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InnProBio, the Forum for Bio-Based Innovation in Public Procurement, aims to build a community of public procurement practitioners interested in Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) of Bio-Based Products and Services (BBPS). More ..
Since December 2015: Informative factsheets
There are already a wide range of commercially available bio-based products on the market offering a diverse range of functionalities. However, what can they be used for and why should the public sector purchase them? And how can procurers ensure that they have been produced in a sustainable manner? What types of standards are available?
In an attempt to provide more information about the most relevant issues concerning bio-based products and services, a series of factsheets are being published during the course of the InnProBio project, which will focus just on these and other similar issues.
The bioeconomy presents a great potential, especially for 3rd world countries. The issues and outcomes are the same as e.g. in Europe: Creation of rural enterprises (=jobs) by creating agriculture and/or forestry-based economies that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Factsheet #2: Focus On Sustainability
The InnProBio team has issued its second factsheet, entitled Sustainability of bio-based products. This publication explains what the basis for sustainable bio-based products is, as a non-fossil feedstock is not enough, and considerations such as the agricultural practices for the cultivation of the biomass, the energy used in the production process, or the process agents – chemicals, solvents, etc. – need to be taken into account.
This second factsheet contains detailed information about feedstock, the end-of-life of bio-based products, how to measure environmental impacts using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), as well as a section on certifications and labels that can help public procurers to define their requirements regarding bio-based products in their public tenders.
Bio-based products can offer improved functionalities compared to traditional fossil-fuel products, and the different aspects covered in this factsheet are to be considered in order to make the bio-based products sustainable across their life cycles. Factsheet #3, which will be issued in the coming days, will address different myths and facts about biodegradability.
Factsheet #3: Myths and Facts about Biodegradability
In order to clarify some misunderstandings and myths, as well as to address some confusion governing the topic of biodegradability, the InnProBio team has issued its factsheet #3 focused on it.
Myth #1 refers to the consideration that all biodegradable products are made from bio-based materials. Although biodegradability is a property inherent to many bio-based products, some fossil-based chemicals and polymers are completely biodegradable. Myth #2 explains why not all bio-based products are biodegradable. Myth #3 gives an explanation to the common understanding that biodegradable products can be thrown into the environment and they will disappear. Time, temperature and the presence of microorganism are key to biodegradation. Myth #4 is about biodegradability being or not a quick solution.
The publication also includes a table with the most important terms around biodegradability and what they mean, with specifications on the end result, the process and other extra remarks.
Reference:
- http://blog.biomass.company/bio-based-products-factsheet-aims-provide-clarity/
Source:
- http://innprobio.innovation-procurement.org/newsroom/?c=search&uid=51e1cb1e
- http://innprobio.innovation-procurement.org/newsroom/?c=search&uid=9ef561a9
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