Environmental trade-offs of biobased production

Various aspects related to the biobased products are discussed. The aim is to examine the inherent trade-offs of carbon and nitrogen cycles related to agriculture. Biobased products are considered environmentally preferable to petroleum alternative because they are derived from renewable materials. To determine the potential benefits and consequences, a life-cycle analysis (LCA) of bioproduction systems is needed. The results of this analysis show that biobased products have lower fossil-fuel consumption and green house gases emissions. A relationship is revealed with eutrophication potential associated with bioproduct adoption versus the amount of climate-change benefit. Lower values indicate the smallest environmental impact, while the positive values indicate net positive carbon emissions. It is concluded that the trade-offs involved in bioproduction emphasize the need to analyze problems in a systematic and holistic manner.