Are we on the way to a circular bioeconomy?
The European Union sees a sustainable and circular bioeconomy as “key to achieving a Greenhouse-gas neutral Europe”. But what actually constitutes a circular bioeconomy? And are we already on track towards more sustainable and resource-efficient biomass use?
A recent publication from Utrecht University defines and explains the principles and characteristics of a circular bioeconomy and discusses how far it could contribute to a more sustainable society. The research also sheds light on recent developments and challenges facing regional bioeconomy clusters on the way to a circular bioeconomy.
Circular bioeconomy increasingly discussed at European level
Biomass is not just used for food, bioenergy and biofuels. It can also be used for replacing fossil fuel-based products like plastics, cosmetics or building materials. If not managed sustainably, however, rising biomass demand puts pressure on land and ecosystems.
More resource-efficient use of biomass is one solution for lowering demand. To achieve this goal, the concept of a circular bioeconomy has increasingly found its way into strategies and debates at the European level. Especially for the chemical industry biomass use and recycling are key strategies for reducing the sector’s growing Greenhouse-gas emissions.
Reaching out to experts from bioeconomy clusters
Bioeconomy clusters promote innovation in the bioeconomy, in particular through the interconnection of innovative enterprises with research organizations.
Circular bioeconomy increasingly mentioned in strategies and debates at the European level
To understand in how far a transition towards a circular bioeconomy is already taking place, the researchers reached out to experts from regional bioeconomy clusters in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
The authors found that these clusters are largely already on track towards a circular bioeconomy: they are increasingly using biobased wastes and residues as a resource and are investing in novel, integrated biorefinery concepts. Such biorefineries allow for the efficient co-production of bioenergy, biofuels and different bio-based chemicals in one facility.
“However,” says co-author Paul Stegmann, “our research shows that clusters should still put more focus on developing circular strategies in product design and waste management to allow for a better recycling and cascading of their products”.
Key challenges
The research identified key challenges for implementing circular strategies
- Impeding policies and regulations
- Costs
- The still small sized bio-based markets
A need to address drawbacks and trade-offs
The research reveals that a circular bioeconomy has potential to improve the sustainability of the current bioeconomy. However, the concept is not inherently sustainable and needs to address its potential drawbacks and trade-offs.
“A successful transition to a sustainable, circular bioeconomy requires clear guidance for practitioners and cooperation along and across supply chains,” explains Stegmann. “To guide an effective implementation of the circular bioeconomy and to understand the aggregated impacts of different biomass uses and end-of-life strategies, an integrated assessment of the circular bioeconomy in the context of the wider economy is necessary”.
Further reading
Stegmann, P., Londo, M., & Junginger, M. (2020). The circular bioeconomy: Its elements and role in European bioeconomy clusters. Resources, Conservation & Recycling