Environmental impacts and techno-economic assessments of biobased products: A review. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mousavi-Avval, Seyed Hashem; Sahoo, Kamalakanta; Nepal, Prakash; Runge, Troy; Bergman, Richard
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 180(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: Bioproducts -- Environmental impacts -- Costs -- Bioeconomy -- Sustainable feedstock supply; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113302
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Concerns over climate change and fossil resources depletion are drivers for increasing efforts to global transition from fossil-based to biobased products. The development of bioenergy and bioproduct systems, however, faces challenges in terms of resource use, environmental impacts, and production costs. Thus, identifying key areas to reduce costs and environmental impacts of biobased products is crucial. Based on the review of recent literature, this study aims to provide insights into the technical feasibility, costs, and environmental impacts of biobased products produced from different renewable biogenic resources, especially in reference to their fossil-based counterparts. Although biobased products are very diverse, this study focuses on the most promising set of biobased materials such as bio-chemicals, bioplastics, bio-adhesives, bicarbonates, nanocellulose, biochar, and activated carbon. By identifying the bottlenecks for reduction of costs and life cycle environmental impacts and the directions for future research needed in this area, this study would be useful for stakeholders of bioeconomy including researchers, policymakers, and producers who want to achieve the costs and environmental impacts reduction goals for sustainable development of biobased products. Highlights: Reviewed techno-economic feasibility and environmental impacts of bioproducts. Bioproducts increase fossil energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Not all environmental impacts are reduced when producing bioproducts. Residues use less inputs than energy crops thus lower impacts and costs. Feedstock costs, logistics, capital investment, and scaling drive commercialization.