BIOCAS100% - biomass cascade Project outline Introduction BIOCAS100% has recently been launched in the province of Fryslân, in the northern part of the Netherlands. The project aims to generate economic, societal and ecological prosperity in the region by optimal valorization of biomass. The project interconnects the fast growing amount of local/regional initiatives around the conversion of various biomass streams into the most valuable possible products. The project especially recognizes the high value of organic matter and its various components for the soil. Instead of being a costly waste-product, conversion of bio-waste should be seen as a challenging source for innovation. Local/regional applications of bio-waste means cost minimization, less dependence on the import of minerals and fossil fuel, green jobs and investments, which is important news for rural areas that have to cope with declining numbers of inhabitants. Instead of maximizing individual product chains, the project aims to optimize the valorization of regional biomass stocks (100% cascading). By starting from regionally available biomass stocks, the project demonstrates that a closed biomass cycle can be constructed that will benefit both regional communities and ecosystems. The project has three key characteristics: (1) an integral approach, including the whole chain of collection, treatment/conversion and applications of biomass and/or its rest products from treatment activities; (2) a truly circular perspective that includes the soil as a key resource and also involves nutrition value of food products and biodiversity; and (3) a direct linkage between the optimal valorization of biomass and prosperity of regional communities. In modern agriculture, only a small part of the organic produce is returned to the soil. This has already led to decreasing organic matter contents and loss of biodiversity. Furthermore, a considerable amount of biomass is lost in incineration plants or used for biogas production. It can be foreseen that the competition for biomass will further increase because of demand of biobased industrial initiatives. In this context, there is a further need for balancing the valorization of biomass. As 2015 is the International Year of Soils, BIOCAS100% especially addresses returning biomass to the soil. Strengthening rural communities The province of Fryslân has abundant (surplus) quantities of biomass of many different sorts. The area can be characterized as mostly rural, where dairy farms, croplands and horticulture are prevailing features in the landscape. Agriculture relies heavily on the import of artificial fertilizers and corn-based animal feed and therefore has a mineral surplus (N-P-K). At the same time the soil is facing rapid decline in organic matter, resulting in receding biodiversity, mineral leaching, soil structure damage and poor water retention. A growing amount of farmers are concerned about this trend. There is a long history and expertise in food production and industrial food processing in Fryslân. Frisian milk products for example are exported to all parts of the world. More than 50% of all the waste that is produced in the province can be characterized as biowaste of some sort. Only very little of this biowaste is left behind or otherwise given back to the soil. It can be foreseen that the growing interest for the use of biomass in industrial biobased processes only increases the competition for biomass.
The project members believe that a biobased economy creates chances for rural areas, but only if the needs of the soil are taken into account. Recent initiatives in the Northern part of the Netherlands confirm this, e.g. the North4Bio project concludes that this part of the Netherlands can become a large scale producer and supplier of biobased products. Switch the energy agenda for the Northern part of the Netherlands sees an important role for bio-energy in reaching its target of 21% renewables in 2020. BIOCAS100% embraces these ambitions and will work in alliance with these other Northern initiatives. However, many other areas in the NorthSea region have similar characteristics as Fryslân. In this INTERREG-project, a connection is made with other rural regions in order to learn from each other, share expertise and experiences, and actually seize the existing opportunities. BIOCAS100% will emphasize the inherent link between the biomass cycle and the regional community. In these areas characterized by population decline sufficient biomass and land is available. Rural communities have a lot of soil and agricultural expertise: by promoting biomass initiatives from these regions, the project will strengthen these networks and create relationships among them. In this way, the project: (1) kickstarts the regional biobased economies that are already existing in an infant form; (2) contributes to a reduction of waste; and (3) prevents degradation of the soil. The transition towards circular biomass concepts requires a fundamental rethinking about today s production and consumption patterns. Recently, we have identified and quantified all the main biomass streams that are produced in Fryslân and their main characteristics (content). We prioritized the streams and have chosen the most promising to start with. They are: 1. Creating bioplastics from biological household waste and wastewater sludge. This unique combination of organic materials gives way to the economically interesting production of a wide range of renewable bioplastic products. These renewable bioplastic products will be used during the Leeuwarden European Capital of Culture 2018 with at least 1 million visitors and beyond. This implies a truly and substantial alternative for fossil-based plastics. The needed techniques are more or less ready-to-go at the moment. The demand for the more expensive bioplastics can initially be provided by the event, a key-driver for the initiative, paving the way for massive, cheaper production and use later on.
2. In a biomass-conversion plant, the abundant amounts of low quality biomass that are harvested in rural areas can be converted into valuable products such as proteins for animal feed, minerals, fibers and energy. The process reduces the need for imports of soy-, bean-, tapioca-, and cornbased feedstock concentrates. Fibers can be used for the production of paper. The substrate from the biogas production can possibly be composted or fermented and then used as a source of organic matter, carbon and minerals in agriculture. A feasible business case has been developed. A biomass centre at such a biomass conversion plant could sample, conserve, converse and retain all kinds of biomass. As this centre has storage capacity and can process several waste streams, it will be a unique facility to produce substrates for digesters that have a constant high and secured quality (correct C/N ratios) all year round. Such a centre can develop into an incubator that will be able to increase the biobased economy. Research is needed to show which treatments are needed to use the digesters as sole organic compost. If successful, upscaling would be the next step in the NorthSea region. 3. The extraction of cellulose (waste toilet paper) in a wastewater treatment plant reduces its energy consumption significantly. The simple technique provides an interesting alternative for c.q. extension of biogas production from sludge. In a waste water treatment plant cellulose is typically broken down by oxygenation. In a typical waste water treatment plant organic matter is converted to CO2, unfortunately not a very desirable product. Furthermore, this is a time- and energyconsuming process as bacteria have difficulty breaking down cellulose and lignine. Extracted cellulose from waste water is an effective, cheaper and environmentally friendlier alternative material for imported woodchips that are currently used in asphalt road construction. 4. The development and construction of a biobased composite bridge over the Van Harinxmachannel in Fryslân. Biobased composites are fibre-reinforced materials that are partly or completely made from renewable raw materials. Both the matrix material and the fiber reinforcement can have natural origins. Applications of biobased composites are used in the construction industry, automotive sector and in electronics casings. Biobased composites are an interesting alternative construction material and the bridge is an inspiring example for innovation. Chain consultation Sustainable management of raw materials and resources is not only relevant from the point of view of the environment. It is equally important for energy supply, energy efficiency, employment and economic growth. The province of Fryslân has developed the highly innovative methodology of chain consultation, in which we identify and involve interested partners to develop business cases and to design pilots and projects. Our strategy of Chain Consultation focuses on the search for synergy with our stakeholders to speed up sustainable production processes in a sustainable way. Individual stakeholders often do not have the financial means, knowledge or facilities to become truly circular. By cooperation between and within the production chains, the economic value of materials that will otherwise be lost (and treated as waste with no value at all) can be retained. Participation to the chain will thus be attractive economically. This will result in a decreased use of fossil fuels as well.
In the province of Fryslân, a broad consensus exists on sustainability by means of this approach as this approach has already proved its success in three valid business cases: - Roof2Roof: bitumen roofing - High-end recycling of concrete granulate - Energy service contracts (ESCo s) Project characteristics: An integral approach For the BIOCAS100% project, there are clear but complex connections with energy and climate policies, scarcity of materials, food security and soil quality. Specific biomass streams can be processed and handled in different ways, in different steps or stages. This requires choosing the most efficient (combination of) steps. Within this context, the word efficient has more than a mere economic definition. Local / regional processing and handling of biomass can save transportation costs and also contributes to the regional economies (greening economies and investments!). Biomass is available in many kinds and quantities, all with their own specific characteristics, possibilities and restrictions in processing them. In a way, all biomass has common components, although they may vary. Retaining the valuable ingredients of biomass within the region as much as possible will also contribute to nature conservation and biodiversity, quality of life and a sustainable soil health. With the development of an increasing number of possible biomass applications, the potential of a biobased economy will grow. It should be noted, however, that the value of applications differs significantly. In this respect, the introduction of the value pyramid for biomass applications is an important step towards the optimal valorization of biomass, i.e. the value pyramid identifies application domains which will achieve the highest possible value in its final use (see figure below).
Food & Farma Feed & Fine Chemicals Chemicals Materials Energy However, none of the highest value applications uses all components of the biomass material inflow. The production systems of all these individual biomass applications consist of one or more byproducts. From a systems perspective, the optimal valorization of biomass can only be achieved by taking possible by-products into account and stimulating collaborations between producers of different biomass applications. By taking such an integral approach and starting with the regional biomass stocks, the BIOCAS100% project stimulates the development of regional economies that achieve the desired optimal valorization. Within the value chain, BIOCAS100% will identify the weakest links and try to connect the chains and to show that the concept of chain-consultation is applicable to biomass too. Soil and circular economies Soil connects everything: it is the origin and destination of all matter, organic as well as inorganic. In this respect, it is remarkable that soil has been mostly neglected in the current debate on the transition towards the biobased economy. The main focus in this debate has been on the search for alternatives for fossil carbon, mainly for the production of renewable energy and bioplastics. As (correctly) stated by the European Commission, circular economy systems should maintain the added value in products for as long as possible and eliminate waste. However, circular economy systems have a second equally important characteristic: resources should be productively used again and again without being depleted. As the origin of everything of economic value, soil is a key economic resource. The biomass application production systems that are stimulated by the project not only avoid irreversible damage to these key resources, but also restore damaged or degraded soil and thus contribute to biodiversity. This aspect is barely recognized in other biobased economy projects, which makes BIOCAS100% a unique concept. Project structure The NorthSea region is the breeding ground for some of the world s most innovative biomass application initiatives. Although very promising, these initiatives are local and rather small-scale. In addition, many initiatives are being developed in isolation and do not (yet) contribute to the optimal valorization of regional biomass stocks. The BIOCAS100% project promotes the industrial transition towards a resource-efficient economy by supporting these regional initiatives and showcasing at least 2 examples (as mentioned below). The project creates interconnections, and provides the opportunity to demonstrate the truly circular approach. Within the value chain, BIOCAS100% will select the weakest links and connect the chains based on specific needs. These weaknesses may have been caused by a lack of knowledge, networks or funds. Lessons derived from these projects are shared with SMEs in a business case generator. In order to increase consumer awareness of biomass applications, the products from these initiatives will be used at large-scale local events, like Leeuwarden European Capital of Culture 2018 (with an expected number of more than 1 million visitors). The concept of BIOCAS100% has been based on the value of the various components of biomass, such as minerals, fibers (cellulose, lignine), sugars, volatile fatty acids/poly hydroxyl alkanoates,
carbon and proteins. All these components represent a certain economic value. Given the fact that biowaste collection and treatment (landfill, incineration) are costly and most biowaste recycling/recovery activities (composting, biogas-production) are barely economically interesting, BIOCAS100% offers a promising alternative by isolating these components, or component combinations, refining them and making them suitable for re-use. The remainder is given back to the soil, thus closing the cycle. BIOCAS100% will position the different components mentioned above in work packages, co-operating with the necessary partners and suggesting pilot studies and projects. Crossovers between different work packages may be possible or in some cases even desirable. Supporting regional biobased initiatives The BIOCAS100% project promotes a regional circular economy by facilitating several promising local initiatives. The initiatives come from the NorthSea region areas that face population decline due to socalled rural flight, i.e. the province of Fryslân (the Netherlands). Partners may therefore be found in e.g. Denmark, Belgium, Germany, UK, Sweden and Norway. By means of pilot projects, the project creates networks around biomass stocks in these regions and connects several producers of biomass applications. The aim of bringing together different pilot projects around one regional biomass stock is as discussed above to optimize valorization. Business case generator: A prosperous regional economy requires an economic ecosystem with sufficient mass and interconnections. Regional SMEs can and should play an important role in a regional biobased economy, but currently lack the capacity and skills to change their processes. At this stage of the project, SMEs are being made aware of the potential of biomass applications and are being supported in the development of business cases. The basis for the business case generator will be the value chain including its weakest links. The understanding of these weakest links (lack of knowledge, network, funds) will further increase the possibilities of profitable results. Creating awareness and demand for biomass applications The ultimate success of a biobased economy depends of course on public acceptance and demand for these products. This is a long-term process. However, the project wants to inspire a wide range of
stakeholders. Consumers from the participating regions can be proud of the regional production of biomass applications. To increase awareness and encourage regional demand, the project will introduce products such as the 100% Frisian bioplastics for catering and packing materials at local events in the course of 2018 (Leeuwarden/Fryslân European Capital of Culture). Expected outcome: - Number of green products, services and processes piloted and/or adopted by the project: 4 - Number of enterprises receiving support: 10 - Number of enterprises participating in cross-border, transnational or interregional research projects: 10 - Number of research institutions participating in cross-border, transnational or interregional research projects: 4 - Number of organisations / enterprises adopting new solutions by the end of the project: 200 - Number of organisations / enterprises informed about new solutions by the end of the project: 1.000 Direct: Number of initiatives (number of successful products): 2 Number of assisted SMEs (number of business cases). Number of businesses involved (measures taken to green production) Number of (transnational) networks. Number of products from local bioplastics at events. First PHA from waste in the world Environment and ecology: Reduced amount of waste (and resource savings) Reduced environmental burden (in CO2-reduction, land use, etc.) Improvement of soil quality Economy and empowerment: New jobs in rural flight areas > inclusive growth) Revenues Lasting effects on working practices (and regional economies) Entrepreneurship Partners found: Companies facilitating the bioplastics pilot Leeuwarden/Fryslân European Capital of Culture 2018 Partners searched: Partners in the NSR-area aiming to close the loop of the biomass cycle: Supply side of biomass Demand side of biomass products Biomass recycling Knowledge institutes, public authorities as launching governments, NGO s Financial institutions (financing upscaling)
Companies facilitating interested in pilots implementation Aarhus European Capital of Culture 2017 as a demonstrator of bioplastics products (as we want to do with Leeuwarden / Fryslân European Capital of Culture 2018). Estimated budget: Approximately 6 mln.