Discussion about the circular economy tends to focus on recycling metals, minerals and petroleum-based plastics, as well as innovations that boost sustainability for companies and consumers. While that part is no doubt important, there’s a lesser discussed – but still vital – aspect of the circular economy that deserves just as much attention: the bioeconomy.
What is the bioeconomy?
Put simply, the bioeconomy is the production and use of bio-based resources and biological processes in the development of products, such as trees for lumber, or plant fibers for clothing. It can also refer to agriculture, both of plants and the raising of livestock. Our economy is made up of different components, from service work to materials production and so on, and natural or ‘bio’ resources are another key piece. With this, the circular economy functions the same way as in other sectors: as a tool to find out how waste can be minimized and avoided in the use of bio resources toward promoting sustainability.
This circularity can look different depending on the natural resource. The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) outlines a great example of utilizing the circular bioeconomy in Nairobi, Kenya. In this large city, 9 out of 10 households use charcoal for cooking; in surrounding rural areas, cultivating charcoal for the city is essential to many livelihoods. Once the charcoal is used for cooking, there’s typically a pile of fine dust left behind in cooking areas. As CIFOR explains, that dust was found to be useful when mixed with a starch binding agent and turned into something known as ‘briquettes’, which can be used for fuel. The sale of briquettes is potentially lucrative for those who cultivate and sell charcoal, providing an opportunity to further support livelihoods with a product once considered waste.
While that’s an intricate example, the circular bioeconomy can be as simple as using table scraps to nourish a home garden. There are also implications for it on a larger scale with industrial agriculture and especially forestry, where there tends to be more unused bio-waste.
Challenges with circularity in the bioeconomy
As with other sectors, introducing circular strategies into the bioeconomy has its challenges. One of the main hurdles is ensuring protection of natural landscapes and biodiversity, as climate change impacts and resource extraction continue. Understanding the true environmental impact requires rigorous life cycle assessment to evaluate every stage from cultivation to disposal.
In a paper for Frontiers in Sustainability, researchers Eric Tan and Patrick Lamers state that a sustainable bioeconomy goes far beyond switching fossil fuel resources with renewable ones: “It requires low-carbon energy inputs, sustainable supply chains, and promising disruptive conversion technologies for the sustainable transformation of renewable bioresources to high-value bio-based products, materials, and fuels.”
The researchers also point out the importance of carbon sinks, which is a natural resource (such as a forest) that absorbs more carbon than it emits. Not only are carbon sinks key to reducing carbon in the atmosphere, but many experts believe they’re being underutilized in the fight against climate change. Significant efforts are required just to identify a carbon sink, and in a place like Canada, with delicate natural areas and a forestry-heavy economy, that could be crucial.
Another potential roadblock to circularity in the bioeconomy may be our lack of infrastructure to manage, distribute, or dispose of bio-waste. We’ve written before about the challenges that come with composting, as many facilities across Canada and North America don’t always have the capacity to compost biodegradable items. If there’s a sudden shift in how bio-waste is used or reused, it may strain a system already struggling with capacity.
Overall, the challenges with implementing circularity into the bioeconomy look similar to other spaces, in that it requires an urgent overhaul of our current system.
Untapped potential
Climate change advocates often state that shifting to sustainable methods doesn’t have to mean loss of economic growth, and in general, the same can be said for innovation in the bioeconomy.
For example, the Canadian government has identified great economic potential in the forestry industry for the use of forest biomass (natural waste from recently-cut or dead trees). Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has been tracking biomass in nationwide forests since 2009, and found that there’s ample opportunity to use it for the creation of biomaterials, such as wood fibre composites, green chemicals, or bioplastic. There is increasing demand for these products worldwide, and as recently as 2015, the NRCan found there could be billions in market potential. Developing these bio-based materials requires comprehensive R&D services to ensure they meet performance and environmental standards.
As we apply circular thinking and strategies in our economy and everyday lives, it’s important to include the bioecomony in research, debate, and large-scale innovation. Conservation is important, and utilizing bioresources sustainably should remain a top priority in the circular economy.
Originating from Barcelona, Laia’s educational journey led her to pursue secondary studies in the south of France. Her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Management allowed her to develop an analytical mindset. During her Master’s in International Business and Management, she engaged in numerous research study cases and actively participated in the creation of different business plans. This helped her develop an ability to critically analyze and address the strategic challenges that companies encounter.
Andre has over 5 years of industry experience in project management, polymer and composite processing, materials characterization, and product development. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Technology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where he focused on Polymer and Composite materials. In 2012, he founded a design and manufacturing company specializing in biocomposites made with natural fibers, which he successfully sold in 2015.
As an expert in sustainability, life cycle assessment, circular economy, and green chemistry, Nicolas possesses valuable skills and knowledge that can assist companies in developing and implementing sustainable and environmentally-friendly business models. They can achieve this by utilizing eco-friendly materials, improving manufacturing processes, reducing waste and hazardous chemical use, and advocating for the use of safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Karan is an experienced professional who has worked in multiple geographies and roles along his career. He holds a total of 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, and has focused his efforts towards finding solutions for waste recovery and making recovery economical for industries. 
With several years of research experience in France and Canada, Fabien lends his expertise and passion for enzymology and microbiology to 5REDO’s sustainability innovation plans. 
With her significant hands-on experience in developing and characterizing biological and chemical systems, Vicky plays a key role in 5REDO’s efforts toward developing novel products and technologies that offer improved circularity and sustainability to the industry and society. 
As a recent graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo, Kyle brings his passion for impactful innovation and his experience with novel recycling processes to 5REDO to support our technology development initiatives. 
As our Senior Research Scientist, Hormoz draws on his eight years of industrial and nine years of academic research experience in the areas of polymer science and engineering to develop new solutions for advancing circularity and sustainability.
Shauna is a freelance journalist that covers a wide range of topics, including health, education, the environment, travel, lifestyle trends, and more. She holds a Master of Journalism from Carleton University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Global Development from Queen’s University.
By leveraging her expertise in life cycle analysis and process engineering, Ophela helps 5REDO to take a holistic approach to the development of circular solutions and technologies. 
As the co-founder of 5REDO, Forough brings her expertise in supply chain management, business operations, inventory control, and revenue management to support the implementation of circular solutions within different industry sectors.
With a passion for driving change and creating impact, Mahdi co-founded 5REDO to promote circular economy principles in Canada. He’s an alumnus of the 2021 Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s ‘From Linear to Circular Programme.’ Mahdi played a pivotal role in developing and managing the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Circular Economy Seed Funding program, fostering partnerships between companies and academic researchers to co-create circular solutions.