Carbohydrate Pulp in Lignin-First Biorefineries: Properties and Applications: A Perspective Review

Abstract

The shift toward sustainable lignocellulose biorefineries has raised interest in lignin-first technologies, which aim to valorize lignin while preserving the carbohydrate pulp. While much attention has been devoted to lignin depolymerization, the fate and potential of the resulting carbohydrate pulp remain comparatively underexplored. Achieving full valorization of both lignin and carbohydrates is essential for the successful implementation of lignin-first biorefineries. This review provides a critical overview of the current state-of-the-art in carbohydrate pulp obtained from lignin-first processes, with a particular focus on Reductive Catalytic Fractionation (RCF). The influence of process parameters on the chemical composition, structural integrity, and morphological features of the pulp is discussed. In addition, this review highlights recent advances in pulp applications, including biological and chemical conversion, and outlines emerging opportunities in material and fiber valorization.To our knowledge, this is the first review to place carbohydrate pulp at the center of lignin-first research, identifying challenges and proposing future directions to fully integrate pulp valorization within the lignin-first biorefinery concepts.