C-Source Renewables launches Arborlyse, an Innovate UK-backed project designed to convert underutilised wood waste into renewable chemical inputs – a breakthrough that supports resilient supply chains and the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
The £218,000 12-month initiative, funded by Innovate UK, will focus on a novel extraction process of lignin, cellulose and hemi-cellulose from wood waste. With CSR’s role to recover and convert cellulose and hemicellulose to produce glucose syrups. These bio-based sugars provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived feedstocks, which are traditionally imported and increasingly exposed to supply chain disruptions.
In partnership with Impact Laboratories Limited, which will lead research on lignin extraction using novel process intensification technologies, the project aims to demonstrate a scalable approach to wood waste recovery by processing up to 5 kg of waste per batch during its pilot phase. Success at this scale could pave the way for larger deployments, enabling UK manufacturers, packaging companies, and other sectors to secure a more stable supply of renewable raw materials.
By targeting wood waste – a resource often relegated to low-value uses, incineration, or landfill – the project seeks to drive value back into the UK economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen the nation’s ability to meet its legally binding Net Zero commitments by 2050.
Rylan Cox, Director and Co-Founder of C-Source Renewables, said: “Wood waste has enormous untapped value, yet it continues to be overlooked in favour of traditional raw materials. The Arborlyse project is about proving that we can recover more from what we already have in an economical way– but critically do so in a way that builds resilience, lowers emissions, and supports sustainable growth across multiple sectors.
“As SMEs, we have the agility and focus to make projects like this a success. Collaboration is key – and by working with partners such as Impact Laboratories Limited, we’re demonstrating how the UK can innovate its way to stronger, cleaner supply chains.
“Projects like Arborlyse demonstrate the growing role of clean technology SMEs in meeting the UK’s sustainability targets. By unlocking new value from waste and creating domestic supply chains for renewable materials, together we are building the foundations of a circular economy – one that minimises waste, maximises resource efficiency, and delivers tangible progress towards Net Zero.”
C-Source Renewables is also investing heavily in research and infrastructure to accelerate innovation in waste valorisation, with construction well underway at the company’s new Bedford facility, which will include pilot-scale processing capability to support R&D and partnerships with commercial organisations.
Once fully operational, the plant will enable the conversion of multiple waste streams into bio-based sugars and platform chemicals at scale, strengthening the UK’s bioeconomy and reducing reliance on imported fossil feedstocks.
For more information about C-Source Renewables and the innovative work they are doing, visit: https://csourcerenewables.com/
