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Advanced Developments on Biomass, Bio-Based Materials and Biorefinery Towards Sustainable Bioeconomy

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioeconomy of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 26 September 2026 | Viewed by 2173

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
CIRCE–Technology Centre, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: decarbonization strategies; biomass; sustainability; waste valorisation; recycling technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIRCE–Technology Centre, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: biomass; waste valorization; heterogeneous catalysis; hydrogen; biogas; biochar; thermochemical processes; anaerobic digestion; fermentation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The sustainable transformation of our economy and energy systems is critically linked to the valorization of renewable biomass through integrated biorefinery approaches. This Special Issue will address this global challenge by showcasing scientific and technological advances that are enabling the production of bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials through environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive pathways.

The central aim of this issue is to contribute to the definition, quantification, and application of sustainability in the field of biomass processing and bioeconomic development. The selected contributions will explore thermochemical (e.g., gasification, pyrolysis, HTL, HTC) and biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion, fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis) conversion technologies, alongside tools and strategies to assess their performance in terms of environmental impact (LCA), circularity, energy efficiency, and socio-economic value. The issue will align with the European Bioeconomy Strategy, which highlights the role of the bioeconomy in achieving the EU's 2030 climate and energy goals and 2050 climate neutrality objective, while also addressing biodiversity loss, pollution, and rural regeneration.

By addressing the multi-dimensional nature of sustainability—spanning scientific, technical, environmental, socio-economic, and policy domains—this Special Issue will advance integrated solutions and provide measurable insights for shaping future sustainable bio-based systems.

Original research articles and comprehensive reviews are welcome. Thematic areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Renewable syngas production from biomass and waste.
  • Biogas-derived fuels and value-added products.
  • Advanced bio-based materials and bioproducts.
  • LCA in waste valorization and bio-based value chains.
  • Circular economy strategies and industrial symbiosis.
  • The bioeconomy as a catalyst for rural economic revitalization.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Carmen Bartolomé
Dr. Clara Jarauta-Córdoba
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass
  • bioproducts
  • bioeconomy
  • biorefineries
  • circular economy

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1113 KB  
Article
Transition to a Sustainable Bioeconomy in Ecuador: Resource Efficiency of the Austrian Economy with Comparative Evidence from South America
by Juan Manuel-García García-Samaniego and Jhuliana Michelle Torres
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010001 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 588
Abstract
This article analyzes how Austrian economic principles contribute to bioeconomic development in Ecuador, emphasizing key aspects such as property rights, spontaneous order, entrepreneurial innovation, institutional frameworks and decentralized knowledge. The relevance of incorporating an instrumental case was established, in which the scale, composition, [...] Read more.
This article analyzes how Austrian economic principles contribute to bioeconomic development in Ecuador, emphasizing key aspects such as property rights, spontaneous order, entrepreneurial innovation, institutional frameworks and decentralized knowledge. The relevance of incorporating an instrumental case was established, in which the scale, composition, and technology (SCT) effects model was applied to the comparative analysis of Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil during the 2000–2023 period. This study was complemented by multiple linear regression, which was used to evaluate the relationship between economic growth, CO2 emissions, the agricultural industry, foreign direct investment, and a composite bioeconomy index. The results showed complete decoupling between GDP and emissions in Ecuador, driven by technological improvements and transformations in key sectors such as agriculture and renewable energy. Chile and Brazil also showed paths of complete decoupling, although to a lesser extent for the latter, while Argentina exhibited relative decoupling, in which bioeconomic growth continues to be associated with an increase in emissions. The estimated models present an R2 (between 0.81 and 0.91). This study shows that it is possible to move towards a sustainable bioeconomy. Full article
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Review

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23 pages, 2598 KB  
Review
Sustainable Cationic Polyelectrolytes from Agri-Forestry Biomass: Conventional Chemistry to AI-Optimized Reactive Extrusion
by Ali Ayoub and Lucian A. Lucia
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10060; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210060 - 11 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1272
Abstract
Cationic polyelectrolytes, characterized by positively charged functional groups, play an essential role in industries ranging from food solutions, water treatment, medical, cosmetic, textiles and agriculture due to their electrostatic interactions, biocompatibility, and functional versatility. This paper critically examines the transition from petroleum-based synthetic [...] Read more.
Cationic polyelectrolytes, characterized by positively charged functional groups, play an essential role in industries ranging from food solutions, water treatment, medical, cosmetic, textiles and agriculture due to their electrostatic interactions, biocompatibility, and functional versatility. This paper critically examines the transition from petroleum-based synthetic polymers such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and cationic polyacrylamides to sustainable natural alternatives derived from agri-forestry resources like starch derivatives and cellulose. Through a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, we highlight the superior renewability, biodegradability, and lower carbon footprint of bio-based polycations, despite challenges in agricultural sourcing and processing. This study examines cationization processes by comparing the environmental limitations of traditional chemical methods, such as significant waste production and limited scalability, with those of second-generation reactive extrusion (REX), which enables solvent-free and rapid modification. REX also allows for adjustable degrees of substitution and ensures uniform charge distribution, thereby enhancing overall functional performance. Groundbreaking research and optimization achieved through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for parameter regulation and targeted mechanical energy management underscore REX’s strengths in precision engineering. By methodically addressing current limitations and articulating future advancements, this work advances sustainable innovation that contributes to a circular economy in materials science. Full article
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