Techno-economic assessment and life cycle analysis of a corncob-based xylitol biorefinery

A detailed techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of a proposed xylitol biorefinery from corncob biomass was performed. The calculations are based on a plant with 20 t of corncob as the feed. Based on the simulation analysis, the commercial plant was estimated to produce ∼209 t of food-grade xylitol annually. The selling price of xylitol was calculated to be Rs 375/kg of crystals, which would achieve a payback of less than 5 years with a high internal rate of return. The environmental impacts calculated from the plant showed GHG emissions of ∼7.67 kg CO₂ eq/kg of the crystals with low water footprint and other ecotoxicities. The electrical and steam utilities involved in different unit operations within the plant were the major contributors towards CO₂ emissions and the operating cost. The results illustrated that the plant would have favorable economics and can contribute towards sustainable xylitol production in India.