A biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The fuel pellet commonly includes about 5 to 15 wt.% of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt.% cellulosic material. Optionally, the fuel pellet may comprise a lignin additive. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to produce the fuel pellets from a feed mixture which is substantially free of added wax material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.
