Review of Pilot-Scale Carbon-Negative Pulping Technologies Using Agricultural Residues: Technical, Economic, and LCA Perspectives
Abstract: This review synthesizes findings from 28 pilot-scale studies on pulping agricultural residues, including bagasse, wheat straw, and rice straw, integrated with bioenergy recovery and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The reviewed studies indicate pulp yields typically ranging from 40-48%, carbon capture efficiencies around 85%, and the potential for low or negative greenhouse-gas emissions under favorable economic conditions. The pulp and paper industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining reliable fiber supply and product quality. Agricultural residues represent a promising alternative to conventional wood feedstocks and can contribute to diversification of fiber resources. When integrated with bioenergy recovery and carbon capture technologies, these systems may significantly reduce the carbon footprint of pulp production. Many previous investigations have relied primarily on laboratory experiments or modeling approaches, with limited integrated pilot-scale evidence addressing technical performance, economic feasibility, and life-cycle environmental impacts. This review compiles and analyzes pilot-scale data on pulping performance, energy balance, carbon capture efficiency, techno-economic indicators (CAPEX $2.5-4.0 million per ktpy; OPEX $620-750 per tonne of pulp), and life-cycle assessment results. The synthesis indicates that agricultural-residue pulping can achieve pulp quality comparable to conventional processes while offering significant opportunities for emission reduction when combined with bioenergy and CCS integration. Economic competitiveness depends strongly on residue availability, energy integration efficiency, and carbon pricing mechanisms ($30-100 per t CO?). Life-cycle assessments further identify transportation logistics and process energy consumption as major contributors to overall environmental impacts. Overall, the reviewed literature indicates that carbon-negative pulping based on agricultural residues is technically feasible at pilot scale and may become economically viable under favorable policy and market conditions. This synthesis provides an integrated overview of current pilot-scale evidence and highlights the potential role of agricultural residues and carbon capture technologies in advancing sustainable pulp production.
Keywords: Agricultural residues; carbon-negative pulping; carbon capture and storage; pilot-scale pulping; techno-economic assessment; life cycle assessment; pulp and paper decarbonization
How to Cite?: Shwet Vashishtha, "Review of Pilot-Scale Carbon-Negative Pulping Technologies Using Agricultural Residues: Technical, Economic, and LCA Perspectives", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 36-46, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26930173150, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26930173150