Bio-Based Material

Raw Materials

The main raw materials used to create bio-based materials are either conventional crops, such as corn or soybeans, or cellulosic-based sources such as wood. The foremost advantage of conventional feedstock is that growth technologies are highly advanced and efficient. The major drawback is that crops such as corn or soy are also used for feed and food production: the more they are used as a basis for bio-based materials, the more prices will increase in their use as food. Furthermore, and perhaps even more importantly, turning plant matter into fuel has also been found to be highly energy inefficient, as it routinely uses more energy to produce than it yields. The use of cellulosic sources, on the other hand, does not create any direct pressure on the food chain, but conversion methods and technologies are not yet available at a commercially viable level. In addition, the use of wood can lead to further deforestation with all its related negative side effects. Other raw materials used include recycled paper, animal by-products, and raw rubber.

Uses for Bio-Based Materials

As rising levels of pollution and resource depletion generate rising economic, political, and social demands for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel–based energy and goods, bio-based [Page 18]materials, chemicals, and energy sources are likely to transform the materials industries in fundamental ways. As demands for sustainability and environmental regulations will grow, the materials industry will increasingly have to heed the principles of ecoefficiency, industrial ecology, green chemistry, and engineering.

While one of the main uses of bio-based material is still biofuels, other uses are rapidly increasing in both variety and number, ranging from its most common usage, bioplastics (for tractor parts, water bottles, and so on), to clothing and building materials. Other common usages of biomaterials include pharmaceuticals, coatings, packaging materials, foams, adhesives, cleaning products, and insulation. As environmental consciousness is advancing, consumers increasingly demand bio-based products, particularly for short-term, single-use purposes such as food or drink containers, or a range of packaging uses.

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