UNIPD’s Article Published in the Biomass and Bioenergy

We are proud to share a new publication from our partners at the University of Padua (UNIPD), featured in the journal Biomass and Bioenergy, that advances our understanding of the circular potential of agricultural by-products.

The study, titled “A systematic review on the potential of agro-industrial waste for pyrolysis: feedstocks properties and their impact on biochar and pyrolysis gas composition”, provides a comprehensive analysis of how agro-industrial residues, such as tree prunings, nutshells, crop residues, and pomace, can be repurposed through pyrolysis into biochar and syngas, with promising applications in energy and environmental remediation.

Authored by H. Gohar, G. Beggio, M. Schiavon, and M.C. Lavagnolo, the paper systematically reviews findings from the Scopus database, assessing the physicochemical characteristics of various feedstocks and their influence on pyrolysis output. Among the reviewed materials, pruning emerged as the most promising feedstock, followed by nutshells, pomace, and crop residues, demonstrating high energy yields and favourable properties for pollutant adsorption and soil enhancement.

The insights from this review offer valuable guidance for farmers, agronomists, and agri-food companies seeking localised, sustainable valorisation pathways for agricultural waste. We extend our warm congratulations to our UNIBO colleagues for this impactful contribution to bioenergy and sustainable waste valorisation research.