Principles, drivers and opportunities of a circular bioeconomy

A circular, bio-based economy could provide the pathway to a sustainable future. Here we present five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular bioeconomy: safeguarding and regenerating the health of our (agro)ecosystems; avoiding non-essential products and the waste of essential...

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Published inNature food Vol. 2; no. 8; p. 561
Main Authors Muscat, Abigail, de Olde, Evelien M, Ripoll-Bosch, Raimon, Van Zanten, Hannah H E, Metze, Tamara A P, Termeer, Catrien J A M, van Ittersum, Martin K, de Boer, Imke J M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.08.2021
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Summary:A circular, bio-based economy could provide the pathway to a sustainable future. Here we present five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular bioeconomy: safeguarding and regenerating the health of our (agro)ecosystems; avoiding non-essential products and the waste of essential ones; prioritizing biomass streams for basic human needs; utilizing and recycling by-products of (agro)ecosystems; and using renewable energy while minimizing overall energy use. Implementing these principles calls for a transformation of our current economic system, including fundamental changes to policies, technologies, organizations, social behaviour and markets.
ISSN:2662-1355
DOI:10.1038/s43016-021-00340-7