Environmental Studies and Forestry

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

E. A. R. Zuiderveen, K. J. J. Kuipers, et al.

Discover the groundbreaking findings of this study, which dives into the environmental trade-offs of 98 emerging bio-based materials versus their fossil counterparts. While bio-based products show a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on average, significant trade-offs, such as a dramatic increase in eutrophication, raise important questions about sustainability. This critical analysis by Emma A. R. Zuiderveen and colleagues emphasizes the need for individual evaluation and innovative solutions for true climate neutrality.

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Abstract

This study analyzes the environmental trade-offs of 98 emerging bio-based materials compared to their fossil counterparts, using data from 130 studies. While greenhouse gas emissions are on average 45% lower for bio-based products, there's significant variation, with none achieving net-zero emissions. Eutrophication increased significantly (369%), highlighting environmental trade-offs. The study concludes that environmental sustainability of bio-based products needs individual product evaluation and more radical development for climate neutrality.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Dec 21, 2023

Authors

Emma A. R. Zuiderveen, Koen J. J. Kuipers, Carla Caldeira, Steef V. Hanssen, Mitchell K. van der Hulst, Melinda M. J. de Jonge, Anestis Vlysidis, Rosalie van Zelm, Serenella Sala, Mark A. J. Huijbregts

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