Bio-based material

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A bio-based material is a material intentionally made, either wholly or partially, from substances derived from living (or once-living) organisms, [1] such as plants, animals, enzymes, and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and yeast. [2] [3]

Contents

Due to their main characteristics of being renewable and to their ability to store carbon over their growth, recent years assisted to their upsurge as a valid alternative compared to more traditional materials in view of climate mitigation. [4]

In European context, more specifically, European Union, which has set 2050 as a target date to reach climate neutrality, [5] is trying to implement, among other measures, the production and utilization of bio-based materials in many diverse sectors. Indeed, several European regulations, such as the European Industrial Strategy, [6] the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative [7] and the Circular Action Plan, [8] emphasize bio-materials. These regulations aim to support innovation, investment, and market adoption of bio-materials while enhancing the transition towards a circular economy where resources are used more efficiently. [9] In this regard, the application of bio-based materials has been already tested on several market segments, ranging from the production of chemicals, to packaging and textiles, till the fabrication of full construction components. [9]

Bio-based materials can differ depending on the origin of the biomass they're mostly constituted. [10] Moreover, they can be differently manufactured, [4] resulting in either simple or more complex engineered bio-products, which can be used for many applications. [11] Among processed materials, it is possible to distinguish between bio-based polymers, bio-based plastics, bio-based chemical fibres, bio-based leather, [12] bio-based rubber, bio-based coatings, bio-based material additives, bio-based composites. [11] Unprocessed materials, instead, may be called biotic material.

Bio-based, organic, and bio-degradable materials

Bio-based materials vs. biodegradable materials

Bio-based materials are often biodegradable, but this is not always the case.

By definition, biodegradable materials are formed or organic compounds which can thus be broken down by living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or water molds, and reabsorbed by the natural environment. [13]

Whether a material is biodegradable is determined by its chemical structure, not the origin of the material from which it is made. [14] Indeed, the sustainability benefits of drop-in biobased plastics occur at the beginning of the material life cycle, but still, when manufactured, their structure is identical to their fossil-based counterparts. Therefore, these plastics, known as ‘drop-ins’, are not biodegradable, and should be recycled in existing recycling systems. [14]

In this regard, biodegradability does not support circularity unless biodegradable materials are recovered and processed by a system that can either recapture or upgrade their value. Ensuring a proper infrastructure for these materials to remain in the material management system, for instance through industrial composting or anaerobic digestion, is thus considered to be essential. [14]

Bio-based materials vs. organic materials

Similarly, bio-based materials are not necessarily organic, as the term "bio-based" simply indicates the material origin. [15] The term "organic" instead refers to the cultivation of plants or the keeping of the animals in compliance with the requirements of the European organic farming standard. Consequently, a bio-product can be both "bio-based" and "organic," but it is not necessarily so. [15]

Bio-based materials vs. fossil-based materials

It is not given that bio-based materials always perform better than fossil-based materials. [15] [16]

Their environmental performance depends on a series of factors, related to the sourced material and to the amount and typology of manufacturing processes the raw natural material need to undergo to become a bio-product. [16]

One of the main factors influencing the sustainability of bio-materials is land consumption, land competition for food production and soil depletion. [16] In this regard, in the European context many studies have been conducted to analyze the actual availability of land for the production of bio-materials, [17] [18] while bio-residues and wastes coming from either the agro-industrial and forestry sectors are gaining interest. [19] [20] [21]

Moreover, manufacturing processes needed for the production of competitive bio-alternatives to fossil-based products might lead to higher energy consumptions or to "linear", non-circular, products. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a critical mindset based on Life Cycle Assessment analysis, [22] as some bio-products could require either extra material or processing to ensure the same quality, resulting necessarily in more energy consumption. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodegradation</span> Decomposition by living organisms

Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. It is generally assumed to be a natural process, which differentiates it from composting. Composting is a human-driven process in which biodegradation occurs under a specific set of circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biorefinery</span> Refinery that converts biomass to energy and other beneficial byproducts

A biorefinery is a refinery that converts biomass to energy and other beneficial byproducts. The International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 42 defined biorefining as "the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of bio-based products and bioenergy ". As refineries, biorefineries can provide multiple chemicals by fractioning an initial raw material (biomass) into multiple intermediates that can be further converted into value-added products. Each refining phase is also referred to as a "cascading phase". The use of biomass as feedstock can provide a benefit by reducing the impacts on the environment, as lower pollutants emissions and reduction in the emissions of hazard products. In addition, biorefineries are intended to achieve the following goals:

  1. Supply the current fuels and chemical building blocks
  2. Supply new building blocks for the production of novel materials with disruptive characteristics
  3. Creation of new jobs, including rural areas
  4. Valorization of waste
  5. Achieve the ultimate goal of reducing GHG emissions
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bioplastic</span> Plastics derived from renewable biomass sources

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch and rice starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc. Some bioplastics are obtained by processing directly from natural biopolymers including polysaccharides and proteins, while others are chemically synthesized from sugar derivatives and lipids from either plants or animals, or biologically generated by fermentation of sugars or lipids. In contrast, common plastics, such as fossil-fuel plastics are derived from petroleum or natural gas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reuse</span> Using again

Reuse is the action or practice of using an item, whether for its original purpose or to fulfill a different function. It should be distinguished from recycling, which is the breaking down of used items to make raw materials for the manufacture of new products. Reuse—by taking, but not reprocessing, previously used items—helps save time, money, energy and resources. In broader economic terms, it can make quality products available to people and organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity that contribute to the economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodegradable waste</span> Organic matter that can be broken down

Biodegradable waste includes any organic matter in waste which can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane, compost, humus, and simple organic molecules by micro-organisms and other living things by composting, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion or similar processes. It mainly includes kitchen waste, ash, soil, dung and other plant matter. In waste management, it also includes some inorganic materials which can be decomposed by bacteria. Such materials include gypsum and its products such as plasterboard and other simple sulfates which can be decomposed by sulfate reducing bacteria to yield hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic land-fill conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodegradable plastic</span> Plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Textile recycling</span> Method of reusing or reprocessing used clothing, fibrous material and rags

Textile recycling is the process of recovering fiber, yarn, or fabric and reprocessing the material into new, useful products. Textile waste is split into pre-consumer and post-consumer waste and is sorted into five different categories derived from a pyramid model. Textiles can be either reused or mechanically/chemically recycled.

The plastics industry manufactures polymer materials—commonly called plastics—and offers services in plastics important to a range of industries, including packaging, building and construction, electronics, aerospace, manufacturing and transportation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bioeconomy</span> Economic activity focused on biotechnology

Biobased economy, bioeconomy or biotechonomy is economic activity involving the use of biotechnology and biomass in the production of goods, services, or energy. The terms are widely used by regional development agencies, national and international organizations, and biotechnology companies. They are closely linked to the evolution of the biotechnology industry and the capacity to study, understand, and manipulate genetic material that has been possible due to scientific research and technological development. This includes the application of scientific and technological developments to agriculture, health, chemical, and energy industries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sustainable packaging</span> Packaging which results in improved sustainability

The term sustainable packaging is used to describe the development and use of packaging materials and methods that result in improved sustainability. This involves increased use of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to help guide the use of packaging which reduces the environmental impact and ecological footprint. It includes a look at the whole of the supply chain: from basic function, to marketing, and then through to end of life (LCA) and rebirth. Additionally, an eco-cost to value ratio can be useful The goals are to improve the long term viability and quality of life for humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. Sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is not necessarily an end state but is a continuing process of improvement.

Oxo-degradation, refers to the process by which plastics that contain additives that accelerate its breakdown into smaller fragments, called microplastics, when exposed to heat, light or oxygen. This is in contrast to biodegradable or compostable plastics, which break down at the molecular or polymer level. Oxo-degradable plastics are currently banned in the EU, but still permitted in other jurisdictions such as the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodegradable bag</span> Bag capable of being decomposed

Biodegradable bags are bags that are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plastic</span> Material of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be molded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to their widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Circular economy</span> Production model to minimise wastage and emissions

A circular economy is a model of resource production and consumption in any economy that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. The concept aims to tackle global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution by emphasizing the design-based implementation of the three base principles of the model. The main three principles required for the transformation to a circular economy are: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. CE is defined in contradistinction to the traditional linear economy.

Sustainable products are products either sustainably sourced, manufactured or processed and provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while protecting public health and the environment throughout their whole life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal.

Bioproducts engineering or bioprocess engineering refers to engineering of bio-products from renewable bioresources. This pertains to the design and development of processes and technologies for the sustainable manufacture of bioproducts from renewable biological resources.

Biodegradable additives are additives that enhance the biodegradation of polymers by allowing microorganisms to utilize the carbon within the polymer chain as a source of energy. Biodegradable additives attract microorganisms to the polymer through quorum sensing after biofilm creation on the plastic product. Additives are generally in masterbatch formation that use carrier resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

AMSilk is an industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers. The polymers are biocompatible and breathable. The company was founded in 2008 and has its headquarters at Campus Neuried in Munich. AMSilk is an industrial biotechnology company with a proprietary production process for their silk materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amar K. Mohanty</span> Material scientist and biomaterial engineer

Amar K. Mohanty is a material scientist and biobased material engineer, academic and author. He is a Professor and Distinguished Research Chair in Sustainable Biomaterials at the Ontario Agriculture College and is the Director of the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre at the University of Guelph.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bio-based building materials</span> Possible solution to carbon emissions in construction

Bio-based building materials incorporate biomass, which is derived from renewable materials of biological origin such as plants,, animals, enzymes, and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast.

References

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  2. ↑ Bourbia, S.; Kazeoui, H.; Belarbi, R. (August 2023). "A review on recent research on bio-based building materials and their applications". Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy. 12 (2): 117–139. doi: 10.1007/s40243-023-00234-7 . ISSN   2194-1459.
  3. ↑ Sherwood, James; Clark, James; Farmer, Thomas; Herrero-Davila, Lorenzo; Moity, Laurianne (2016-12-29). "Recirculation: A New Concept to Drive Innovation in Sustainable Product Design for Bio-Based Products". Molecules. 22 (1): 48. doi: 10.3390/molecules22010048 . ISSN   1420-3049. PMC   6155919 . PMID   28036077.
  4. 1 2 "The Circular Economy of Carbon: The Role of Bio-Based Materials". Human Spaces. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  5. ↑ "Climate change mitigation: reducing emissions". www.eea.europa.eu. 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  6. ↑ "European industrial strategy - European Commission". commission.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  7. ↑ "Press corner". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  8. ↑ "Circular economy action plan - European Commission". environment.ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  9. 1 2 "Commission takes action to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU". ec.europa.eu. 2024-03-20.
  10. ↑ Castellano, Giorgio; Paoletti, Ingrid Maria; Malighetti, Laura Elisabetta; Carcassi, Olga Beatrice; Pradella, Federica; Pittau, Francesco (2023), Amziane, Sofiane; Merta, Ildiko; Page, Jonathan (eds.), "Bio-based Solutions for the Retrofit of the Existing Building Stock: A Systematic Review", Bio-Based Building Materials, vol. 45, Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, pp. 399–419, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-33465-8_31, ISBN   978-3-031-33464-1 , retrieved 2024-07-12
  11. 1 2 "What Are The Categories Of Bio-Based Materials? What Is The Relevance To Carbon Emissions?". 2022-03-11.
  12. ↑ Kefale, Girmaw Yeshanbel; Kebede, Zerihun Teshome; Birlie, Alehegn Atalay (2023). "A Systematic Review on Potential Bio Leather Substitute for Natural Leather". Journal of Engineering. 2023: 1–11. doi: 10.1155/2023/1629174 .
  13. ↑ "Biodegradability | Definition, Process, Examples, Plastics, Composting, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  14. 1 2 3 "Biobased vs. Biodegradable | Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance". bioplasticfeedstockalliance.org. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  15. 1 2 3 "Fact-or-Myth: Bio-based, organic, biodegradable. What are these terms all about?". cordis.europa.eu.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "Does 'biobased' always mean 'more sustainable'?". Ecochain. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  17. ↑ Göswein, Verena; Reichmann, Jana; Habert, Guillaume; Pittau, Francesco (2021-07-01). "Land availability in Europe for a radical shift toward bio-based construction". Sustainable Cities and Society. 70: 102929. Bibcode:2021SusCS..7002929G. doi:10.1016/j.scs.2021.102929. hdl: 11311/1170056 . ISSN   2210-6707.
  18. ↑ Churkina, Galina; Organschi, Alan; Reyer, Christopher P. O.; Ruff, Andrew; Vinke, Kira; Liu, Zhu; Reck, Barbara K.; Graedel, T. E.; Schellnhuber, Hans Joachim (2020-01-27). "Buildings as a global carbon sink". Nature Sustainability. 3 (4): 269–276. Bibcode:2020NatSu...3..269C. doi:10.1038/s41893-019-0462-4. ISSN   2398-9629.
  19. ↑ Choi, Ji Yong; Nam, Jihee; Yun, Beom Yeol; Kim, Young Uk; Kim, Sumin (September 2022). "Utilization of corn cob, an essential agricultural residue difficult to disposal: Composite board manufactured improved thermal performance using microencapsulated PCM". Industrial Crops and Products. 183: 114931. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114931.
  20. ↑ Andrade, Maria Carolina; Gorgulho Silva, Caio de Oliveira; de Souza Moreira, Leonora Rios; Ferreira Filho, Edivaldo Ximenes (2022-04-01). "Crop residues: applications of lignocellulosic biomass in the context of a biorefinery". Frontiers in Energy. 16 (2): 224–245. doi:10.1007/s11708-021-0730-7. ISSN   2095-1698.
  21. ↑ Mbabali, Herman; Lubwama, Michael; Yiga, Vianney Andrew; Were, Evans; Kasedde, Hillary (2024-04-01). "Development of Rice Husk and Sawdust Mycelium-Based Bio-composites: Optimization of Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties". Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series D. 105 (1): 97–117. doi:10.1007/s40033-023-00458-x. ISSN   2250-2130.
  22. ↑ Sevigné-Itoiz, Eva; Mwabonje, Onesmus; Panoutsou, Calliope; Woods, Jeremy (2021-09-20). "Life cycle assessment (LCA): informing the development of a sustainable circular bioeconomy?". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 379 (2206). Bibcode:2021RSPTA.37900352S. doi:10.1098/rsta.2020.0352. ISSN   1364-503X. PMC   8326828 . PMID   34334023.
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