Title:
The Potential and Properties of the By-product of Grain Drying as a Recycled Material
Author(s):
Honkanen, H., Väliaho, H., Jämsén, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The VILSKE project in Central Finland investigates the use of grain drying by-products as horse bedding. The aim is to evaluate their material properties, processing needs, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability using a life cycle approach. The project responds to changes in the Finnish bedding market caused by reduced peat availability and increased competition for wood-based materials. Grain drying residues are currently underutilized and often considered a cost for farmers, yet they could improve resource efficiency and support rural cooperation. Their quality varies by grain type, weather conditions, and drying technology, and research data on their use as bedding are limited. Laboratory analyses and expert input have been used to identify key quality requirements. For bedding applications, material essential requirements include high liquid retention, sufficient ammonia binding, low dust levels, and low risk with microbes and mold. Material should be safe for handling and have adequate storage properties. In Central Finland, an estimated 135–340 tonnes of these residues are generated annually. While promising as bedding or energy sources, challenges remain related to occasional availability, logistics, storage, cost-effectiveness and material risks. Future research includes pre-treatment methods, stable-scale trials, and alternative energy applications to support sustainable resource use and peat replacement.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, biomass, grain, recycling, circular economy
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Resource efficient bioeconomy
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3CV.8.6
Pages:
518 - 521
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-3CV.8.6
Price:
FREE
