IARJSET ISSN (Online) 2393-8021 ISSN (Print) 2394-1588 International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 8, Issue 4, April 2021 DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2021.8465 Copyright to IARJSET IARJSET 388 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH INNOVATION: CONVERSION OF WOOD WASTE TO PELLETS Ngozi N. Okorie .* 1 ,Akinola D. Olugbemide 4 , Victoria O. Akpambang 3 , Las Agbetoye 2 , Afamefuna E. Okoronkwo 3 National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Centre for Excellence in Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 1 Agricultural Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria 2 Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 3 Department of Basic Sciences, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria 4 Abstract: Sustainability could be achieved by applying technological innovation to scientific principles. Applying knowledge-based capacity in creatively solving societal problems and as such provide economic empowerment. In this study, wood wastes (sawdust samples) Cetis africana (Ita white); Cordina millenni (Omo Sheda), and mixed sawdust (unclassified) were characterized for optimum condition and made into pellets. An in-house pelletiser of shape factor 2.78 was fabricated for this production. The particle size, binder modification, combustible properties, and calorific value showed that a sample with x ≤ 600 µm, 30% w/v binder concentration at a compressive pressure of 6.2Nm -2 gave the best result. The mixed sawdust sample gave results that were not consistent, requiring a proper initial understanding or sorting out. Cetis africana was observed as the best sample with good pellet quality that can be used in different heating systems. Meeting societal problems such as effective waste management aimed at curbing the negative impact of greenhouse gas emission on the environment and power generation in distributed form can be fast-tracked through innovative research and development which must be commercialised thus financially empowering the society at large. Keywords: Sustainability, Technological innovation, Waste to wealth, Commercialisation INTRODUCTION Sustainability can only be achieved by mainstreaming innovation and mentoring upcoming Engineers and Scientists to think innovatively. This goes beyond departmentalisation but exposing students to an interdisciplinary way of handling issues as students and in preparation for life after school. Technopreneurship is a system of mainstreaming technological innovation towards achieving sustainability in various sector and economies of the world (Rajalingam, 2014; Okorie et al., 2014). This involves capacity building, networking, marketing, project teams, and interdepartmental learning that will produce citizens that are entrepreneurial and have a competitive edge. This will equip even students to be proactive, looking out for ways of using their knowledge-based capacity to solve societal problems. According to Steven Sutantro, as reported by McClure (2015), innovation is about applying technology to empower young people to become lifelong learners who are agents of change. One such innovative works is seeking to convert waste to wealth by turning sawdust to pellet for both industrial and domestic energy use. The research will no longer end only in publications that will in turn end on the shelves but be target-oriented in meeting societal needs. Graduates will no longer come out and be job seekers but problem solvers and employers of labour through various innovations (Rajalingam, 2014). European Union presented some climate and energy targets to be achieved by the year 2030 which gave room for the contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix around the world and the increase in the demand for pellets (Whittaker and Shield, 2017). Biomass stands out among the renewable energy sources that are available for the achievement of these goals. Densification of biomass is crucial in minimizing the disadvantages associated with the use of biomass such as low density, high moisture content, handling, and storage (Malik et al., 2015; Tumuluru. 2014). This can be achieved through briquetting, pelletizing, or agglomeration (Mitchual, 2014). The interest in pelletizing has increased over the years between 2006 and 2012. Pellet production worldwide grew from 7 to 19 million tons with Europe and North America being the highest producer and consumer of these classified products. These have given rise to the introduction of new materials as feedstock and the development of quality standards that will help to guarantee