Integrated Lignocellulosic Biorefinery for Sustainable Bio-Based Economy

Upsurge of interests in biomass-based economy has opened up many new challenges related to knowledge, technology, economics and society. The complexity of lignocellulosic biomass is comparable to petroleum, and hence, the concept of biorefinery has emerged. A better understanding of the complexity of the lignocellulosic biomass has helped in exploitation of each of its constituent at the fullest for production of a wide variety of products in comparison to the production of single products previously. The production of multiple products such as biofuels and other valuable bio-based materials from lignocellulosic feedstock requires integration of various processes in biorefinery operations in analogy with petroleum-based refineries. Therefore, it is important to understand key issues of lignocellulose biorefining. This chapter deals with the concept and practice of integrated lignocellulosic biorefinery for sustainable development, different products and the sustainability aspects. In the end, current status and future prospects of lignocellulosic biomass-based biorefinery are discussed.