Let us discuss how cascading can help implement the circular economy and the bio-economy strategies

摘要

Over the last years, several strategies have been set forth for establishing sounder and more sustainable production patterns, and consequently for the reduction of solid waste and appropriate use and reuse of natural resources. Among them, the circular economy strategy (e.g. European Commission, 2015) suggests the implementation of closed material loops in productive systems, aiming for optimal utilisation of available resources. In addition, for an appropriate use of biomass resources, the bio-economy strategy (BMEL, 2014; European Commission, 2012) introduces a value-added oriented hierarchical utilisation of biomass for the sustainable production of materials, chemicals, fuels and energy, after providing the sufficient and healthy supply of food and feed to meet the basic needs of society.