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Review
. 2021 Aug;2(8):561-566.
doi: 10.1038/s43016-021-00340-7. Epub 2021 Aug 9.

Principles, drivers and opportunities of a circular bioeconomy

Abigail Muscat  1 , Evelien M de Olde  2 , Raimon Ripoll-Bosch  2 , Hannah H E Van Zanten  3 , Tamara A P Metze  4 , Catrien J A M Termeer  4 , Martin K van Ittersum  5 , Imke J M de Boer  2
Affiliations
Review

Principles, drivers and opportunities of a circular bioeconomy

Abigail Muscat et al. Nat Food. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

A circular, bio-based economy could provide the pathway to a sustainable future. Here we present five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular bioeconomy: safeguarding and regenerating the health of our (agro)ecosystems; avoiding non-essential products and the waste of essential ones; prioritizing biomass streams for basic human needs; utilizing and recycling by-products of (agro)ecosystems; and using renewable energy while minimizing overall energy use. Implementing these principles calls for a transformation of our current economic system, including fundamental changes to policies, technologies, organizations, social behaviour and markets.

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