Abstract: A method of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided that includes combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, drying the biomass adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive having a starch and a hydroxide, forming the composite biomass into a shapeform, and heat treating the composite biomass before or after producing the shapeform at a base temperature sufficient to break O-H bonds, the base temperature being below a mean torrefication temperature of the composite biomass such that torrefaction of a substantial portion of the biomass materials does not occur.