Waste cardboard can now be used as an effective biomass fuel for large-scale power generation, says new study.
A new study has shown, for the first time, that waste cardboard can be used as an effective source of biomass fuel for large-scale electricity generation. Engineers from the University of Nottingham analyzed cardboard in detail and developed a method to measure its composition for energy use.
The study highlights that cardboard has unique physical and chemical properties compared to traditional biomass fuels. Printed cardboard grades contain lower carbon content, reduced heating value, and high levels of calcium carbonate fillers. These fillers are added to improve stiffness and optical quality, but can form ash when burned. This ash may affect boiler performance in power plants.New method to measure cardboard fuel qualityTo better understand the use of cardboard as a fuel, the researchers developed a novel thermogravimetric method to measure calcium carbonate content. This technique allows for a precise assessment of how different types of cardboard behave during combustion. The tool provides practical guidance for using cardboard as a reliable biomass fuel in power plants.Dr. Orla Williams from the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Manufacturing Engineering said that their findings demonstrate a practical path for using cardboard in large-scale energy production. “With a new methodology for analyzing the exact composition of the different types of cardboard, we can provide a tool that shows how effective it will be. The use of cardboard could provide a secure and stable pipeline for biomass fuel that will help the energy industry reach its sustainability goals,” she added.Milled cardboard. Biomass and the U.K.’s energy needsBiomass is the second largest source of renewable energy in the U.K. It produced 31.1 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2022. Currently, the U.K. uses around 8.3 million metric tons of biomass annually for pulverized fuel combustion. Wood pellets and wood chips make up most of this supply, followed by recycled and waste wood. Other types of biomass contribute only about 1 percent of total usage.The majority of the U.K. wood pellet demand is met through imports from countries such as the United States and Canada. Finding domestic sources of biomass could increase energy security. Waste cardboard offers one such option because large quantities are generated every year.Blocks of biomass char were prepared for analysis of char morphology using image analysis.Cardboard as a domestic biomass resourceIn 2021, the U.K. generated an estimated 5.4 million tons of paper and cardboard packaging waste. Cardboard is typically recycled between five and seven times before the fibers become too short to reuse. After recycling, it is often composted or burned along with other materials in energy-from-waste plants.The University of Nottingham study shows that cardboard can go beyond recycling limits and be used directly as a fuel for power generation. This approach could reduce reliance on imported biomass and provide a stable domestic supply. Using cardboard also supports sustainability goals by turning a common waste material into a valuable energy resource.Potential impact and future stepsThe research offers new opportunities for the energy industry. By using cardboard as a biomass fuel, power plants could diversify their fuel sources and reduce environmental impacts associated with importing wood pellets. The methodology developed by the University of Nottingham provides energy companies with a clear way to evaluate cardboard before burning it.As energy demand grows and sustainability becomes more urgent, using cardboard could be a practical, scalable solution for the U.K. energy sector.The research was published in the journal Biomass and Bioenergy.
Biomass Conversion Biomass Fuel Biomass Materials Cardboard Electricity Fuel Innovation Recycling Science
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