WP1 ended in M9, with key outputs including: (i) the identification of sustainability assessment gaps and the formulation of recommendations to overcome such gaps based on analyses of current standards and sustainability assessment schemes; (ii) the identification and selection of feasible value chains and case studies for evaluating the sustainability assessment scheme developed in WP8.
WP2 and WP3 developed relevant principles, criteria and indicators which were exploited in WP8 contributing to the definition of a sustainability assessment tool. Moreover, WP3 developed hybridized indicators by combining resource efficiency principles with that of green chemistry, highlighting the circularity characteristics embedded by the economic operators within product and process designs. Also, WP2 and WP3 have closely worked together to assure the harmonized environmental assessment of the case studies, in terms of functional unit, system boundaries, allocation methods, environmental indicators. Thereafter, corn glucose, corn stover and sugar beet pulp were selected as feedstock for further investigation of the defined case studies. The life cycle inventory phase of the selected feedstocks was duly completed and this allowed the development of an appropriate inventory table used to carry out the life cycle impact assessment.
WP4 focused on the development of the techno-economic sustainability assessment methodology for the production of bio-based products including relevant principles, criteria and indicators which were exploited in WP8 contributing to the definition of a sustainability assessment tool. Moreover, a detailed inventory of alternative end-of-life options for bio-based and conventional products was developed. The scope of the techno-economic sustainability analysis of the end-of-life routes for the production of bio-based chemicals, added-value products and polymers was also defined.
WP5 worked on facilitating the market uptake of sustainable bio-based products by providing in-depth information on the sustainability preferences and expectations of all relevant value chain players. Important outputs of WP5 are the completion of the three rounds of the Delphi survey and the conduction of a field experiment to elicit consumers’ willingness to pay for bio-based products carrying an eco-label. Findings obtained in this WP provide valuable inputs which can be used by the EU policy maker to prompt the market uptake of bio-based products.
WP6 performed an extensive review of social sustainability with a specific focus on bio-based economy. This was then used to develop a social impact framework tailored to bio-based products and identify relevant principles, criteria and indicators which were exploited in WP8 contributing to the definition of a sustainability assessment tool.
WP7 developed a causal-descriptive model based on a system dynamics methodology to show that bio-based products run the risk of accelerating land use change with negative effects on the environment. The developed model led to the definition of an ILUC indicator which was exploited in WP8 contributing to the definition of a sustainability assessment tool.
WP8 performed SWOT and PESTEL analyses of the existing sustainability schemes gaps identified in WP1. Moreover: (i) concepts for communication of LCIA results were analyzed; (ii) an approach to benchmarking was elaborated; and (iii) potentiality of thresholds was assessed. Subsequently, building on findings obtained in WPs 2 to 7, WP8 developed the SAT-ProBio framework, composed of the Integrated Assessment Tool and the Sustainability Certification Tools. Also, with the support of NEN, a standard-like document was developed based on the Integrated Assessment Tool.
WP9 focused on the analysis of regulations, (eco)labelling and policy initiatives, showing the existence of promising links between the STAR-ProBio products and the current bioeconomy framework. The analysis of these links provided guidance for the development of the SyD-ProBio model, to be used by the EU policy maker to compare alternative policy scenario. In addition, WP9 focused on the development of recommendations for standards and criteria for eco-labels for bio-based products. STAR-ProBio findings and outputs have been disseminated throughout the entire lifetime of the project in 76 conferences and 23 workshops. Also, 26 papers in peer-reviewed journals, 8 book chapters and 1 book have been published by STAR-ProBio partners.
