Effect of steam explosion and enzymatic pre-treatments on pulping and bleaching of Hesperaloe funifera

► Steam explosion pre-treatment increased delignification in pulping of Hesperaloe funifera. ► The addition of LMS treatment before kraft pulping did not improve delignification. ► The addition of LMS treatment before bleaching improved pulp characteristics. ► This improvement in biobleaching was boosted with steam explosion pre-treatment.