Byproducts
Byproducts are secondary outputs generated during the production of a primary product or main output. Byproducts are typically less valuable than the primary product but still have value and can be sold in the market. They are often created as a result of a manufacturing process, and their production is not the main objective of the process.
In many cases, byproducts can be used as inputs for other industries, contributing to the efficient use of resources and minimizing waste. By recognizing the value of byproducts, companies can potentially lower their overall production costs by selling these byproducts and generating additional revenue.
For example, in the petroleum refining industry, the primary products are gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. During the refining process, several byproducts such as asphalt, lubricants, and petroleum coke are also produced. These byproducts can be sold to other industries for various purposes, such as road construction, lubrication, and energy production.
Example of Byproducts
let’s consider the lumber industry as an example. When a lumber mill processes logs into lumber, its primary product is wood planks used for construction or furniture making. However, during the milling process, various byproducts are also generated, including:
- Sawdust: The fine wood particles created during the cutting and milling process can be collected and sold to manufacturers of wood pellets, which are used for heating or as animal bedding.
- Wood chips: Small wood pieces created during the milling process can be used as raw material for the production of paper or particleboard. They can also be used as biomass fuel for energy production.
- Bark: The outer layer of the log, removed during the milling process, can be sold to landscapers or garden centers as mulch or used as an organic soil amendment.
These byproducts, although not the primary focus of the lumber mill, still have value and can be sold to generate additional revenue for the business while promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste.
