Top 10 Companies in the Lignocellulosic Biomass Industry (2026): Pioneers of the Sustainable Bioeconomy

In Business Insights
February 19, 2026


The Global Lignocellulosic Biomass Market was valued at USD 28.9 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 47.3 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This robust growth is fueled by the global transition to renewable energy, supportive government policies for bio-based economies, and technological advancements in converting non-food biomass into biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.

As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-based resources, the focus intensifies on the innovators and producers who are unlocking the potential of wood, agricultural residues, and energy crops. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Lignocellulosic Biomass Industry—a dynamic mix of chemical giants, biotechnology leaders, and specialized refiners shaping the future of the circular bioeconomy.


🔟 1. Novozymes A/S

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Enzymatic Solutions for Biomass Conversion

Novozymes is a global leader in biological solutions, providing the essential enzymes required to efficiently break down tough lignocellulosic materials into fermentable sugars. Their advanced enzyme cocktails are critical for cost-effective production of second-generation biofuels and biochemicals, making them a cornerstone of the biomass value chain.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous R&D to improve enzyme efficiency and reduce biofuel production costs

  • Strategic partnerships with biorefineries worldwide to scale advanced biofuel production

  • Committed to enabling a circular bioeconomy through innovative biological solutions

Download FREE Sample Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. LyondellBasell Industries N.V.

Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Bio-based Polymers and Chemicals from Biomass

LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies, is actively investing in lignocellulosic feedstocks to produce sustainable polymers. Their expertise in catalysis and chemical processing is being directed towards creating bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of circular and renewable solutions through its Circulen product portfolio

  • Investment in advanced recycling technologies that can utilize biomass-derived materials


8️⃣ 3. The Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Biomass-derived Chemicals and Materials

Dow is leveraging its massive chemical manufacturing infrastructure to integrate lignocellulosic biomass into its product lines. The company is developing bio-based routes to key chemicals and plastics, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and offer sustainable solutions to its customers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to transforming waste and biomass into sustainable products

  • Collaborations with agribusinesses to secure sustainable biomass feedstocks


7️⃣ 4. Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc.

Headquarters: Pleasanton, California, USA
Key Offering: Waste-to-Fuels via Lignocellulosic Conversion

Fulcrum BioEnergy is a pioneer in converting municipal solid waste, a rich source of lignocellulosic material, into low-carbon transportation fuels. Their proprietary process, which includes gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, produces sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and diesel.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Developing a network of waste-to-fuels biorefineries across North America

  • Strategic offtake agreements with major airlines for SAF supply


6️⃣ 5. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Sunliquid® Technology for Cellulosic Ethanol

Clariant is a specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on its sunliquid® technology, a state-of-the-art process for producing cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues like wheat straw and corn stover. This enzymatic process offers a significant GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Operates a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Romania

  • Licensing its sunliquid® technology to partners globally to scale production

Download FREE Sample Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Poet LLC

Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
Key Offering: Biofuels and Bioproducts from Biomass

POET, one of the world’s largest ethanol producers, has made significant strides in lignocellulosic biofuel through its Project LIBERTY. This facility converts corn crop residue into cellulosic ethanol, demonstrating the commercial viability of advanced biofuels.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the use of agricultural waste for biofuel production at scale

  • Continuous innovation in pretreatment and fermentation processes to improve yields


4️⃣ 7. Borregard AS

Headquarters: Sarpsborg, Norway
Key Offering: Bio-based Chemicals from Wood

Borregard operates one of the world’s most advanced and integrated biorefineries, using wood (a primary lignocellulosic feedstock) to produce vanillin, specialty cellulose, and bio-based chemicals. Their expertise in valorizing all components of wood is a benchmark in the industry.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Nearly 90% of its products are based on renewable raw materials

  • Focus on creating high-value chemicals from the lignin fraction of biomass


3️⃣ 8. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Advanced Biofuels from Forest Residues

UPM, a leading forest industry group, has successfully ventured into biofuels with its UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery in Finland. The facility produces advanced biofuels from crude tall oil and wood-based residues, supplying the transportation sector with renewable alternatives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in next-generation biorefining to produce biofuels from wood residues

  • Commitment to the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C


2️⃣ 9. Versalis (Eni)

Headquarters: San Donato Milanese, Italy
Key Offering: Bioethanol and Biochemicals

Versalis, the chemical company of Eni, is active in developing technologies for producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. Their Proesa® technology is a proven process for converting non-food biomass into second-generation biofuels and chemical intermediates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Developing integrated biorefineries that utilize agricultural and forestry waste

  • Part of Eni’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050


1️⃣ 10. GranBio Technologies

Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Key Offering: Biofuels and Nanocellulose from Sugarcane Biomass

GranBio is a Brazilian industrial biotechnology company focused on converting sugarcane straw and bagasse into second-generation ethanol and other bioproducts. Its proprietary technology is tailored to tropical biomass feedstocks, positioning it as a key player in the Americas.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the production of nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass

  • Strategic partnerships to deploy its technology in the United States and other markets

Get Full Report Here: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Lignocellulosic Biomass Is Integrated and High-Value

The lignocellulosic biomass market is evolving from a focus primarily on biofuels to a more integrated model that produces a spectrum of high-value products. While biofuels remain a critical driver, the industry is increasingly investing in biorefining technologies that extract maximum value from every ton of biomass, producing chemicals, materials, and energy.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rise of integrated biorefineries that co-produce fuels, power, and chemicals

  • Policy support and blending mandates for advanced biofuels in the EU, US, and Asia

  • Technological breakthroughs in enzymatic hydrolysis and synthetic biology improving economics

  • Strategic alliances between chemical companies, technology providers, and feedstock suppliers

Get Full Report Here: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only processing biomass—they are building the foundation for a sustainable, bio-based industrial revolution.

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