Sustainable Pellet Production: Corrugated Cardboard as a Binder for Orange Peel and Tree Pruning Waste

This study aims to analyze the potential of corrugated cardboard as a binder in pellet production, considering its effectiveness as an alternative for energy densification in solid biofuels. The research evaluated the influence of corrugated cardboard in mixtures with varying proportions of orange peel and tree pruning residues. The mechanical properties of the pellets were analyzed to determine the impact of the binder on pellet cohesion, durability, and structural integrity. The results indicated that corrugated cardboard had a significant impact on pellets with a higher proportion of orange peel, increasing durability as the binder content increased. For example, the mixture with a predominance of orange peel achieved 95.3% durability with the binder, compared to 87.5% without the addition of cardboard. This effect is attributed to the interaction between the fibrous structure of the cardboard and the brittle nature of the orange peel biomass. However, in pellets with a higher proportion of tree pruning residues, the binder did not show a significant influence on mechanical durability. These findings suggest that corrugated cardboard can be effectively used as a binder, particularly for fragile materials such as agricultural residues. Its use enhances pellet durability, improves cohesion, and contributes to a viable and sustainable alternative for solid biofuel production.