Feasibility of wood as a renewable carbon feedstock for the production of chemicals in Europe
Wouter Arts, Ilié Storms, Joost Van Aelst, Bert Lagrain, Bruno Verbist, Jos Van Orshoven, Pieter Johannes Verkerk, Walter Vermeiren, Jean‐Paul Lange, Bart Muys, Bert F. Sels
Abstract
Abstract In transitioning to a carbon‐neutral chemical industry, the intake of fossil feedstocks will have to be reduced by maximizing end‐of‐life product recycling and introducing alternative feedstocks based on renewable carbon. This perspective article analyses the potential of domestically grown and sourced woody biomass for the supply of renewable carbon for chemicals in Europe. The European chemical industry can become a major consumer of woody biomass in a context where burning wood for energy production is viewed as an unsustainable practice.
Topics & Concepts
Renewable energyRaw materialBiomass (ecology)Chemical industryContext (archaeology)Fossil fuelEnvironmental scienceCarbon neutralityCarbon fibersProduction (economics)Renewable resourceRenewable fuelsPulp and paper industryNatural resource economicsWaste managementEnvironmental protectionChemistryEnvironmental engineeringEngineeringAgronomyEconomicsMaterials scienceOrganic chemistryComposite numberElectrical engineeringComposite materialPaleontologyBiologyMacroeconomicsBiofuel production and bioconversionLignin and Wood ChemistryCatalysis for Biomass Conversion