As a consumer, are you aware of how the products you are consuming were made?
(Little did we know that what if I’m already using it?)You may not realize it, but you likely use products like organic plants, algae, and waste material. It can also be found in personal care items such as drink containers, nutritional supplements, and fuel. These products are made from biomass energy, a biological matter used as fuel or industrial production, making it a contributing factor to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio.
Transportation Fuels
Biomass energy is considered as one of the top crucial renewable energy resources that every country can use. Why? It’s because it can be the best substitute for fossil fuels in many applications. Biomass has its potential from the generation of bioenergy like heat, electricity, and mostly transportation fuels and other chemicals. So, if you ever stop at a gas station as you are out of gasoline, you are most likely pumping (biofuel contains some ethanol, domestically produced) biofuel derived from biomass and may be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.
Bioethanol is the most common form of energy getting forms of biomass sources. According to Alternative Fuels Data, much of the gasoline in the United States contains one of the most common biofuels: ethanol. It is made by fermenting the sugars from plants such as corn or sugarcane, which contains oxygen that helps a car’s engine burn fuel more efficiently, reducing air pollution.
Personal Care Products
Personal care products are increasingly becoming popular these days, especially for teenagers. But did you know that bio feedstocks can be used to produce cosmetics and various personal care products? Yes, it’s true! Biomass energy is deemed to be a sustainable material for personal care products. In fact, there are many plant-based essential oils, tapped for critical and high-value ingredients to produce sunscreens, perfumes, and other personal care items. What’s more attractive is that these products can contribute to sustainable development, instead of using fossil and other non-renewable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Additives and Supplements
Algae are big-time oil producers. The oil from algae can be converted into renewable fuels or used in various applications. Currently, there is a commonly used food supplement called Coriolus Versicolor (CV). CV biomass is described to be a dietary supplement, which is a common mushroom that has an antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties. Other research also adds that CV extract is likely to be valuable for treating some forms of human leukaemia.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products and detergents are essential to humans as their power and capability rely on their ability to remove stains and dirt from surfaces. Detergents have these two unique classes: chemicals (surfactants and solvents). These two chemicals can be produced from biomass energy. Surfactants in all-purpose cleaners were said to have at least 50% renewable sources. More likely, they are present in laundry detergents, spray cleaners, and other cleaning products.
Biobased Plastics
Biobased plastics provide the same variety and reliability of traditional plastics but are manufactured from renewable-based material. A good thing about it is that biobased plastics may even help cut down on waste problems.
Biobased chemicals, products, and fuels represent an opportunity to produce renewable and sustainable products. Accordingly, biomass energy solutions offer scientific innovation as products are being made more cost-effective and efficient, promoting a more prosperous future.
