Primer on Bioproducts - BIOCAP Canada

Bioproducts and theCarbon CycleOne of the most importantdifferences between bioproductsindustries and fossil fuel-basedindustries is the relationship eachof these has with the carbon cyclecleand, in particular, the trapping ofenergy from the sun throughphotosynthesisosynthesis.The carbon cycle refers to the flow ofcarbon — a common chemical elementcrucial to the chemistry of life — froman inorganic state to an organic state(i.e., biomass) and back again.bioproducts in Canada’s energy and transportation industries(e.g., electricity generated using biomass fuels, or automobilefuels made from plants) can be useful in the fight against climatechange.Where Are Bioproducts Found?Although many consumers may not realize it, bioproducts arepresent in most Canadian households.For instance, wood is a traditional bioproduct that people havebeen using in fires to heat homes and cook meals for thousand ofyears. Today, many forest companies use wood residues togenerate heat and electrical power for their own operations.Other, less traditional products of biological materials andprocesses — now available or under development — includesome types of shingles, insulation, plastics, carpet, linoleum,fibreboard, specialty paper, fabric, packaging, cleaners, solvents,paints, shampoo, cosmetics, soap, lubricants, detergents andbiofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel.Fuel ethanol made from the starch of corn is a bioproduct that isbecoming a common feature at gasoline pumps. More than 600service stations across Canada now offer fuel with bioethanolblended in as an additive. Technology to improve the acquisitionof fuel ethanol from corn and other cellulose-based material isadvancing rapidly. This would allow the use of waste agriculturaland forest biomass without detracting from the use of thematerial as a food source.Corn and other plants, such as wheat, that are rich in starch mayalso become the source of wax used to polish cars, or they maybecome ingredients in the glue used in home renovation projects.Using energy-rich biomassto “close” the carbon cycle.10CHAPTER 1 — WHAT ARE BIOPRODUCTS?