Leaf Resources' feedstock flexibility and strategic business decisions have allowed it to excel despite falling sugar prices

October 11, 2018 | Case Study

Leaf Resources utilizes glycerol and a small amount of sulfuric acid to seperate the hemicellulose and cellulose components of biomass. The company uses an enzyme sourced from Novozymes to hydrolyze these components to C5 and C6 sugars. The technology can produce 0.9 metric tons of sugars per metric ton of cellulose using a 5% enzyme loading in the process. The company can use a variety of biomass feedstocks, including hardwood, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and empty fruit bunches (EFB). Although originally located in Australia, Leaf Resources relocated its headquarters to Malyasia in 2017 and is planning to scale up to a commercial capacity in the country.