Development and Life Cycle Assessment of Wheat Bran-Derived Cellulose-Based Formulations for Extrusion Processing

Abstract

The large volumes of lignocellulosic residues generated by the paper, wood, and agri-food sectors represent a valuable renewable resource for the sustainable production of chemicals, energy, and bio-based materials. This study explores the valorization of wheat bran, which can be employed in the production of cellulose-based materials through molding processes using sustainable chemicals, thereby valorizing substrates no longer suitable for food applications. The formulations were optimized using eco-compatible additives and characterized by thermal, spectroscopic, rheological, wettability, and morphological analyses. Manual syringe extrudability and preliminary shape retention were experimentally verified for both WBd_B1X7 and WBC_B1X7. This work proposes a low-impact, circular supply chain for cellulose-based polymeric materials, integrating waste-derived raw materials, environmentally friendly processes and life cycle assessment to enable the sustainable production of functional materials. Compared with the WBd preparation route, the WBC route reduced the investigated environmental impacts by approximately 60–80%, while providing a formulation with rheological properties suitable for extrusion-based deposition.