Online report launch: Carbon for chemicals and the role of biomass

This webinar was hosted jointly by the Supergen Bioenergy Hub and the Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet) to launch a new report exploring how biomass can contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector.

Presenters:
Patricia Thornley, Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Aston University
Joanna Sparks, Supergen Bioenergy Hub and BBNet Policy Fellow, Aston University

Panel:
Neil Bruce, Director of BBNet, University of York (chair)
Jason Hallett, Imperial College London
David Bott, Society of Chemical Industry
Patricia Thornley, Aston University
Joanna Sparks, Aston University

More information:
Many products in modern society contain carbon. Pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, food additives, cosmetics, and cleaning products contain organic, carbon-based chemicals. These chemicals are derived from fossil
feedstocks (ie they are petrochemicals), contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon is embedded in organic chemical products and released when they break down at end-of-life, for example, through incineration.

While demand for fossil fuels in energy is expected to fall in the coming decades, the petrochemicals sector is set to grow significantly. Yet the climate impact of carbon-based chemicals has so far failed to receive significant attention. To fully address the emissions associated with the chemical system, including those stemming from the carbon in chemicals, systemic change will be required, including moving to a more circular economy, managing supply and demand levels, and transitioning away from fossil feedstocks. Carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised through a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon, and carbon dioxide.

The report (www.supergen-bioenergy.net/output/carbon-for-chemicals) presents evidence on bio-based chemicals and materials, to improve understanding, support policy development, and identify evidence gaps and areas where further research is required.

Visit our website for more information: www.supergen-bioenergy.net/output/carbon-for-chemicals