The Burning Truth Behind Biomass Conversion - Greenwashing in Disguise?

Welcome to Suits & Tides, the sustainability newsletter with more knowledge than microplastics in the ocean! In this episode, we share about The "truth" behind biomass conversion

What is Biomass Conversion?

Biomass conversion encompasses a range of processes that transform organic waste materials into valuable resources. The two main categories are:

a) Biochemical Biomass Conversion:

• Anaerobic Digestion: Microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate (a nutrient-rich residue).

• Fermentation: Microorganisms convert biomass into ethanol or other alcohols through fermentation processes.

b) Thermochemical Biomass Conversion:

• Direct Combustion: Direct combustion is the most common method for converting biomass to useful energy. All biomass can be burned directly to heat buildings and water, provide industrial process heat, and generate electricity in steam turbines.

• Pyrolysis: Heating biomass in the absence of oxygen produces biochar (a carbon-rich solid), bio-oil, and syngas.

• Gasification: Partial oxidation of biomass at high temperatures produces syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gasses).

What Types of Waste Can Be Processed through Biomass Conversion?

The versatility of biomass conversion lies in its ability to handle diverse organic waste streams, including:

• Food waste from households, restaurants, and grocery stores
• Agricultural residues (e.g., corn stalks, wheat straw, manure)
• Forestry residues (e.g., sawdust, bark)
• Industrial organic byproducts (e.g., paper sludge, food processing waste)

Current Understanding of Biomass Conversion as a Diversion Method

While biomass conversion undeniably diverts organic materials from landfills, where they would release harmful methane, concerns linger regarding its actual diversionary potential.?

The TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero Waste certification program, administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), provides a framework for evaluating waste diversion practices. According to the program's waste diversion guidelines (GBCI, 2022), certain biomass conversion processes may not qualify as legitimate diversion methods.

Specifically, thermochemical conversion techniques involving combustion of organic materials, such as incineration, are explicitly excluded from TRUE's diversion criteria. While these processes may divert waste from landfills, they are not considered aligned with circular economy principles due to concerns over air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and potential negation of environmental benefits.

To qualify as a diversion method under TRUE, the end-product of biomass conversion must have a productive use beyond serving as a fuel, and the conversion process itself should have minimal harmful effects on people, the environment, and the economy. Biochemical conversion pathways like anaerobic digestion and fermentation, which align with closed-loop material flows and waste valorization, are more likely to meet these criteria.

As companies explore biomass conversion strategies, they should adhere to the guidelines set forth by established certification programs like TRUE. Claims of "diversion away from landfill" should be scrutinized if they include non-qualifying processes like incineration, as such assertions could constitute greenwashing and undermine progress toward genuine resource circularity.

Unveiling the Incinerator's Mask: When Biomass Conversion Meets Greenwashing

In the pursuit of sustainable waste management solutions, companies have embraced the concept of biomass conversion as a promising avenue. However, a closer examination reveals a potential pitfall – the risk of masking incineration practices under the veil of "thermochemical biomass conversion," leading to unintentional or even deliberate greenwashing.

The Thermochemical Conundrum

As we defined earlier, biomass conversion encompasses two main pathways: biochemical and thermochemical. While biochemical processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentation have garnered widespread acceptance, the thermochemical route raises eyebrows. Direct combustion and processes like pyrolysis and gasification involve heating biomass at high temperatures, often in the presence of limited oxygen. And herein lies the crux of the issue – these processes bear striking resemblances to conventional incineration.

The Line Between Conversion and Combustion

Thermochemical biomass conversion and incineration share several similarities in their principles and execution. Both involve the application of heat to organic materials, resulting in the release of energy and various byproducts. The key distinction lies in the intended purpose and the controlled nature of the thermochemical processes, which aim to produce valuable resources like biochar, syngas, or bio-oils.

However, this line between conversion and combustion can become blurred, and the potential for misrepresentation arises. Companies might intentionally or unintentionally classify their incineration practices as "thermochemical biomass conversion," obscuring the true nature of their operations and the associated environmental impacts.

The Greenwashing Concern

When incineration is portrayed as a form of biomass conversion, it can be perceived as a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, even though it may contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other negative consequences. This misrepresentation constitutes greenwashing, where companies present a seemingly eco-friendly fa?ade while engaging in potentially harmful activities.

The consequences of such greenwashing can be far-reaching. It can mislead stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and regulators, undermining trust and hindering progress toward genuine sustainability. Moreover, it can divert attention and resources away from truly sustainable waste management solutions, perpetuating unsound practices under the guise of innovation.

Transparency, Accuracy, and Accountability: A Path Forward

The crux of the matter lies in how organizations report and calculate waste diversion from biomass conversion processes. More accurate diversion calculators and methodologies should go beyond merely considering the end-of-disposal (EoD) solutions. Instead, they should holistically evaluate the entire life cycle of the bio-products and process outputs resulting from biomass conversion. This comprehensive approach can provide a transparent and realistic assessment of the true environmental impact, moving away from potential greenwashing or misrepresentation.

To address this concern and prevent intentional or accidental greenwashing, a multifaceted approach is necessary:

1. Adopting Standardized Frameworks and Guidelines: Companies should align their reporting with established frameworks like TRUE's (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero Waste certification program . By adhering to TRUE's definitions and guidelines, organizations can accurately distinguish between legitimate biomass conversion processes and combustion-based practices like incineration, reducing the potential for misrepresentation.

1. Mandating Detailed Reporting and External Verification: Regulatory bodies should mandate detailed reporting from companies on their waste management practices, including specific processes employed, quantities of waste treated, and resulting byproducts and emissions. Independent third-party verification mechanisms, such as those provided by organizations like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), can further enhance accountability and prevent greenwashing.

1. Public Awareness and Education: Raising public awareness about the nuances of biomass conversion, incineration, and their environmental impacts is crucial. Informed consumers and stakeholders can hold companies accountable and make more informed decisions.

1. Incentives for Sustainable Practices: Governments and industry bodies can incentivize companies to adopt truly sustainable waste management practices, such as biochemical conversion processes, composting, and waste reduction initiatives. This can shift the focus away from potentially greenwashed practices and encourage genuine environmental stewardship.

1. Collaborative Efforts: A collaborative approach involving companies, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations like Seven Clean Seas, and the scientific community is essential. By working together, stakeholders can develop best practices, share knowledge, and collectively address the challenges surrounding biomass conversion and potential greenwashing.

In the quest for a sustainable future, greenwashing and misrepresentation have no place. It is imperative that companies, regulators, and the public remain vigilant and proactive in promoting transparency, accountability, and genuine sustainability in waste management practices. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to integrity can we navigate the complexities of treatment pathways like biomass conversion and ensure that our actions align with our broader climate targets and environmental goals.

Bibliography:?

• Catal?o, D. S., Nunes, L. J. R., De Oliveira Matias, J. C., & Paulo, J. (2017). Torrefaction of Biomass for Energy Applications: From Fundamentals to Industrial Scale. Elsevier Inc. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128094624/torrefaction-of-biomass-for-energy-applications

• Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). (2022). TRUE Diversion Data Additional Guidance. https://true.gbci.org/sites/default/files/resources/TRUE-Diversion-Data-Technical-Guidance_0.pdf

• Kumari, K., Singh, A., Marathe, D., & Pariyar, P. (2021). Agricultural biomass as value chain developers in different sectors. In Advanced Technology for the Conversion of Waste into Fuels and Chemicals (pp. 467–509). Elsevier.

• Wilson, B., Wilson, B., Williams, N., & Liss, B. (2013). A Comparative Assessment of Commercial Technologies for Conversion of Solid Waste to Energy.

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