In an interesting session on “Advanced Biofuels – By-product Valorisation” experts explored how by-product valorisation can transform biofuel production into a sustainable, commercially viable ecosystem – creating value from every fraction of biomass at Second India BioEnergy & Tech Expo 2025. The session reinforced that valorising by-products – from lignin to glycerol is key to reducing costs, boosting profitability, and achieving a circular bioeconomy.

Dr SSV Ramakumar, Chairperson, IFGE: SAFF & EVP/CTO, Greenko AM Green Group explained why biofuel costs remain high, the 3-step ethanol process, and highlighted opportunities to extract textile fibers, compacted materials & high-value bioproducts for Western markets.

Dr Sudarsanam Putla, PhD, IIT Hyderabad spoke on bio-refinery by-product valorisation using advanced heterogeneous catalysts – converting plastic and biomass waste into monomers, fuels, chemicals & lignin-derived carbon materials for additives and bulk chemicals.

 Dr. Priti (Lal), Scientist-E-II & Head-PCPB, CPPRI introduced by-product valorisation pathways, lignin & glycerol utilization, fermentation products, case studies, and their economic and sustainability benefits.

Atul Mulay, Chairman, Bioenergy Committee – IFGE & President, Bioenergy, Praj Industries shared insights on bioenergy applications beyond ethanol, lignin management, carbon capture (CO₂), and the potential of biodiesel & other bio-based chemicals.

 Dr Piyali Das, Associate Director & Senior Fellow, TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute discussed pyrolytic biofuels, biochar & green chemicals using TERI’s pyrolysis technology, including scrap bamboo to nano-carbon and lignin extraction innovations for market-ready solutions.

Rengarajan Sadagopan, General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited talked about commercial scale-up, refining integration, and bio-product market linkages, stressing the need for industry adoption of valorisation practices to ensure financial viability.