Projects /
A building that paves the way: the case of the Forestry Hub
Bioproducts from Mediterranean forest biomass
Association of Truffle Producers of Catalonia
SAMBUCUS Cooperative
Wood and Innovation: the Transformative Force of the PRISMA Project
Soriguera: from agroforestry mosaic to resilient landscape
Recovery of Forests with MALWA Machinery
Services /
Product development
Advisory services
Training
Certification
Large‑scale project
Areas /
Wood
Truffle
Aromatic and medicinal plants
Green chemistry
Pine nuts
Environmental planning and management
Innovation in forestry work
Green
chemistry
We apply science
to transform biomass
into opportunities
Des del Hub Forestal implementem solucions basades en la ciència per transformar biomassa mediterrània en bioproductes d’alt valor afegit. Oferim assessorament i acompanyament tècnic per aplicar processos de biorefineria al territori, adaptats a cada projecte i cada cadena de valor.
Aquest coneixement sorgeix d’anys de recerca aplicada al Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) i i al Mediterranean Wood Chemistry Lab i ara està a l’abast de persones, empreses i administracions que vulguin aprofitar la biomassa local —de pinedes, alzinars, suredes o matollars— com a recurs productiu, tancant el cicle de la bioeconomia amb solucions viables i circulars.
What is a biorefinery?
Es tracta d’un sistema que transforma biomassa vegetal (fusta, escorça, fulles, restes de poda o aclarida forestal) en diversos productes útils per a la indústria. El procés clau que fem servir és la piròlisi, una tècnica que escalfant la biomassa a temperatures entre 300 i 500 °C, en absència d’oxigen, permet dividir-la en diferents fraccions:
Liquid fraction
(bio-oil):
It contains a complex mixture of compounds such as antioxidants (phenol, catechol), organic acids (acetic, formic), sugars (levoglucosan), aldehydes and ketones. These have applications in cosmetics, fine chemicals, agriculture, and more. They can be separated and purified according to each sector’s needs.
Solid fraction
(biochar):
A renewable biofuel that also improves soil: it enhances water retention, stabilises nutrients, and supports carbon sequestration. Usually marketed as torrefied pellets, it can replace diesel or other fossil fuels in heating or industrial processes.
Gaseous
fraction
This fraction can be used as renewable energy within the same system, powering the boiler or pyrolysis reactor and improving the plant’s energy self‑sufficiency.
This approach uses 100% of the biomass, turning low‑value materials into economic and environmental value, without generating waste
What products can be obtained?
From Mediterranean biomass, we can produce:
Natural antioxidants
Such as guaiacol, catechol, phenol or vanillin, applicable in cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. For example, vanillin is used as a flavouring in food products (yogurts, sweets, drinks) and as an ingredient in cosmetic creams. These compounds are marketed in the form of liquids or concentrated powders, often in small containers for industry.
Organic acids
Sugars such as levoglucosan
Phenolic resins and pyrolytic lignin
Used for paints, adhesives or composites. Resins are used to make plywood panels, furniture or automotive components. They come as viscous liquids or thermosetting solids
Humic acids and biostimulants
Biochar
A solid biofuel that also has a structuring effect on the soil, promoting water and carbon retention. It is used both in organic agriculture and in biomass boilers.
What we offer?
Selection of the most appropriate valorisation processes
According to each biomass type.
Technical and scientific advice
Across all phases: collection, treatment, transformation, and product validation.
Connection with laboratories and pilot plants
To test technical and economic feasibility.
Strategic support for companies, start-ups or public projects
Wishing to incorporate green chemistry and circularity into their business models
Why it with us?
We are leaders in applied research and practical implementation in Mediterranean environments. We understand the landscape as a living system that requires efficient, forward‑looking management. As a reference centre, we accompany your project with technical and strategic rigour, helping it to become part of a circular, bio‑based development model
