Understanding the new field of bioeconomy
Decoding
Today, in the face of climate and environmental challenges, it’s essential to rethink our production and consumption patterns. This is where the bioeconomy comes in, an economic model based on the sustainable use of biological resources.
The bioeconomy refers to all economic activities that use renewable biological resources (plants, algae, micro-organisms, organic waste, etc.) to produce bioproducts and services.
Bioeconomy application sectors
Bioeconomy covers a wide range of sectors, including:
Biotechnology
Example: Microbial fermentation to produce biomolecules…
Yeast produce insulin or specific medicines.
Agriculture and agri-food
Example: Production of biopesticides from micro-organisms.Example: Production of biopesticides from micro-organisms.Example: Production of biopesticides from micro-organisms.Example: Production of biopesticides from micro-organisms.
Bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is used to combat certain insect pests. It produces a specific toxin that targets only certain insect larvae, without affecting other species.
Bioenergy
At the end of 2021, France had 1,300 biomethane production units, supplying 0.92% of French gas consumption.
Other innovative processes such as biological hydrogen production.
Biomaterials and green chemistry
Example of Brazil: The sugarcane revolution! Brazil’s focus on transforming sugarcane into bioplastics is remarkable. This initiative highlights the potential of agricultural residues in the bioeconomy.
References for further information on the bioeconomy:
- INRAE – https://www.inrae.fr/bioeconomie
- Bioeconomy for Change – https://www.bioeconomyforchange.eu/quest-ce-que-la-bioeconomie/