Biobasedness

Biobasedness refers to the use of biological materials or substances derived from living organisms as raw materials for products, fuels, or chemicals. This concept is central to the field of biorefining, which involves the conversion of biomass into useful products. Biomass can include a wide range of materials such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, municipal solid waste, and energy crops. The term "biobased" is often used interchangeably with "biogenic" or "biological," but it specifically emphasizes the origin of the material from biological sources.

The biobased economy aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainability by utilizing renewable resources. Biobased products can be categorized into three main types: biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials. Biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel, are used as alternatives to petroleum-based fuels. Biochemicals are chemicals derived from biological sources, often used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products. Biomaterials are materials derived from biological sources, used in various applications including packaging, textiles, and construction.

The biobasedness of a product is often quantified using the biobased content indicator, which measures the proportion of biobased materials in a product. This indicator is used to promote transparency and encourage the development of more biobased products. The European Union, for example, has set a target for the biobased content of certain products to increase over time, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of these products.

However, the biobased economy also faces challenges, including the need for efficient conversion technologies, the potential for competition with food crops, and the environmental impact of biomass production. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing research and development, as well as policy support to promote the adoption of biobased products.