Plants to Products: Biorefining Feedstocks

Ever wondered how farm crops, food waste, or leftover plant materials can become biofuels, bioplastics, or other valuable products? This course builds on Plants to Products: An Introduction to Biorefining and allows you to continue your journey to practical applications

This two-week course from Aberystwyth University takes you on a guided journey through the world of biorefining, showing how land and businesses can turn biomass into opportunities for a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

With the support of UK-focused examples, you’ll explore real-world ways farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses can reduce waste, create new products, and contribute to climate-friendly solutions.

Then you’ll go into further detail about the key processes integrated biorefineries, like straw being turned into bioplastics, to food waste becoming biofuels, and how each can create new revenue streams.

At this point, you’ll also evaluate the economic and environmental impact of biomass sources to support sustainable land management and a circular bioeconomy.

Understanding feedstocks and practical applications

You’ll learn which crops, residues, and by-products are most suitable for different land-based contexts.

Working with UK-focused case studies, you’ll practise assessing feedstocks and developing simple action plans that integrate biomass use and bio-based products into farms or enterprises.

Connect research with the real-world

Throughout the course, you’ll hear from researchers at IBERS, Aberystwyth University, who show how discoveries in enzymes, fermentation, and biomass conversion translate into practical strategies.

You’ll see how these insights help farmers and businesses make sustainable land-use decisions and tap into emerging bioindustry opportunities.