Hemicellulose

Hemicelluloses are the second most abundant polysaccharide in the world. About 25% of wood biomass is made up of hemicellulose and arabinoxylans are the main hemicellulose in hardwoods and agricultural crops. Our hemicellulose XYLENSE® is extracted from sustainable raw materials such as oat husks, straw and other side streams from both agricultural and forest industries using our BIOFORSENSE technology.

Hemicellulose’s applications

Hemicellulose is a multipurpose, renewable biopolymer with many versatile, high-value applications due to its water solubility, biodegradability and amorphous, flexible structure. Its polysaccharide structure can be hydrolysed to sugars, which can be used in the production of different biofuels and chemicals. Polymeric, natural hemicellulose can be used as an environmentally friendly and inexpensive emulsifier to stabilise food and cosmetic products.

Hemicellulose can be used in the production of various daily products, such as takeaway coffee cups, cosmetics, and food. This renewable natural biopolymer can also be used in consumer packaging to make more natural and environmentally friendly packages which replace plastic. In cosmetics, hemicellulose gives lotions a smooth, easily applicable consistency.

It is one of the solutions of the future for reducing plastics use and making edibles and consumables more natural and more sustainable.