A system and method for utilizing and replacing an anonymous recognition substrates, which can be anonymous recognition cards, codes, emitters, tags, or any combination. The process relates to the pretreatment of corncob biomass and includes the steps of exposing corncob to steam in a reaction vessel at an elevated temperature and reaction pressure for a preselected exposure time. The rotational member is configured to facilitate selection of at least a first position and a second position, and the first sensor element and the second sensor element are operatively coupled to facilitate sensing of the selected position. During processing, an electrically conductive film, for example, made of metal, may be applied on the rear side of the substrate.