Why is it important to develop bioprocesses?
There are several reasons why the transition from the use of fossil-based raw materials to renewable biomass in production processes is important. The first reason is the growing evidence that commercially available coal and oil reserves will eventually run out. A further reason is that pollution from current industrial processes damages the environment, has adverse health effects and impacts the climate. Moreover, there is also an economic motive for the switch to bioprocesses since fluctuating fossil fuels prices usually entails economic instability.
The use of biomass, such as plant materials or organic agricultural waste, provides a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil-based resources. Agricultural waste, for example, can be turned into biofuels or into raw materials for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products. These bioprocesses are deemed sustainable and “green” because they are less polluting and the raw materials used are renewable and unlimited. By switching to bioprocesses, we can move forward from the current fossil-based economy towards a sustainable, bio-based economy.
