Bioeconomy Landscape: Insights for Standardization
Citation
Executive Summary
The bioeconomy has gained worldwide attention as a method to combat climate change and create employment opportunities. It is seen as an economical and environmentally sustainable way to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An abundance of natural resources provides Canada with the unprecedented opportunity to produce biofuels and other bio-based products, positioning Canada as a global leader in the development of the bioeconomy.
This report presents an overview of bioeconomy processes and discusses the need to develop an integrated approach to bioeconomy advancements and regulatory and standardization activities that involves all stakeholders. It also identifies bioeconomy trends and recommends standardization areas that could enhance the bioeconomy in Canada. These trends and recommendations are based on a literature review and environmental scan of regulations and policies within the agriculture, forestry, and municipal sewage waste industries, as well as on surveys and interviews conducted with key bioeconomy stakeholders.
The bioeconomy is evolving rapidly and many innovative products have already been developed and are emerging in different sub-sectors. Given this accelerated growth, standards must be updated or developed to support the quality, safety, performance, and market competitiveness of bio-based products, as well as the profitability of bioindustries, while ensuring adequate feedstock supply. This report discusses the need for system level standardization, assessment of microplastics contamination of biosolids, combined heat and power systems (particularly in remote regions), and the need for bio-based content labelling and certification. It also presents potential pathways toward sustainable bioeconomy and sustainability criteria, along with driving forces and relationships within the bioeconomy.
Authors
- Poritosh Roy, GreenTech AgriFood & Innovation Canada
- Ilan Sandler, Sandler Consultancy
- Salima Medouar, Sandler Consultancy
Project Advisory Panel
- Matthew Schacker, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service
- Matyas Kosa, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd
- Nina Nasiri, Fuels Safety Consulting Services Inc.
- Sean McKay, Honger Innovations Inc.
- Terrence Sauve, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Anahita Jami, CSA Group (Project Manager)
- Brent Hartman, CSA Group
- Dragica Jeremic Nikolic, CSA Group
- Josip Novkovic, CSA Group
- Lynn Barber, CSA Group
- Michael Leering, CSA Group
- Nikki Kidd, CSA Group
Disclaimer
This work has been produced by GreenTech AgriFood & Innovation Canada and Sandler Consultancy and is owned by Canadian Standards Association. It is designed to provide general information in regards to the subject matter covered. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors. GreenTech AgriFood & Innovation Canada, Sandler Consultancy, and Canadian Standards Association are not responsible for any loss or damage which might occur as a result of your reliance or use of the content in this publication.
Copyright
© 2023 Canadian Standards Association. All Rights Reserved.
