Feedstock

Biomass feedstocks refer to biological materials — such as forestry residues, agricultural crops, organic wastes, and algae — that can be converted into energy, fuels and high-value biobased products. Within the UK, these feedstocks form a critical part of the emerging bioeconomy, offering low-carbon, renewable alternatives to fossil-based resources.

Key sources of biomass in the UK include the forestry, farming and waste sectors. Utilising feedstocks from these sources reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes resource efficiency, stimulates innovation and drives economic growth in rural and industrial sectors.

By advancing the responsible production and use of biomass, the UK can strengthen its transition towards a low-carbon, circular economy — where biological resources are optimised to deliver sustainable energy, materials, and solutions for future generations.

Selecting the right biomass feedstock is crucial to the success of any bioeconomy project. It is essential to understand which types of feedstock are compatible with the intended process and whether a reliable, high-quality supply can be secured and maintained over time. While scaling up a project can lower costs per unit of output, it can also place increased pressure on local biomass resources. At the same time, some processes require highly specific feedstocks to enable high-value extraction and production.

At Alder BioInsights, we have extensive experience in evaluating biomass resources at regional, national, and international levels. Our assessments are designed to build investor and developer confidence by considering not only current availability but also emerging and competing demands. We also assist in identifying biomass sources, suppliers, and intermediaries, and provide practical guidance on contracting practices to support long-term, secure supply chains.

To help business planning, we also have access to internal and external costing and carbon accounting tools that can be used to help businesses assess both the economic and sustainability credentials of proposed or ongoing business opportunities. We regularly undertake due diligence on feedstock plans, proposals, strategies, use and compliance to ensure developing and operational projects are credible and robust.

Strategic & Practical Advice

With a diverse background, we have the ability to deliver strategic and practical expertise for producers, processors and end-users of feedstock from agriculture, forestry, municipal and industrial wastes.

Through our work in both policy support and assisting business compliance, we have a well-developed understanding of biomass support schemes and sustainability issues, and experience helping biomass users ensure they meet the required standards, including dealing with novel resources and helping to get such recognised by relevant authorities.

We also advise on handling, storage and conversion to ensure raw materials are efficiently and sustainably sourced, technically compatible and economically robust.