Industry News
Honda and RITE develop cellulosic ethanol refining process
20th September 2006
The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth and Honda have jointly developed technology that produces ethanol from ‘soft’ biomass sources such as leaves, waste wood and other non-edible plant materials. The RITE-Honda process involves pre-treatment to separate cellulose from soft biomass; saccharification of cellulose and hemicellulose; conversion of sugar into ethanol using micro-organisms; and ethanol refinement.
The new process, which the partners say results in a significant increase in ethanol production per unit of feedstock and an expansion of biomass utilization, holds enormous potential in terms of sustainable energy.
RITE and Honda plan to further develop bio-refinery technology for production not only of ethanol but also various other industrial commodities, including automotive materials.
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