As a raw material candidate for producing bioethanol, paper sludge has certain advantages over other feedstock such as agricultural residues or wood sources, including:
• Paper sludge is produced at a concentrated site and permanent production location, making the sourcing of sludge easy at practically no cost.
• The utilization of sludge for ethanol diverts material going to landfills and avoids truck hauling costs and landfill investments.
• Paper sludge is composed of carbohydrate materials in the form of very fine fibers with high specific surface area and often with little lignin present.