Media type: E-Article Title: Using eco‐efficiency analysis to assess renewable‐resource–based technologies Contributor: Wall‐Markowski, Charlene A.; Kicherer, Andreas; Saling, Peter imprint: Wiley, 2004 Published in: Environmental Progress Language: English DOI: 10.1002/ep.10051 ISSN: 0278-4491; 1547-5921 Keywords: General Environmental Science Origination: Footnote: Description: <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Products derived from renewable resources are most liekly to succeed in the marketplace if they demonstrate comparable or better product quality and price versus the synthetically produced alternatives. There is significant opportunity for growth as consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of products. However, a key factor is educating both the public and industry as to which products are in fact better: bio‐based or traditionally synthesized chemical‐based. The answer is not obvious, and must be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis.</jats:p><jats:p>In order to determine the benefits of bio‐based materials, BASF utilizes its Eco‐efficiency method to assess the environmental, economic and social impact of products over their entire life‐cycle. Eco‐efficiency has demonstrated in some cases that bio‐based materials have advantages, but in other cases that materials produced by traditional chemical synthesis are better. Case studies involving product of Vitamin B2 and cradle‐to‐gate production of polymers are presented.</jats:p><jats:p>Products derived from renewable resources present an exciting new development in the chemical industry with many potential opportunities. Industry should pursue these products where it makes sense from an environmental, economic and social perspective. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004</jats:p>