Integrated Forest Biorefineries: Emerging Technologies, Pilot-Scale Case Studies, and Advances in Biomass-Derived Bioproducts

Dear Colleagues,

Integrated forest biorefineries are emerging as strategic technological platforms for converting lignocellulosic biomass (including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives) into value-added bioproducts and advanced biobased materials. Recent progress in pretreatment and fractionation technologies, biochemical and thermochemical conversion routes, and the production of nanocellulose and biocomposites is enabling more efficient, selective, and scalable processing pathways. These innovations strengthen the cascading use of forest biomass and are increasingly demonstrated across the laboratory, pilot, demo, and industrial scales, contributing to reducing dependence on fossil-based raw materials and supporting the development of renewable and biodegradable alternatives.

This Special Issue highlights scientific and technological developments that advance the implementation of integrated forest biorefineries. Contributions are invited on emerging conversion technologies, selective upgrading of lignocellulosic components, production of high-value bioproducts, and case studies that illustrate technological readiness and industrial deployment. Submissions addressing techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, and process integration strategies that enhance sustainability, competitiveness, and scalability are also welcome.

By integrating applied research with industrially relevant innovations, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the development of efficient, low-carbon, technology-driven forest biorefineries that strengthen a resilient and competitive bioeconomy.

Dr. María Noel Cabrera
Dr. Beatriz Gullón
Prof. Dr. María Cristina Area
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.