CAT-BREVIA Tool
» Can the environmental benefits of a valorisation pathway for a biomass resource be quantified?
» Is it possible to weigh up the various environmental benefits of different valorisation pathways?
To address these questions, researchers at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research have developed the CAT-BREVIA tool (Circularity Analysis Tool for Biomass REsource Valorisation Impact Analysis). The CAT-BREVIA tool supports early-stage decision-making on resource-efficient and climate-friendly biomass valorisation pathways and waste management options.
What does this tool assess?
Based on the composition of a material, such as its protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fibre, and mineral content, the tool evaluates valorisation pathways or waste management options using two indicators:
- The degree of circularity, reflecting resource use efficiency
- The consequential GHG emissions performance, an indicator for climate impact
What information is required?
The user must select the biomass resource or the composition must be entered manually (for many biomass resources typical composition data is provided in the tool). Subsequently, the user must select potential valorisation pathways or waste management options from a list.
Which results are provided by the tool?
The tool provides, for each selected valorisation pathway, the result of the two indicators mentioned above. Furthermore, the results are disaggregated into contributions from the different products generated within the valorisation pathway, the effects of predefined energy and other inputs, and other GHG emissions effects induced in the pathway. Diverse options for more extensive analyses based on the generated results are incorporated.
The tool facilitates comparison of valorising biomass streams in common and alternative pathways, including several waste management options. It thereby supports the exploration of potential feedstocks for emerging processing pathways, and the identification of residual streams that could substitute primary resources. Consequently, the tool guides researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in identifying opportunities for more circular biomass valorisation. Furthermore, it supports the identification of climate-beneficial valorisation or waste management options, taking into account the characteristics of the biomass stream. These insights can support evidence-based decision-making towards a more circular agri-food and biomass system.
Downloads
The CAT-BREVIA Tool can be downloaded via the link below. Instructions are provided on the first worksheets.
CAT-BREVIA Tool a Microsoft Excel file containing the CAT-BREVIA tool
Factsheet CAT-BREVIA Tool a factsheet with a detailed explanation of the CAT-BREVIA tool
Valorisation pathways
Described valorisation pathways include application as food, livestock feed, bioenergy, biopolymers, and a range of waste management options. The underlying estimates of process conversion efficiencies and product yield factors were derived from scientific literature and other authoritative sources. Factsheets with explanations of assumed heuristics per valorisation pathway or waste management option can be accessed via the links below.
Factsheet Anaerobic (co-)digestion with application of digestate as fertilizer
Factsheet Anaerobic digestion with composting of digestate
Factsheet Land application or Not harvested
Factsheet Bioethanol production with feed application of DDGS
Factsheet Microbial protein production
Remarks
- Scientifically substantiated analyses can be conducted upon request.
- Other valorisation pathways and waste management options, as well as parameterisations tailored for specific contexts, can be incorporated upon request.
- A calculator to estimate product carbon footprints for specific supply chains in line with the GHG Protocol Product Standard can be developed upon request.