Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Downstream processes : biorefineries need to develop intelligent process engi-
neering to deal with separation and separation, by far the most wasteful and
expensive stage of biomass conversion and currently accounting for 60-80% of
the process cost of most mature chemical processes [66]. For example, the pro-
duction of chemicals (e.g. succinic acid) and fuels (e.g. bioethanol) through
fermentation processes generates very dilute and complex aqueous solutions
which will have to be dealt with using clean and low-energy techniques [64].
For biorefineries to flourish, enhanced cooperation between academia and industry
needs to be supported and new unconventional partnerships between traditionally
separate industry sectors need to be developed (e.g. agri-food businesses and
chemical companies). A number of regional bioeconomy clusters bringing together
industry (large and small companies), academia, investors and policy-makers
have emerged across the world over the last decade to encourage these necessary
collaborations (e.g. IAR in France, BioVale in UK).
Last but not least, all the processes employed in future biorefineries will have
to be environmentally friendly. It is essential that we use clean technologies and
apply green chemistry principles throughout the biorefinery in order to minimise
the environmental footprints of its products and ensure its sustainability, as dis-
cussed in Section 1.4 and described in more detail in Chapter 3. Future biorefiner-
ies will have to be highly energy-efficient and make use of mostly zero-waste
production processes [33].
1.5.3.3
Products
There are currently a number of factors driving the development and commerciali-
sation of bio-based products. These include high oil prices, consumer preference
for and corporate commitment to sustainable products, and government mandates
and support for the bio-economy [38].
However, a competitive price and an equal or superior level of performance
compared to their fossil-based counterparts are central to the viability of bio-
based products. Although some bioplastics are cost-competitive, most are 2-4
times more expensive than conventional plastics, limiting their uptake to date
[49]. Importantly, biorefineries should not limit themselves to producing existing
products but instead should aim to develop new families of products, taking full
advantage of the native properties of biomass and its components [29].
A major issue for biomass as a raw material for industrial product manufacture
is variability. Standards and certifications therefore need to be established as new
biofuels, biomaterials and bioproducts are introduced to the market to assure end-
users of a bio-based product's quality, its performance and its bio-based content
(see Chapter 8).
A secure and long-term policy and regulatory framework is also needed to pro-
vide certainty for companies and investors seeking to exploit biomass/biowaste as
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