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Trade-Offs and Synergies of Key Biobased Value Chains and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Author

Listed:
  • Víctor Fernández Ocamica

    (Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption CIRCE, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Bárbara Palacino

    (Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption CIRCE, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Carmen Bartolomé

    (Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption CIRCE, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Monique Bernardes Figueirêdo

    (Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption CIRCE, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Cristina Lázaro García

    (Colegio Compañía de María, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

This work identifies relevant sustainability targets from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for main value chains of biobased products, categorized into four dimensions: environment, circularity, social, and economics. Of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 85 targets were identified as aligning with sustainability criteria for industrial biobased systems. Six sectors with biobased activity were analyzed, chemicals, construction, plastics, textiles, woodworking, and pulp and paper, each represented by 3–5 value chains. These value chains were chosen based on certification availability, production scale in Europe, economic importance, and potential to replace fossil-based products. In total, 25 value chains were assessed qualitatively for their positive, negative, or neutral impact on each selected SDG target, using public data like EU reports, life cycle analyses, and expert insights. The results showed that 43 SDG targets were directly applicable to the value chains, with higher synergies for those using waste as feedstock over primary resources like crops or virgin wood. Overall, advances in technology and holistic approaches are paving the way for biobased solutions to replace resource-intensive, petroleum-derived materials and chemicals. These alternatives offer additional advantages, such as enhanced recyclability, biodegradability, and reduced toxicity, making them promising candidates for sustainable development. This study underscores that technological progress and a comprehensive approach can further advance sustainable biobased solutions in industry and have a relevant positive impact on various SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Víctor Fernández Ocamica & Bárbara Palacino & Carmen Bartolomé & Monique Bernardes Figueirêdo & Cristina Lázaro García, 2025. "Trade-Offs and Synergies of Key Biobased Value Chains and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-36, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3040-:d:1623460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anguiano-Santos, Carlos & Salazar-Ordóñez, Melania & Tornel-Vázquez, Rossana & Rodríguez-Entrena, Macario, 2024. "Sustainability reporting harmonisation? A utopian endeavour for European agri-food companies," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 354-368.
    2. Hetemäki, L. & D'Amato, D. & Giurca, A. & Hurmekoski, E., 2024. "Synergies and trade-offs in the European forest bioeconomy research: State of the art and the way forward," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    3. Heimann, Tobias, 2019. "Bioeconomy and SDGs: Does the Bioeconomy Support the Achievement of the SDGs?," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 225998, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
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