Availability of lignocellulosic feedstocks for lactic acid production - Feedstock availability, lactic acid production potential and selection criteria

The overall objective of this study is to assess the worldwide availability and suitability of agricultural residues for lactic acid production, based on fermentation of carbohydrates. The study focuses on lignocellulosic biomass that is produced as a by-product of agricultural production. The results of the study can be used to rank different biomass types on their lactic acid or fermentable sugar production potential. For each residue, both total production (ton of fermentable sugars per year) and productivity (fermentable sugars produced per ha of agricultural land) are considered. Furthermore, the production of non-fermentable residues (e.g. lignin) is included as well in the study. The study is concluded by series of recommendations on what factors to consider when choosing a suitable lignocellulosic feedstock for production of lactic acid, or for other fermentation processes. The results of this study can be used to further evaluate suitability, cost and sustainability of using agricultural residues as feedstock for fermentative production of lactic acid production, or other biochemical conversion processes.