Resources and waste management in a bio-based economy.
TL;DR: The goal is to use bio-based materials containing the maximum possible amount of renewable biomass-based derivatives to have a sustainable future and improvements in production and consumption for both materials and fuels should be emphasized simultaneously.
About: This article is published in Waste Management & Research.The article was published on 2012-03-01. It has received 13 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Industrial ecology & Cleaner production.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify different visions and the current understanding of the relationship between the bioeconomy and sustainability in the scientific literature by means of a systematic review, and the results show that the bio economy cannot be considered as self-evidently sustainable.
Abstract: The rise of the bioeconomy is usually associated with increased sustainability. However, various controversies suggest doubts about this assumed relationship. The objective of this paper is to identify different visions and the current understanding of the relationship between the bioeconomy and sustainability in the scientific literature by means of a systematic review. After a search in several databases, 87 scientific journal articles were selected for review. Results show that visions about the relationship between bioeconomy and sustainability differ substantially. Four different visions were identified, including: (1) the assumption that sustainability is an inherent characteristic of the bioeconomy; (2) the expectation of benefits under certain conditions; (3) tentative criticism under consideration of potential pitfalls; and (4) the assumption of a negative impact of the bioeconomy on sustainability. There is considerable attention for sustainability in the scientific bioeconomy debate, and the results show that the bioeconomy cannot be considered as self-evidently sustainable. In further research and policy development, good consideration should therefore be given to the question of how the bioeconomy could contribute to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, it is stressed that the bioeconomy should be approached in a more interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary way. The consideration of sustainability may serve as a basis for such an approach.
294 citations
Cites background from "Resources and waste management in a..."
...[68] Waste Management & Research Processing and Technology I...
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...Some speak of the bioeconomy as if it was self-evidently sustainable, for example referring to the use of renewable resources, which are the basis of the bioeconomy, as sustainable [31,68,88,101,102]....
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TL;DR: In view of the increasing depletion of fossil fuel resources, the concept "bioeconomy" aims at the gradual replacement of fossil fuels by renewable feedstock as mentioned in this paper, and there is fierce controversy over the possible pathways for achieving these objectives.
Abstract: In view of the increasing depletion of fossil fuel resources, the concept “bioeconomy” aims at the gradual replacement of fossil fuels by renewable feedstock. Seen as a comprehensive societal transition, the bioeconomy is a complex field that includes a variety of sectors, actors, and interests and is related to far-reaching changes in today’s production systems. While the objectives pursued—such as reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, ensuring global food security, and increasing the industrial use of biogenic resources—are not generally contentious, there is fierce controversy over the possible pathways for achieving these objectives. Based on a thorough literature review, the article identifies major lines of conflict in the current discourse. Criticism of the prevalent concept refers mainly to the strong focus on technology, the lack of consideration given to alternative implementation pathways, the insufficient differentiation of underlying sustainability requirements, and the inadequate participation of societal stakeholders. Since today it cannot be predicted which pathway will be the most expedient—the one already being taken or one of the others proposed—this paper suggests pursuing a strategy of diversity concerning the approaches to shape the bioeconomy, the funding of research topics, and the involvement of stakeholders.
130 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the process engineering aspects leading to tailorable polymeric products are comprehensively analyzed with emphasis on control of molecular architecture and functionality, and potential usage of poly(glycerol-co-diacid) materials with tailored physicochemical properties on industrially relevant applications is presented.
Abstract: Upgrading of biobased glycerol to commercial products is a necessary step on sustainable development of oleaginous biomass biorefining. The synthesis of poly(glycerol-co-diacid) polyester materials is an attractive option for glycerol usage that can produce a wide range of products of commercial interest. These polymeric materials could be used on industrial applications as biomedical devices, surfactants and in thermoplastic material development. In this review, the process engineering aspects leading to tailorable polymeric products are comprehensively analyzed with emphasis on control of molecular architecture and functionality. Molecular weight, degree of branching, mechanical properties and surface chemistry of the materials can be controlled by fine-tuning synthesis procedures to match custom specifications in end products. Potential usage of poly(glycerol-co-diacid) materials with tailored physicochemical properties on industrially relevant applications is presented. Advantages and challenges in th...
54 citations
17 citations
TL;DR: The use of digestates from hydrogenogenic fermentation for enzyme production holds promise for waste management and promotes energy and added-value bioproduct generation—a green alternative to common practice of management and disposal of organic wastes.
14 citations
Cites background from "Resources and waste management in a..."
...For instance, according to recent estimates, 6 out of 170 billion tonnes of biomass are utilised worldwide (Navia and Mohanty, 2012)....
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