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Seeing the wood in the forests
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This policy report assesses global wood supply in the context of a circular bioeconomy transition, exploring uses ranging from construction materials to bioplastics. It is focused on forest resources and sustainable materials rather than microplastic pollution specifically.
The report assesses how much wood we are likely to have now and in the future to support a transformational change towards a circular bioeconomy, and explores the potential and implications for its uses. It considers the structural changes affecting the use of wood globally and the potential for innovation in forest-based product markets, from engineered wood products in the construction sector, pulp used for textiles, chemicals, bioplastics and energy, to the growing number of small niche markets, including cosmetics, food additives and pharmaceuticals. It explores the future demand for roundwood under business-as-usual scenarios and when contemplating trends which curb the use of wood while foreseeing increased demand for other forest bioproducts. Finally, it describes the need for investment in research to synthesise current knowledge and assess future environmental, economic, social and policy prospects, which will support a truly sustainable development of the circular bioeconomy.
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This book examines the role of plastics in the circular economy, reviewing how the current linear plastics economy generates environmental problems including microplastic pollution from fossil oil use and unmanaged plastic waste. The authors assess circular economy strategies including recycling, biodegradable alternatives, and design for disassembly as pathways to maintain the benefits of plastics while reducing their environmental footprint.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.