29 APRIL 2024
BioChem Europe: Supporting a strong cascading use principle for biomass
Biomass-derived chemicals are defined as chemical products that are wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin – e.g. biomass. While biomass is often associated with renewability, it is important to recognise that these resources are limited and can be exhausted over time. implementing a cascading principle for the use of biomass is of outmost importance.
Background
Biomass-derived chemicals are defined as chemical products that are wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin – e.g. biomass. While biomass is often associated with renewability, it is important to recognise that these resources are limited and can be exhausted over time. implementing a cascading principle for the use of biomass is of outmost importance.
The Cascading Use Principle
The cascading use principle aims to achieve the resource efficiency of biomass use “according to its highest economic and environmental added value”, thus increasing the amount of biomass available within the system. This “is intended to ensure fair access to the biomass raw material market for the development of innovative, high value-added bio-based solutions and a sustainable circular bioeconomy” (1).
BioChem Europe’s position
BioChem Europe supports the implementation of a strong cascading use principle where bio-based feedstocks are prioritised for the production of high value-added products (e.g. food, feed and materials such as chemicals) and, lastly, for energy production. Implementing the cascading use principle for biomass offers significant environmental benefits as it reduces the need for primary resource extraction, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates environmental degradation associated with waste disposal. Moreover, it promotes circularity and resource conservation, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy.
To be compliant with the cascading use principle and the waste hierarchy established in RED III, biomass should be used where it makes more environmental, economic and social sense – i.e. circularity, value creation and jobs.
What is needed moving forward
Establishing a cascading use principle requires implementing market pull measures for biomass-derived materials (bio-based and bio-attributed), complemented by regulatory predictability and consistency together with setting biogenic carbon content targets in product specific regulations.
EU Institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society must cooperate to develop and implement measures that promote cascading approaches, including financial incentives, regulatory standards, and capacity-building initiatives.
Policymakers should also prioritize the integration of cascading use principles into national bioeconomy strategies. By fostering an enabling environment for sustainable biomass utilization, governments can unlock new opportunities for environmental, social and economic growth.
Policymakers should also prioritize the integration of cascading use principles into national bioeconomy strategies. By fostering an enabling environment for sustainable biomass utilization, governments can unlock new opportunities for environmental, social and economic growth.
(1) Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the EP and the Council of 18 October 2023 (RED III)