Transformative bioeconomies: Towards a materials transition (KB-45)
Phasing out fossil feedstock not only requires a transition towards renewable energy, but also a transition towards renewable materials. We need to develop new ways of producing the materials we use (plastics, textiles, building materials, etc.) and also device strategies to support and speed up this transition.
Wageningen University & Research has broad experience in transitions of food systems, but less in relation to the bioeconomy. That is why this investment theme will connect several scientific fields, more specifically ‘sustainability transition studies’ and ‘renewable carbon-based materials’. These fields have so far operated largely separately within Wageningen University & Research and elsewhere.
Connecting
The materials transition requires effective integration of knowledge from several fields:
- Expertise in technologies for renewable carbon production, re-use, recycling and de-materialization, based in several natural science disciplines;
- Expertise in sustainable and fair transitions, incorporating options and insights from several disciplinary perspectives e.g.sociology, ecology and economics;
- Expertise and perspectives from societal stakeholders on whom transition in society eventually critically depends;
The investment theme therefore aims to strengthen the collaboration and coordination between scientists from widely diverging disciplines as well as between these scientists and societal stakeholders. To achieve this we develop innovative methodologies, concepts, tools and modes of working that facilitate enhanced mutual understanding and the integration of knowledge across disciplines and bodies of expertise, and work towards coherent action perspectives for all involved. At the same time we explore, develop and test novel technical, nature-based and/or social solutions and principles that have a potential to contribute to the materials transition, and make these part of a collaborative process.
The investment theme works primarily in the societal sectors of textiles and building materials (interior and housing), but the methods and principles developed are geared to having a wider relevance for research, education and value creation.
About the programme
Phasing out fossil feedstock not only requires a transition towards renewable energy, but also a transition towards renewable materials. We need to develop new ways of producing the materials we use (plastics, textiles, building materials, etc.) and also device strategies to support and speed up this transition. In the investment theme: ‘Transformative Bioeconomies: Towards a materials transition that phases out fossil feedstock’, we aim to connect disciplines from all over WUR to engage in this challenge.
To explore the materials transition, the investment theme focuses on two sectors and on four transition pathways. The two sectors are textiles and building materials. To learn more about the two sectors and their work, see our cases page. The four pathways are; 1) biobased materials, 2) recycling, 3) CO2 capture and utilization technologies, and 4) dematerialization.
Programme logic
We use materials everyday
Carbon-based materials are made from fossil feedstocks and biomass
We need more than a phasing-out of fossil energy
What about circularity?
We have three technological pathways for making fossil free carbon-based materials
Many solutions are not yet mature
A materials transition requires changes in social systems as well
A materials transitions requires collaboration and involves struggle
Cross-disciplinary systems research is needed
New methods and approaches for collaboration are needed
The investment theme addresses imagination, maturity and collaboration challenges
Imagination challenges
We explore the potential of new technical, nature-based and/or social-institutional principles and options that are still far from application in society, but may contribute to a materials transition in the long run. We involve various disciplines and societal stakeholders in selecting promising options.
Maturity challenges
We support already existing initiatives in society in identifying and tackling the challenges they meet in scaling technical, nature-based and social-institutional solutions that contribute to a materials transition. Thus, we support learning in these initiatives, which makes them more competitive and mature in their struggle to reduce the use of fossil feedstock.
Collaboration challenges
Overcoming maturity challenges requires ways of working, struggling and co-learning together among stakeholders, as well as constructive interaction between scientists and societal interest groups. In this investment theme we are especially interested in new methodologies, concepts, tools and modes of working that can help bridge different disciplinary and/or societal fields of experience, and/or that support decision-making and strategy development towards further investment and scaling. The methods that we develop are oriented to support systems thinking.
Pathways
To explore the materials transition, the investment theme focuses on two sectors and on four transition pathways. The two sectors are textiles and building materials. The four pathways are; 1) biobased materials, 2) recycling, 3) CO2 capture and utilization technologies, and 4) dematerialization.
Pathways
1. Bio-based materials
Potentially the easiest way to phase out fossil feedstock-based materials is to switch to biobased feedstocks, such as wood, hemp, fungi, or algae. In 2022 some of our funded wildcard projects explored innovations within the biobased pathway. Examples are natural dyes, using algae as construction material, or making pineapple fibers
2. Recycling
Another way to reduce the dependency on fossil feedstocks is it to keep materials in the loop, instead of discharging them. Thus, recycling carbon-based materials is the second technological pathway the investment theme explores. Similar to the other pathways, recycling is complex and connects to related concepts that are captured by the 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle). The 5 Rs show how the recycling pathway also connects to dematerialization (refuse, reduce). One of the 5 Rs (repurpose) also connects to the so-called cascading use. This means that insulation for buildings could be made out of old textiles. A nice example, of how our two domains (building materials and textiles) connect.
CO2 capture and utilization technologies.
3. CO2 capture
Finally, the investment theme explores the possibilities of CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. These technologies are still in their infancy. This means that the investment theme will mostly undertake fundamental research within this pathway. In simple terms, CCU means that CO2 is taken out of the atmosphere and tuned into building blocks (molecules). These building blocks can then be put together to form materials.
4. Dematerialization
Dematerialization is framed as a cross-cutting pathway that does not only encompass technological innovations to realize the materials transition. All transition pathways have a social component, but the dematerialization pathway provides more room for social aspects of the materials transition. Dematerialization is not only about using fewer resources in the production process (efficiency). It is also about consuming less, while living a happy, fulfilled life (sufficiency).
People
This program is been made possible through the passionate work of many people. Much more people than listed on this page are involved in the program and contribute to its progress. We want to highlight that we appreciate the support of everyone involved, especially also the work of Master students and junior researchers.This page is meant to help you find the right contact person for your questions related to the materials transition.
Project managers
Domain leaders Textile
Domain leaders Building materials
Methods and Demonstrations
Core team
-
dr. AC (Anne-Charlotte) Hoes
Senior Researcher -
S (Solen) le Clech' PhD
Spatial analysis of socio-ecological systems -
ing. HC (Henri) Holster
Sustainable livestock systems and facilitating transitions -
dr. BC (Barbara) van Mierlo
Associate Professor -
prof.dr. JH (Harry) Bitter
Heterogeneous catalysis -
AK (Anna) Undas MSc
Researcher
Synthesis
Wildcards and other funded projects
Every year the program invites WUR researchers to submit project ideas that fit with the strategic goal of the investment theme. These research projects are called Wildcard projects. The intention of these projects is not only to fit the strategic interest of the program but also to stimulate new research endeavors through seed funding. This is in line with the overall goal of investment themes at WUR, which aims to foster new research and strengthen collaborations within WUR. Link to page that explains investment themes at WUR.
The focus of the Wildcard call and, thus, of the projects varies from year to year to accommodate developments within the program. Nevertheless, the Wildcards need to fit within the two program domains, textiles and building materials.
Apart from the open calls, the program is also granting funding to small projects that address very specific research questions.
Below you can find projects that have been funded so far.
Wildcards 2022
In 2022 the program granted funding to 11 projects. Below you find a list of these 11 projects. During 2022, the wildcard projects were presented at 2 project meetings. To present their work, the project researchers provided posters, for which you can find links below. The projects have been completed in December 2022. The final project reports can also be found below.
Engaging in sustainable bioeconomies: The role of data-driven communication
Researchers
Sanne Kruikemeier, Rens Vliegenthart, Sophie Boerman, Annelien van Remoortere, Paulien Harmsen
Key message
In this project, we investigate how different targeted messages can be effective in influencing citizens’ intention to engage in and attitudes toward sustainable clothing consumption. Based on two studies, this project provides key insights for both scientists and policymakers/activists on how to design an effective information campaign.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Building WUR-WU Database on new biobased materials to facilitate LCA analysis
Researchers
Marieke Brouwer, Lesly Garcia-Chavez, Ellen Slegers, Iris Vural-Gursel
Key message
In this project we establish a common, structured approach on how data should be collected, upscaled and reported for new biobased processes and biobased materials to be used in (prospective) LCA studies. We apply this approach to viscose production (for textile applications) and isolation material from miscanthus as a first step to build a life cycle inventory database on novel biobased materials.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Pineapple leaves for high quality fibre and other biobased applications
Researchers
Huib Hengsdijk, Wolter Elbersen, Martien van den Oever, Francisco Alpizar Rodriguez, Silvia Fernandez Gonzalez, Luis Saldivia Gonzatti
Key message
This project explores the use of pineapple crop residues for fibers and other bio-based valorisation options. Based on the understanding of current agronomic, technical, economic, social-institutional and governance bottlenecks involved in the pineapple residue transitions solutions are identified to deal with these bottlenecks.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Never waste a good crisis
Researchers
Geerten Hengeveld, George van Voorn, Hubert Fonteijn, Luisa Trindade, Esther Koopmanschap, Paulien Harmsen, Jeroen Sluijsmans, Sinéad O’Keeffe, Els Weinans, Natalie Davis
Key message
With most technological solutions available, transformation towards a biobased (textile) economy will require major changes in existing – and often conservative - behavioural patterns. Can modelling provide insight into how externally induced crises can open up windows of opportunity for such behavioural changes to establish and consolidate?
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Seaweed for renewable building materials
Researchers
Reinier Nauta, Maarten Kootstra, Harry Bitter, Tijs Ketelaar, Ben van den Broek, Martien van den Oever
Key message
In this research we want to identify potential streams of seaweed that can be utilized for building material with a assessment on the environmental impact.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
A methodology to test strategies to increase consumer’s willingness to wear alternative textiles
Researchers
René A. de Wijk, Siet Sijtsema, Betina Piqueras Fiszman
Key message
The newly developed methodology of this study demonstrates the contributions of store and material information on experiences during touching of textile. The type of clothing store and way material information is provide may play a critical role in the acceptance by consumers of more sustainable textile materials.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Microalgae as SLA 3D printing material
Researchers
Vittorio Saggiomo, Maria Barbosa, Joshua Dijksman
Key message
We developed the first (and only so far), microalgae-based 3D printing material for SLA printers. This material can help with: Dematerialization: it is one of the main points of using 3D printing Biomass: the production of this material (microalgae) uses less water and land compared to plant-based materials -CO2 capturing: microalgae can be fine-tuned to capture an even higher amount of CO2 from the environment
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
The forecast of bio-feedstock availability for material transition: modeling with time-series and machine learning
Researchers
Daoud Urdu, Xuezhen Guo, Marcel Kornelis
Key message
Combining different statistical methodologies, such as time-series analysis and machine learning provides a robust modeling tool to predict bio-feedstock availability while considering forecast accuracy and efficiency.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Dyes and additives for fossil-free textile chains: linking fibre production, protected cultivation of high-value products and processing
Researchers
Anja Dieleman, Luisa Trindade, Marieke Bruins, Paulien Harmsen, Mark van Hoogdalem
Key message
In this project, we aim to select a number of interesting crops that could be used as dyes for textiles. Other prerequisites is that these high-value crops can be cultivated in protected cultivation, that concentrations of secondary metabolites can be controlled in a sustainable way to obtain components that may be used as dyes, and that the waste streams of this process can also be valorized.
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Phasing out carbon-based materials in the Fashion industry
Researchers
Anita Hardon, Josephine van Zeben, Phil Macnaghten, Marloes Moed, Egbert Dommerholt, Paulien Harmsen, Radha Jethu-Ramkrishan-Ramsoedh, Dieuwertje de Wagenaar
Key message
In this project, we seek to learn from innovative efforts to phase out and recycle carbon-based – synthetic - materials in the fashion industry, including initiatives to promote the uptake of alternatives and the growth of niche grassroots initiatives.
Output
Project poster 1 | Executive report
Natural Nanoemulsions for Waterproofing and Softening Mycelium Textiles
Researchers
Renko de Vries, Costas Nikiforidis, Ben van den Broek, Iris Houthof, Emma Luijtjens
Key message
To make biomass sources such as mycelium more flexible and water repellant nano-emulsions coated with water-soluble polysaccharides can have potential.
Output
Wildcards 2023
In 2023 the program granted funding to 7 projects. Below you find a list of these 7 projects. They will be completed by December 2023.
Wood it be possible: building sustainable and circular timber-framed houses in the Netherlands?
Researchers
Angelina Horsting, Jop Woltjer, Ute Sass-Klaassen, Bert van de Weil
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Transformative ways to study transformative bioeconomies
Researchers
Marcel Kornelis, Xuezhen Guo, Koos Gardebroek, Daoud Urdu
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Understanding and addressing the motivations and barriers of sustainable clothing consumption
Researchers
Sophie Boerman, Rens Vliegenthart, Sanne Kruikemeier, Paulien Harmsen, Dieuwertje de Wagenaar, Geerten Hengenve
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2
The development of a fossil-free textile chain: the revival of plant-based dyes
Researchers
Mark van Hoogdalem, Anja Dieleman, Luisa Trindade, Marieke Bruins, Paulien Harmsen
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Participatory modelling of pathways in the sustainable textile transition
Researchers
George van Voorn, Hubert Fonteijn, Geerten Hengeveld, Annemarie van Paassen, Paulien Harmsen, Sinéad O’Keeffe, Kim Poldner
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Towards a circular textile economy: enzymatic recycling of textile fibres
Researchers
Tom Ewing, Mattijs Julsing, Mirjam Kabel
Output
Project poster 1 | Project poster 2 | Executive report
Wool for crop resilience
Researchers
Beatriz Andreo Jimenez, Tess van de Voorde, Alexander van Tuyll, Evelien Maaskant, Paulien Harmsen, Irene Sanchez Andrea
Output
Wildcards 2024
For 2024 we have two categories of wildcards. On the one hand, we are funding four promising follow-up wildcards, on the other, we are funding six outreach projects. The former allows wildcards from 2022 or 2023 to continue with or build on their projects. The outreach wildcards aim at communicating WUR efforts in the fields of the bioeconomy, circular economy, or carbon economy that connect to the Investment Theme’s focus areas textiles, and building materials.
Wool for Crop resilience 2.0
Researchers
Beatriz Andreo Jimenez, Tess van de Voorde, Annelein Meisner, Marta Streminska, Evelien Maaskant, Paulien Harmsen
Output
Microalgae as SLA 3D printing material: cheaper, greener, faster
Researchers
Vittorio Saggiomo, Iulian Boboescu, Carl Safi
Output
Towards a circular textile economy: Enhancing enzymatic textile recycling through mechanical pre-processing methods
Researchers
Max Lubberink, Tom Ewing, Peicheng Sun, Mirjam Kabel
Output
Development of a microbial shortcut for CO2 to ethylene glycol, a valuable building block
Researchers
Maarten Verhoeven, Mattijs Julsing, Lyon Bruinsma, Vitor Martins dos Santos
Output
Dutch media outreach for wood it be possible constructing timber houses in the Netherlands
Researchers
Angelina Horsting, Job Woltjer
Output
Raising awareness of a fossil free wardrobe at Dutch Design Week
Researchers
Danielle Van Dijl, Liesbeth Vallinga, Siet Sijtsema, Paulien Harmsen, Sophie Boerman
Output
Forests, trees and wood. A dialogue on the cutting of trees for the biobased building transition
Researchers
Anne-Charlotte Hoes, Nina de Roo, Jan den Ouden, Jeroen Kruit
Output
Playbook to disseminate data and modeling activities for the Transformative bioeconomies
Researchers
Daoud Urdu, Koos Gardebroek, Marcel Kornelis, Charlotte Habers, Xuezhen Guo
Output
Narrative on biobased material value chain
Researchers
Olga Van Der Valk, Coen van Ruiten, Pieter de Wolf
Output
Oil palm wood furniture: Exploring possibility for business operationalisation
Researchers
Aritta Suwarno, Solen le Clech', Wolter Elbersen
Output
Other commissioned projects
Apart from the wild card projects, we are also funding small projects to investigate specific research questions. Thus, these projects are not part of an open call but have to address a very specific issue.
Below you see a list of the projects that have been funded so far.
Increasing the role of the financial sector in material transition: The scale-up problem and key lessons
Researchers
Francisco Alpizar, Alfons Oude Lansink, Kaleb Jada
Key message
For the EU to achieve its climate goals, it is crucial to quicken the shift away from fossil raw materials. Finding scalable technologies and directing private funding toward them is necessary to achieve this transition.
Developing and piloting a method to determine bottlenecks for scaling bio-material innovations, and R&D and partnership needs
Researchers
Mariette Campell, Cees Leeuwis
Key message
The bio-material technologies developed by WUR researchers require other complementary innovations before they can scale out successfully and contribute to the transition to a bio-economy. The developed method helps researchers and other stakeholders to conduct a quick-scan of their bio-material innovation, what additional innovations are required, and what strategic partnerships should be established.
Development of renewable textiles from biodegradable polyesters
Researchers
Bhavya Goyal, Sharon Chu, Evelien Maaskant, Wouter Post
Key message
This study builds on a previous study (Maaskant et al. 2023) that describes that phasing out current fossil based polyesters is only feasible if renewable biodegradable alternatives are used that do not accumulate as microplastic particles in the environment. The study suggests that several alternatives (PBS, PBSA and PLA) stand out based on their mechanical performance and biodegradability. The present study aims to demonstrate the processability into yarns of these polymers and studies the physical factors, such as fabric softness, that impact the potential use of these materials in the transition towards a more sustainable textile industry.
Routes to use CO2 as feedstock for textiles and building materials
Researchers
Daan van Vliet, Maarten Verhoeven, Evelien Maaskant, Wouter Post
Key message
In order to successfully phase out fossil carbon it is crucial that effective and efficient routes are developed to convert carbon dioxide into functional building blocks. This project investigates which of the existing sources and conversion routes are suitable for replacing fossil carbon in textiles and building materials. Subsequently it will defined which research questions require attention to bring these technologies to a higher readiness level and how the expertise of Wageningen University & Research can assist these specific transitions.