Does densification influence the steam pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of softwoods to sugars?

► Densification did not result in significant carbohydrate loss from softwoods. ► Densification did not restrict the pretreatment/enzymatic hydrolysis of softwoods. ► Steam pretreatment of wood chips enabled pelletisation without any prior grinding. ► A single pretreatment step for pelletisation and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis.