Reference Materials System: A Source for Renewable Materials Assessment,

摘要

Potential problems from changes in patterns of materials supply or use are causing concern:the current emphasis is on mineral or nonrenewable resources. The Science and Technology Policy Office (STPO),reexamined the role of renewable resources,as the other major component of natural resources,in helping to better meet needs for materials in the future. Important factors to be taken into account in assessing the desirable balance between these different classes of resources for materials are (1) the increasing variety of technological options available for choice of material for a required performance in a given application,and (2) the increasing concern to minimize both consumption of energy and environmental impact. Strong specialization exists in forest sciences and wood products on the one hand,and agricultural sciences and associated natural materials (such as fibers and leathers) on the other. A broader view is required of the science and technology of natural products and,correspondingly,more integrated statistical information on resources,and on materials flows and use (including aspects associated with energy and the environment). The above considerations led to this analysis of renewable materials in the United States economy as a basis for identifying both the optimum use of such resources and the role of science and technology in helping overcome barriers to their use.