Life-cycle greenhouse gas mitigation of biomass technologies for various bioproducts
Journal
Industrial Crops and Products
Journal Volume
248
Start Page
123556
ISSN
0926-6690
Date Issued
2026-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Circular bioeconomy technologies using biomass, such as pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, chemical looping, and hydrothermal conversion, can produce carbon-neutral energy and chemicals to replace fossil-based fuels and chemicals. They can also create opportunities for achieving negative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by handling biogenic CO2 produced from the bioconversion processes. However, comprehensive research remains limited, particularly regarding the GHG emissions data of these biomass-based technologies using diverse feedstocks and their associated GHG reduction potential to reach carbon negativity. In this study, we synthesize the life cycle studies for circular bioeconomy technologies based on cradle-to-grave, cradle-to-gate and gate-to-gate approaches, with respect to technology readiness level. We particularly focus on the life-cycle global warming potential for producing bio-H2, biofuel and bio-based organic acids, and compare them with conventional fossil-based approaches. Among these technologies, biomass-based chemical looping technology can produce multiple products with the high energy efficiency in selected studies. We also discuss practices to reuse byproducts such as biomass ash, biochar, and liquid digestate, as well as minimizing tar formation during thermal processes. Finally, we propose several strategies to advance biomass sustainability and GHG negativity, highlighting the critical role of (1) integrated biomass-based technologies for improving energy efficiency and waste minimization, (2) bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technologies in transforming biomass utilization into a truly carbon-negative solution, (3) incorporation of life-cycle strategies for assessing climate benefits, and (4) harmonized policies and regulations for net-zero and circular economy.
Subjects
Agricultural residues
Bio-hydrogen
Biochar
Biofuel
Global warming potential
Organic acids
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
review article