Alternative markets and uses for energy crops

Slideshow of images for Wales Energy Crops Information Centre

Whilst Miscanthus and Short Rotation Willow are entering the agricultural arena as energy crops, there are already a number of additional markets that are utilising these crops. Environmental uses for the crops are considered in the biodiversity and environment section of the website and in the future, it is likely that new industrial uses for the crops will develop to utilise various chemical components of the crop. For example willow bark contains compounds such as salicin which is a compound from which aspirin can be derived. The future production of hydrogen based biofuels from lignocellulosic materials will also open up the transport fuel market to these crops.

Other potential markets/uses for Miscanthus.

Medium Density FibreBoard and Paper: Miscanthus stems are composed of short fibres which makes it potentially attractive for MDF and paper markets. The market in this area is currently expanding and it is possible that non-tree sources of MDF may attract a premium. MDF production in the UK is centred in the NorthWest and Wales, hence there is potential for Welsh growers to access this market. Paper production is also an active industry in Wales, with Shotton paper mill in Flintshire being the largest newsprint producer in the UK. The Biocomposites Centre at the University of Bangor is currently looking at Miscanthus, and in China it has already been used in the paper industry.

Animal Bedding: The scale of the animal bedding market is large at over 4 million tonnes/year, though value of the bedding product can range from £10/tonne to £350 a tonne depending on the end market. A couple of companies in the UK are successfully marketing Miscanthus for animal bedding. Miscanthus has potential in that it can absorb up to 3 times its own weight in moisture. In addition it can benefit horses that suffer from respiratory problems associated with dust from conventional straw bedding. Bical and MiscanthusPure in the UK are operating in these markets.

In addition to the above, Miscanthus canes could also make good substitutes for bamboo canes, biodegradable plant pots and other composites, game cover, thatching, insulation etc. In addition Bical have also been involved with the production of plastic car components from Miscanthus. The Defra report “Miscanthus Agronomy - for fuel and industrial uses” covers most of these areas in greater depth.

Other potential markets for Short rotation Willow Coppice (SRC)

The craft market for willow is already well known, with willow baskets etc. having been produced for hundreds of years. Willow has been specially bred for craft purposes since the 1800’s.

Other markets for willow includes: hurdles, coffins, cricket bats, eel and lobster pots, coracles and picnic hampers.

Animal bedding: The use of woodchip as animal bedding from SRC and other sources, is being researched in Wales and has received funding through Farming Connect and is managed by Meat Promotion Wales. A downloadable sheet on wood chip as animal bedding can be downloaded from the CALU website.

Alternative Health markets: White willow is often called “natures aspirin” and is often sold in a capsule/tablet form in health food shops.