This short film was developed to show the hidden climate potential in low carbon biotechnology solutions.

In the right context and with the right support these solutions could become an important part to combat climate change. To ensure the transformative potential, the potential of both positive and negative feedbacks should be considered.

“Biomaterial technologies (biorefinery) enable the reuse of waste for energy and materials. Closing the cycle and enabling the use of waste can potentially revolutionize the way we produce and use materials.”

Potential positive feedback:

• Replacing petrochemicals based processes and materials with biobased ones can significantly reduce GHG emissions.
• Closed loop systems with the production of a large variety of biobased materials eliminate waste. All materials produced, used and disposed can re-enter the production cycle.

Potential negative feedback:

• Large scale infrastructure investments are needed which are not the most economically viable options today. Lack of investments in versatile biorefineries (needed to transform waste into valuable raw materials) can stop the progress needed to reach a closed loop systems society.

Watch the movie:

The progression towards biomaterials holds the highest potential for substantial, long-term climate benefits. The possible elimination of oil-based products and “closed loop systems” (where nothing is waste) has the potential to transform the way we live. This could generate significant climate contributions, reduce pressure on land use and eliminate wasteful processes.