Waste derived bioeconomy in India: A perspective

N Biotechnol. 2018 Jan 25;40(Pt A):60-69. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2017.06.006. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Abstract

Environmental and climatic change issues, population explosion, rapid urbanisation, depletion of fossil reserves, need for energy security, huge waste generation, etc. are some of the inherent issues associated with the fossil based linear economy which need greater attention. In this context, the world is gradually transforming from fossil-based economy to a sustainable circular bio-economy. The biogenic waste which is generated in enormous quanties in India can be considered as potential feedstock for structuring the bio-based economy. This communication depicts the need for developing waste derived bioeconomy in the Indian perspective. Waste is now being perceived as a resource with value and believed to supplement petroleum feedstock to a great extent if properly utilized. The necessity to introduce waste as the core element for the future economic models which also allows sustainable development is discussed. The review also establishes drivers for the bioeconomy and structures the waste derived bioeconomy in a sustainable format to address the futuristic needs, scope and opportunities envisaged in the business and economic realm. The enabling technologies/processes that can be applied for biogenic wastes valorisation are elaborated. Circularizing the economy in a waste biorefinery model for the production of biobased products including bioenergy is discussed.

Keywords: Biogenic waste; Biohydrogen; Business model; CO(2) Sequestration; Circular economy; Waste Management; Waste biorefinery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels / economics*
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation of Energy Resources / economics*
  • Economic Development
  • India
  • Waste Products*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Waste Products