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The potential of emerging bio-based products to reduce environmental impacts

Author

Listed:
  • Emma A. R. Zuiderveen

    (Radboud University
    European Commission, Joint Research Centre)

  • Koen J. J. Kuipers

    (Radboud University)

  • Carla Caldeira

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre)

  • Steef V. Hanssen

    (Radboud University)

  • Mitchell K. Hulst

    (Radboud University
    TNO)

  • Melinda M. J. Jonge

    (Radboud University)

  • Anestis Vlysidis

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre
    National Technical University of Athens)

  • Rosalie Zelm

    (Radboud University)

  • Serenella Sala

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre)

  • Mark A. J. Huijbregts

    (Radboud University
    TNO)

Abstract

The current debate on the sustainability of bio-based products questions the environmental benefits of replacing fossil- by bio-resources. Here, we analyze the environmental trade-offs of 98 emerging bio-based materials compared to their fossil counterparts, reported in 130 studies. Although greenhouse gas life cycle emissions for emerging bio-based products are on average 45% lower (−52 to −37%; 95% confidence interval), we found a large variation between individual bio-based products with none of them reaching net-zero emissions. Grouped in product categories, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 19% (−52 to 35%) for bioadhesives to 73% (−84 to −54%) for biorefinery products. In terms of other environmental impacts, we found evidence for an increase in eutrophication (369%; 163 to 737%), indicating that environmental trade-offs should not be overlooked. Our findings imply that the environmental sustainability of bio-based products should be evaluated on an individual product basis and that more radical product developments are required to reach climate-neutral targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma A. R. Zuiderveen & Koen J. J. Kuipers & Carla Caldeira & Steef V. Hanssen & Mitchell K. Hulst & Melinda M. J. Jonge & Anestis Vlysidis & Rosalie Zelm & Serenella Sala & Mark A. J. Huijbregts, 2023. "The potential of emerging bio-based products to reduce environmental impacts," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-43797-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43797-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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