Transitioning from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to a bio-based one involves navigating a complex web of competing demands for food, feed, bioenergy, and materials.
The researchers point out that while the potential for non-food biomass is vast, food security must remain the absolute priority when determining how to allocate these resources. According to the study, this shift requires a thorough understanding of global biomass supply and demand, with a particular emphasis on the evolving energy balance indicators within EU Member States.
The study further analyzes the perspective of the European chemical industry and the role of new plant breeding technologies in overcoming current limitations. The authors highlight the inherent complexity of bio-based value chains, which complicates the decision-making process for resource optimization.
Ultimately, the researchers conclude that a comprehensive, integrated approach is necessary to manage the trade-offs between different biomass uses while ensuring that the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy remains viable and secure.
Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbt.2020.10.004
Reference:
Popp, J., Kovács, S., Oláh, J., Divéki, Z., & Balázs, E. (2021). Bioeconomy: Biomass and biomass-based energy supply and demand. New Biotechnology, 60, 76–84.