Feedstocks
The bioeconomy must therefore be developed sustainably, with careful attention to resource efficiency, biodiversity and the responsible use of biomass.
What feedstocks are used?
A feedstock is the raw material that provides microorganisms with the carbon, energy and nutrients they require during fermentation.
Different fermentation processes need different feedstocks. Their suitability depends on factors such as the microorganism being used, the product being manufactured, availability, purity, cost and processing requirements.
Sugar-based feedstocks
Sugars are among the most widely used feedstocks for industrial fermentation. They can be efficiently metabolised by many microorganisms and are supported by established agricultural and industrial supply chains.
Sugar is frequently selected for large-scale fermentation because of its availability, consistent quality, fermentation performance and compatibility with established industrial processes.
Starch-based feedstocks
Crops such as maize, wheat and potatoes contain starch that can be broken down into fermentable sugars. These sugars can then be used by microorganisms to manufacture a range of ingredients and chemicals.
Agricultural residues
Straw, crop residues, beet pulp and other forms of lignocellulosic biomass contain carbohydrates that may be converted into fermentable sugars. Using these materials can support greater resource efficiency, although they generally require additional preparation and treatment before fermentation.
Food-industry side streams
Some fermentation processes can use suitable side streams from food and beverage manufacturing, including molasses, fruit-processing residues and other carbohydrate-rich materials.
Industrial by-products and organic waste
Certain industrial by-products and organic waste streams may also be suitable for fermentation after appropriate collection, treatment and quality control. Their use depends on having a reliable and consistent supply and ensuring that they meet the technical, safety and regulatory requirements of the intended process and product.
Other renewable feedstocks
Depending on the technology, fermentation and other biotechnology processes may also use plant oils, forestry resources, algae or gases as sources of carbon or nutrients. Many of these alternative feedstocks are still being developed or scaled for particular applications.
The importance of feedstock availability
Industrial fermentation facilities require a dependable supply of feedstock with consistent characteristics.
Interruptions, variations in quality or high raw-material costs can significantly affect production.
Manufacturers must therefore consider:
No single feedstock will be suitable for every fermentation process. Maintaining access to a diverse portfolio of sustainably produced raw materials is essential for the resilience and future growth of Europe’s fermentation industry.