Biobased life cycle analysis

Brehmer B, Struik PC, Sanders J. (2008). Using an energetic and exergetic life cycle analysis to assess the best applications of legumes within a biobased economy. Biomas Bioenerg, 32,1175-1186. 

The use of RRM, however, is not by itself a guarantee of low environmental impact. Aspects such as the production processes, the technical performance and the weight of each final product, and its disposal options, have to be carefully considered along all the steps of the product s life. The engineering of biobased materials for specific applications using life cycle analysis in a cradle-to-grave approach is therefore a critical aspect. 

While the potential benefits of biobased products are certainly real, so are their limitations and possible problems. One way of achieving the benefits of biomass processing to biobased products is to do careful, system-level studies of specific products in order to anticipate and resolve potential problems before large industries are launched and the damage is done. Life cycle analysis is suited to such system studies. For example, there is an obvious potential for biomass production for biobased products to conflict with food production. Careful studies are required to anticipate and resolve such conflicts before they occur. 

Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy. 2007- Valencia, CA American Sdentilic Publishers (1556-6560). Online at http //www.aspbs.com/jbmbe/ (1556-6579). Publishes research on biobased polymers and blends, biobased composites and nanocomposites, biobased materials processing technologies, life-cycle analysis, social and environmental impacts, and biofuels. 

Domburg, V., Lewandowski, I., Patel, M., 2004. An analysis and system extension of life cycle assessment studies. Comparing the land requirements, energy savings, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction of biobased polymers and bioenergy. Journal of Industrial Ecology 7 (3-4), 93-116. 

A focus area for this meeting was a discussion of new approaches to life cycle analyses of biobased processes is described in three papers. Anex reports an evaluation of processes for the production of 1,3-propanediol. Niederl describes an analysis of biodiesel production from tallow, while the paper from Bohimann reports on life cycle issues surrounding polyhydroxylalkanoate production. 

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