Forest Bioeconomy in Brazil: Potential Innovative Products from the Forest Sector

Abstract

The forest sector plays an important role in the circular bioeconomy due to its focus on renewable materials that can substitute fossil or greenhouse gas emissions-intensive materials, store carbon in bio-based products and provide ecosystem services. This study investigates the state of the bioeconomy in Brazil and its forest industry. Specifically, this study presents some examples of novel wood-based products being developed or manufactured in Brazil and discusses possible opportunities for the development of the country’s forest sector. The pulp and paper industry plays an important role in the forest sector. It has also been showing advancements in the development of cascading uses of wood invalue-added products, such as nanocrystalline cellulose, wood-based textile fibers, lignin-based products, and chemical derivatives from tall oil. Product and business diversification through the integration of the pulp and paper industry to biorefineries could provide new opportunities. Moreover, biochemicals derived from non-wood forest products, such as resin and tannins could promote diversification and competitiveness of the Brazilian forest industry. Although some engineered wood products are still a novelty in Brazil, the market for such products will likely expand in the future following the global trends in wood construction.

Towards a Bioeconomy: Supplying Forest Residues for the Australian Market

“…An important aspect to consider in future research is related to the principle of the cascading use of wood [113,114], particularly the utilization of residue material to extend the total renewable carbon from biomass availability within the bioeconomy [115]. Forest residues from sustainably managed plantations can be a feedstock for many co-products including energy (heat, electricity), panel boards, and biochar [103], as well as having potential applications in bioplastics [116], renewable diesel [34], green hydrogen [117], and BECCS [118]. A holistic assessment of different product pathways is required to promote maximum resource efficiency, thereby promoting the reuse and even co-production of multiple products from the residue material [119].…”

Amazon Natural Fibers for Application in Engineering Composites and Sustainable Actions: A Review

“…Therefore, one of the greatest solutions to minimize the global problem of plastic pollution is to use sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable plastics and composites [28]. Recycling plays a crucial role within a circular economy, an economic model that aims to minimize waste and optimize the use of resources [29]. Unlike the traditional linear model (production, use, and disposal), the circular economy seeks to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible, promoting reuse, repair, and recycling at the end of their life cycle [30,31].…”

Wood-Based Products in the Circular Bioeconomy: Status and Opportunities towards Environmental Sustainability

“…In Australia, production was launched in 2018, with a capacity of 60 thousand cubic metres [31]. In Brazil, the production of CLT has been slowly increasing since the early 2010s, being used mostly in single-family houses and low-rise commercial buildings [40,41]. Currently only two companies are producing CLT in the country, and their combined production capacity is over 100 thousand cubic metres per year [42].…”