Value adding bioconversion of residues and byproducts—a logistics challenge

Global developments such as climate change, a growing world population and the depletion of fossil resources make the sustainable use of biogenic resources in chemical production inevitable. This would also provide a final product with a higher added value than just utilizing the raw materials for applications in energy generation. In recent years, many researchers have shown that e.g., grass clippings, carrots and potato peels can be biotechnologically converted into high-value chemicals thereby increasing resource efficiency. A particular challenge, however, is the decentralized production of such biogenic raw materials as well as degradation affecting the composition and quality within short periods of time. Therefore, appropriate logistics concepts must be developed and evaluated to economically valorize biogenic raw materials. Such concepts differ significantly in terms of material utilization for the production of chemicals, composting or energetic valorization. This overview presents relevant examples of the conversion of biogenic residues into chemicals investigating basic logistic concepts and highlighting major challenges along bio-based value chains.