Title

Biomass feedstock supply chains

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-2010

Abstract

The use of ethanol has gained popularity as a result of the growing desire to reduce dependency on foreign oil and concerns about potential climate change. Cellulosic ethanol from woody biomass may be less costly than other forms of ethanol. The feedstock supply chain for processing timber used in biomass-based ethanol has traditionally followed a forward supply chain structure. Unlike feedstock supply chains with the traditional supply chain activities of suppliers, distribution networks, transportation modes, capacity and inventory, this paper proposes an alternative view of the feedstock supply chain using concepts found in reverse supply chains.These activities include uncertainty in supply, collection points, inspection, and quality issues of the timber are applied. This unique application of both forward and reverse supply chain formats takes into account the life and carbon cycles, while at the same time providing a better understanding of the feedstock supply chain.

Publisher's Statement

© 2010 POMS. Publisher’s version of record can be accessed here.

Publication Title

Proceedings of the 2010 Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) Conference

Link to Full Text
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