Researchers analyze chestnut wood waste from tannin industry; study reveals potential applications in biofuels, insulation, and biocomposites for sustainability: University of Tuscia

June 19, 2025 (Ecology Daily News) –

2025 JUN 18 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology Daily News -- Data detailed on Sustainability Research have been presented. According to news originating from Viterbo, Italy , by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a key European species, with Italy playing a crucial role in its forest cover and timber production. Chestnut wood processing generates significant residues,with approximately 40% waste at the sawmill stage alone.”

Financial supporters for this research include PNRR Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.5 - European Union , Terni, Italy .

Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from the University of Tuscia , “A major portion of this waste, including that from fruit tree plantations, is used in the tannin extraction industry, exemplifying a circular economy model. This study analyzed exhausted chestnut wood from the tannin industry, virgin wood (prior to tannin extraction), detannized wood (after tannin removal), and chestnut bark, which is separated before the tannin extraction process. The study assessed both the chemical composition and extractives content of the samples. FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, with key spectral shifts (1640, 1420, 1240, and 1120 cm(-)(1)) indicating enhanced aromatic conjugation after extractive removal. TGA analysis showed that detannized wood degraded faster at high temperatures, suggesting better combustibility and biofuel potential, while lignin-rich residues demonstrated greater thermal stability, making them suitable for insulation and biocomposite applications. These findings support optimizing waste utilization, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing resource efficiency.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “By promoting innovative uses for tannin industry byproducts, this research contributes to sustainability and strengthens circular economy strategies within the forest-wood sector.”

This research has been peer-reviewed.

For more information on this research see: Chemical and Thermogravimetric Characterization of Chestnut Tree Biomass Waste: Towards Sustainable Resource Utilization In the Tannin Industry. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products , 2025;83(3). European Journal of Wood and Wood Products can be contacted at: Springer, One New York Plaza , Suite 4600, New York, Ny , United States . (Springer - www.springer.com; European Journal of Wood and Wood Products - http://www.springerlink.com/content/0018-3768/)

The news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained from Jasmina Jusic , University of Tuscia , Dept Innovat Biol Agrofood & Forest Syst Dibaf, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy . Additional authors for this research include Florian Zikeli , Swati Tamantini , Valeria Pierpaoli , Manuela Romagnoli , Tommaso Giannoni , Marco Barbanera , Miha Grilc and Giorgio Tofani .

The direct object identifier (DOI) for that additional information is: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-025-02262-8. This DOI is a link to an online electronic document that is either free or for purchase, and can be your direct source for a journal article and its citation.

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