NNFCC Factsheets
The National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) promotes the use of renewable energy, feedstocks and materials in sectors such as energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and construction. These factsheets provide concise information on the work of the Centre and investigate a wide range of topics including:
• bioethanol
• biodiesel
• renewable feedstocks for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
• renewable building materials
• natural insulation products
• land-use issues
The factsheets are useful when teaching topics such as sustainable development, biotechnology, design and renewable energies.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Addressing Land Use Issues for Non-food Crops
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the issues that surround using land for the growth of biofuel crops rather than food crops. Growing biomass for the energy market could reduce dependence on finite petrochemicals, potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enrich rural businesses. However,…
5/5- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Anaerobic Digestion
From the National Non-Food Crops centre (NNFC), this factsheet reviews the potential of anaerobic digestion technology and its suitability to UK farming and waste systems. The factsheet describes the application of anaerobic digestion (AD), which is the conversion of organic non-woody material in the absence of oxygen into stable…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Artemisia Crops to Treat Malaria
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the challenges of growing the crop Artemisia annua in the UK. The plant produces a compound, artemisinin which is a complex metabolite that cannot be synthesised readily in the laboratory. Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug and can be used to treat malaria parasites…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Bioplastics
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet illustrates the benefits of using bioplastics, their production, properties and uses. The attraction of bioplastics is they deliver environmental benefits even when they aren’t biodegradable. Durables like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Biorenewables Podcasts
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), these two podcasts explore a range of applications and issues in the biorenewables sector. They are primarily aimed at a commercial audience but may be of use to teachers who want to gain a better understanding of plant-derived materials or, when used in part, as stimulus material…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Audio
Borage
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the crop Borago officinalis. This crop has been grown in the UK for a number of years as a high value, speciality oil crop. Similar to evening primrose, borage is recognised as a key source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), contained in the seed oil. Borage oil is widely…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Building With Hemp-Lime Composites
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the use of hemp-based products and hemp-lime technologies into mainstream building practice. It illustrates the use of a plant-derived material in the construction of buildings. Hemp construction uses renewable crop-based materials which have absorbed carbon dioxide,…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Did You Know What Plant Oils Are Used For?
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the uses of oils derived from plant materials. This includes: • soaps and detergents • healthcare • beauty products • feedstocks for the chemical industry • lubricants • fuel. HEALTH and SAFETY Any use of a resource that includes…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Echium
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the use of Echium plantagineum as a crop that produces speciality oils. Echium seeds contain oil, which is high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). Such characteristics make echium oil a valuable component in skin…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Ethanol
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet gives an overview of the current and potential market for biorenewable ethanol in chemical applications. It explores the production and uses of bioethanol. Bioethanol can be produced by the fermentation. Starch and sugar feedstocks are also food crops and so significant…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Hemp
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at hemp, which is grown widely as a fibre crop in Europe and is now also an established minor crop in the UK. Hemp may be grown for both its fibre and oil, and also shows potential as a renewable energy feedstock. The factsheet describes the growth, harvesting,…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Lactic Acid
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the production of lactic acid from plant-based feedstock. Lactic acid can be produced by the fermentation of starch and has a wide range of uses. These include: • the food and beverage sector • pharmaceutical and chemical industries • personal…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Lignin
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet gives an overview of the current and potential market for lignin-based materials. Isolated lignin is used in a wide range of low volume, niche applications. As lignosulfate, it is used in areas such as dye manufacture, resins, concrete admixtures and pesticides. The…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Lignocellulosic Ethanol in the UK
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the production of ethanol from woody feedstocks. The advantage of using these feedstocks is that their use is not diverting food crops for ethanol production. The factsheet describes the sources of feedstocks, ethanol production and assesses the feasibility of production…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Miscanthus
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at miscanthus, which has been grown in the UK for a number of years as an energy crop. The harvested material can currently be used to generate heat and power and in the future may be used as a feedstock for advanced biofuels. The factsheet looks at the growth, harvesting,…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Renewable Building Materials
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet provides an introduction to the properties and advantages of renewable building materials. Renewable materials based on plants offer a sustainable alternative to conventional products in many applications. The factsheets give information on: • introduction to renewable…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Short Rotation Coppice Willow
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow. This is grown as a high biomass energy crop across the UK. SRC Willow is a woody perennial crop, the rootstock remaining in the ground after harvest with new shoots emerging the following spring. Plantations can remain viable…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Starch
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the production and industrial use of starch and modified starches. These have a broad range of uses in the food and non-food sectors. Starch can be either used in its native (unmodified) form or, if specific properties are required, it can be chemically modified.…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
Succinic Acid
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet gives an overview of the current and potential market for biorenewable succinic acid. This is generally derived from petrochemicals and used in applications such as food and drinks, pharmaceuticals, solvents and biodegradable plastics. This factsheet also looks at the production…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Information sheet
The UK Biofuel Supply Chain 2008
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the sources and supply of biofuels in the UK. It describes: • how biodiesel and bioethanol are produced • blends of biofuels used in vehicle fuels • sources and biofuel production in the UK • greenhouse gas emission reductions • future…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
Vegetable Oil and Biodiesel Production
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the production of vegetable oils and biodiesel for vehicle fuels. The factsheet gives information on the benefits of using bio-derived oils and also the economics of production. It also provides information on the use of biofuels. HEALTH and SAFETY Any use of a…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
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Resource by: National Non-Food Crops Centre
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- National Non-Food Crops Centre
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