Biomass-based green chemistry: sustainable solutions for modern economies

Abstract

Biomass and renewable raw materials are the basis and driver for an even greater alignment of industry to the principles of green chemistry and sustainability. Nature provides a remarkably wide range of renewable raw materials with varying properties and differing chemical compositions. Renewable raw materials are therefore especially interesting as alternatives to fossil resources for energy generation and as starting materials for industrial chemistry. Since various forms of biomass are also essential for human nutrition and animal feed, their use as feedstocks for other purposes must be balanced. Ideally, the biomass remaining after the nutritious components are removed can serve as a feedstock. Examples of applications that use biomass as starting materials include adhesives, textile and leather, cosmetics, cleaning agents, coatings, paints, printing inks, crop protection, lubricants and dietary supplements.