In general, any biomass is suitable as raw material for pelletizing. Currently woody biomass is the predominant raw material for fuel pellet production. The main constituents of wood are the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). Other important elements are nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl) and potassium (K) which are present in varying amounts. The density of logged wood is between 400-750 kg/m3. The ash content is around 1% or less but is strongly dependent on bark and needle portion as well as the level of secondary contamination like adhering soil. Pelletizing of hardwood is more difficult and requires the adaption of the pelletizing process.
Thus, softwood is most commonly used with spruce, fir and pine being the most common woody raw materials. Wood has been used for heating and fuel purposes for thousands of years. The wood industry has found itself on the verge of a revolution, however, because of the rapid increase in development and utilization of new wood-based solid and liquid fuels. Wood pellets represent an alternative to the use of coal, gas and even traditional wood logs and chips. Pellets in the U.S. are sold in bags by retailers, adding about $20 per ton in packing, Pellets and wrapping material. With an average price of $276 per ton as of November, pellets can be found for as low as $176 per ton, or as high as $600 per ton in the Northern U.S. approximately 35 new facilities, in addition to the previously existent 15 plants, have started operations. With an average capacity of 66,000 tons per year, and several new facilities planned for 2018 and 2019. As a whole there is a good scope for new entrepreneur to invest in this business.