Governments must proactively develop policies to support and accelerate the development of a circular bioeconomy and strengthen research into this.
This is stated by an international research group in a recent article in the journal Frontiers in Energy Research. The group presents a framework for a circular bioeconomy, which uses biomass not only for food or animal feed, but also for the production of valuable chemicals and biofuels.
The biomass used can, for example, consist of agricultural waste. In a rural society, this is often simply burned, which leads to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction of organic matter in the soil. Moreover, this entails health risks.
Zero-waste process
Such problems can be avoided by valorizing biomass. The researchers discuss an example in which coconut sap residue is converted into high-quality raw materials, such as bacterial cellulose from which bio-cellulose acetate membranes can be made. These membranes can in turn be used to remove CO2 from biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion of biowaste, which ultimately produces renewable biomethane. The captured CO2 can be put to good use again, including for the production of syngas, chemical separation and the cultivation of microalgae.
Ultimately, such a total concept can result in a zero-waste process. To put this into practice, a number of hurdles still need to be overcome, such as developing efficient resource strategies and sustainable green technologies, but also promoting social participation. The researchers conclude that this would be worthwhile, because it produces valuable products and reduces waste, greenhouse gas emissions and damage to ecosystems.
