfilling and foster the circular economy within the industry.