The Interrelationship between Bio-based Materials and Biochar, and the Integration or Complementation of Relevant Certifications
Against the backdrop of mounting global environmental challenges, bio-based materials and biochar have emerged as representatives of sustainable materials, garnering increasing attention. While they differ significantly in properties and applications, their shared renewable resource base, environmental benefits, and potential performance enhancements illustrate a clear complementarity. Furthermore, their respective certification standards can also form a mutually reinforcing relationship, promoting broader adoption. This article explores the interrelationship between bio-based materials and biochar, and how combining and complementing their certifications can drive sustainable development.
I. The Interrelationship Between Bio-based Materials and Biochar
1. Common Raw Material Sources
Both bio-based materials and biochar are derived from biomass resources, such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, or other renewable raw materials. Bio-based materials are transformed through biological, chemical, or mechanical processes into renewable polymers, cellulose-based materials, or structural materials; biochar, on the other hand, is produced through pyrolysis, resulting in a stable solid material rich in carbon.
While their end properties and uses differ, they share the same raw material foundation, naturally connecting them within the supply chain. For instance, cellulose extracted from agricultural waste can be used to produce bio-based materials, while the remaining solid portion of that waste can be used to produce biochar.
2. Complementary Applications
Bio-based materials are primarily used as substitutes for traditional petrochemical-based plastics, fibers, and rubbers, playing a role in packaging, textiles, construction, and healthcare. Biochar, due to its porosity, high surface area, and strong adsorptive properties, is widely used in soil improvement, pollutant adsorption, and water purification.
Moreover, biochar can serve as an additive for bio-based materials, enhancing their mechanical or thermal properties. For example, adding biochar to bio-based plastics can improve their strength, stiffness, and reduce thermal expansion, thus enhancing the overall performance of the material.
3. Shared Environmental Benefits
Both bio-based materials and biochar share the goal of reducing carbon footprints and improving resource efficiency. Bio-based materials help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions during production; biochar sequesters carbon over the long term, preventing substantial carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. Their combined efforts make a significant impact in promoting a circular economy and combating climate change.
II. Integration or Complementation of Relevant Certifications
1. Certifications for Bio-based Materials
Current certifications for bio-based materials focus primarily on their sources and bio-based content. For example, the EU’s EN 16785-1 standard regulates the measurement of bio-based content and provides labeling to help consumers identify the renewable proportion of a product.
Additionally, “OK biobased” certification and “bio-based content” certification from TÜV Austria and DIN CERTCO, respectively, classify products based on their bio-based carbon content, providing corresponding labels.
2. Certifications for Biochar
Biochar certifications place greater emphasis on environmental benefits and safety. For instance, the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) sets strict requirements on the production process, raw material sources, carbon content, and limits on heavy metals and contaminants. This certification ensures that biochar products used in agriculture, environmental restoration, and industrial applications are both safe and eco-friendly.
3. Combining and Complementing Certifications
While bio-based material and biochar certifications focus on different aspects, they can form a complementary relationship. When biochar is used as part of bio-based materials, or when both materials are combined into composites, these two certifications can be used together. For instance, the bio-based carbon content can be labeled according to bio-based certifications, while the environmental friendliness and heavy metal safety are ensured through biochar certifications.
III. Recommendations for Sustainable Development
1. Strengthening Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
Encourage partnerships among companies, research institutions, and certification bodies to develop more compatible standards. For example, creating a comprehensive certification that covers both bio-based content and biochar benefits would enhance product marketability.
2. Advancing Technological Innovation
Through technological research and development, improve the compatibility between biochar and bio-based materials, expanding their combined application scenarios, such as in construction materials, packaging materials, and environmental restoration products.
3. Enhancing Market Awareness
Increase market education and promotion to raise consumer awareness of the environmental benefits of bio-based materials and biochar, thereby boosting market demand and product competitiveness.
Conclusion
The interrelationship between bio-based materials and biochar, along with the integration or complementation of their certifications, opens new possibilities for the development of sustainable materials. By fostering cooperation, improving certification standards, and advancing technological innovation, we can achieve more efficient resource use, reduced environmental impact, and a more sustainable future.