In the forestry sector, bark has often been viewed as a low-value byproduct—a layer to be removed and discarded to access the valuable wood beneath. However, new research is revealing that this rough outer covering could have untapped value, especially in the case of Monterey pine bark. With promising potential in the biopharmaceutical field, this material could shift from waste to a valuable ingredient in sustainable product development.
Overlooked Value of Tree Bark
Bark typically makes up around 10% to 15% of a tree’s total weight. In many commercial logging operations, especially in fast-growing plantations, most of that material is discarded or used in low-value applications such as mulch or fuel. In New Zealand, where over 90% of commercial forests are made up of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), this adds up to an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of bark produced annually.
Most of that bark is left to decompose or burned for energy, but scientists are increasingly investigating whether its chemical properties could be harnessed for more valuable applications. In particular, some compounds found in Monterey pine bark show potential uses in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and antioxidants.
Extraction Matters: Process and Potential
Researchers from Scion, a research institute in Rotorua, New Zealand, have been exploring whether the way bark is processed influences how much of these valuable compounds can be recovered. While many extraction methods already exist—such as boiling, accelerated solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction—the order in which they are applied had not been rigorously studied.
The research team set out to explore how particle size and extraction sequence affect yields of desirable chemicals. They focused on two types of compounds: hydrophilic (water-soluble) and lipophilic (fat-soluble). These substances include a variety of plant-based compounds with potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and nutrition.
Their findings showed that while the final chemical composition did not vary significantly with extraction order, the amount of material recovered did. Performing the hydrophilic extraction first resulted in a 20% increase in total yield. This sequence also produced higher levels of flavonoids—specifically catechin, quercetin, and taxifolin—all of which are noted for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutraceutical properties.
Why Monterey Pine Bark Stands Out
Pinus radiata is not only one of the fastest-growing conifers used in commercial forestry, but it also produces large volumes of bark annually. The abundance of raw material combined with its rich composition of useful compounds makes it a prime candidate for industrial biorefining.
If scalable methods for compound extraction are developed, the bark from these plantations could serve as a new feedstock for sustainable bioproducts. That could include ingredients for dietary supplements, natural preservatives, skincare formulations, and even early-stage pharmaceutical development.
Key Advantages of Monterey Pine Bark in Bio-Based Industries
- Abundance: Vast quantities of bark are available annually due to widespread commercial planting of P. radiata.
- Bioactive Compounds: Contains flavonoids and other natural chemicals with known health benefits.
- Increased Yield Through Optimization: A simple change in the extraction sequence can boost yields by 20%.
- Sustainability: Reduces waste by converting a byproduct into valuable resources.
- Compatibility with Biorefineries: Could support circular bioeconomy models when integrated into existing processing infrastructure.
A Sustainable Future for Forest Byproducts
The study’s implications go beyond Monterey pine. If similar approaches are applied to other types of tree bark and forestry byproducts, the forestry sector could evolve into a more holistic industry—one that values not only timber but also the biochemical potential of what was once considered waste.
As interest in bio-based product development grows, forestry operations may soon include extraction facilities that sit alongside sawmills, forming integrated systems designed to minimize waste and maximize value. Incorporating bark-derived compounds into consumer products could also support the transition away from synthetic additives, promoting cleaner labels and greener chemistry.
Biotech from Bark: Unlocking the Potential of Forestry Waste
As more researchers focus on sustainable forestry, the bark of fast-growing trees like Pinus radiata could become an important component of bioeconomic innovation. Through thoughtful extraction strategies and targeted investments, the logging industry could unlock new revenue streams while reducing environmental impact.
What was once discarded as debris may soon be refined into a valuable asset—positioning Monterey pine bark not only as a contributor to landscaping and biomass energy, but also as a powerful ingredient in the future of pharmaceuticals and health-focused products.