2G feedstocks, also known as lignocellulosic feedstocks, are a key area of research and development in biotechnology as the industry is facing a growing need in the application of these in fermentation processes. Fast moving consumer good companies, for example, are demanding sustainably procured raw materials. By utilizing agricultural residues, 2G feedstock has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil-based and de-forestation-based ingredients and consumer products. Insempra has built a broad toolbox to use feedstocks derived from agricultural wastes and also upcoming intermediates originating from carbon capture methods.

The Fibers365 patented, modular, farm level Steam Fiber Plants allow the competitive extraction of functional cellulosic fibers, lignin and sugars from multi feedstock non-wood biomass. The sugars, currently used for the generation of biogas, can be further valorized by producing high-value products via fermentation for various industrial applications.

“By working together with Insempra, we are combining our unique 2G feedstock derived from agricultural side streams with the highly advanced fermentation technology platform needed to scale and make this sustainable feedstock accessible to broader applications.” said Stefan Radlmayr, Founder and Managing Partner of Fibers365.

One of the primary challenges with 2G feedstocks is the intrinsic material stability of lignocellulosic materials. Unlike first-generation feedstocks (e.g., those derived from beets, corn, sugarcane), which contain easily accessible sugars, lignocellulosic biomass is composed of complex structures that require pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to release the sugars. Developing efficient and cost-effective pre-treatment methods and robust enzymatic cocktails for biomass deconstruction is a key challenge in the adoption of 2G feedstocks at scale.