> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/bio-based-materials/leadership-in-the-spotlight.md).

# Leadership in the spotlight

So far, we've discussed bio-based materials in the fashion and construction industries.In this section, we want to introduce you to another sector where these materials take center stage, albeit with some controversial aspects.

Biofuels are fuels derived from biomass, including waste and byproducts, and can also take a gaseous form (an example is biogas). They are divided into first-generation biofuels, derived from agricultural crops; second-generation biofuels, obtained from agricultural waste; [third-generation biofuels](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128202975000037), derived from an algal biomass; and finally [fourth-generation biofuels](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128202975000037), genetically optimized feedstocks for more efficient carbon capturing. The last two are not (yet) fit for large scale production.

[First-generation biofuels](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/generation-biofuels) are Biodiesel and bioethanol. Biodiesel is obtained through the transesterification of oils from plant seeds (e.g., sunflower, canola). The transesterification is a chemical process through which the basic structure of the oil, composed of glycerides is first hydrolyzed by a catalyst that is usually basic (sodium hydroxide) into glycerol (trivalent alcohol) and fatty acids; then the fatty acids bind to another other alcohol, methanol (thus originating biodiesel or methylester). Bioethanol (or ethyl alcohol of plant) is the result of fermentation of substrates sugars, followed by distillation to extract the alcohol formed. Other crops dedicated to the production of oil transformed into biodiesel are Jatropha curcas L., oil palm, and soybean. However, first generation biofuels (ethanol in particular) face three major criticisms that makes them controversial: 

1. intensification of their use leads to competition with food resources (the food versus fuel debate); 
2. ethanol production from corn grain requires significant consumption of fossil resources, in such a way that there are minimum benefits seen in the overall carbon emissions; 
3. the need for land to grow the different crops; fertile land is diminishing fast and the demand for it often leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

To avoid these problems, [second-generation biofuels](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/second-generation-biofuels) are obtained through other techniques, such as processing lignocellulosic material (through the pyrolysis technique) and miscanthus cultivation. 

Aside from the fact that both biofuels and e-fuels have particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission values very similar to those produced by gasoline, the use of biofuels and synthetic fuels in combustion engine vehicles is up to nearly 5 times less efficient in terms of energy consumption compared to the performance of battery electric vehicles. According to the European NGO[ Transport & Environment](https://www.transportenvironment.org/discover/te-annual-report-2022/), fuels of this kind are wasted in cars and should instead be used to decarbonize planes and ships, two industries in which these fuels would have advantages because they cannot function with electric batteries.

Aviation was responsible for approximately[ 2 to 3%](https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-the-growth-in-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-commercial-aviation) of global CO2 emissions and [7%](https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_SummaryVolume.pdf) of the total transport emissions in 2019. Notably, between 2010 and 2019, international aviation experienced one of the fastest-growing GHG emission rates across all segments, increasing by 3.4% per year. Additionally, the environmental impact of aviation goes beyond CO2 emissions. It’s estimated that when considering the full impact of aviation, including non-CO2 effects like contrail and cirrus cloud formation, aviation’s total climate impact could be 2 to 4 times higher than its CO2 emissions alone. Various efforts are underway to reduce emissions and improve sustainability, from aircraft efficiency, air traffic management, and carbon offsetting, to regulatory measures. One of the main measures is the ongoing research and development to produce and implement sustainable aviation fuels (SAF or biofuels) that have lower carbon footprints than traditional jet fuels. In comparison to conventional fuel, SAF can reduce life cycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%.

This is where the company we want to spotlight comes into play. [Neste](https://www.neste.com/) is a Finnish company that operates in the energy and renewable fuels industry. The multinational company started as a regional oil refiner in 1948, but has undergone significant transformations over the years to become a global leader in producing and marketing renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and raw materials for various industries. In 2007, Neste began to strategically focus on renewable fuels, particularly renewable diesel made from sustainable raw materials. The company developed a proprietary technology called NEXBTL, enabling renewable diesel production from various feedstocks, such as vegetable oils and waste fats. Neste expanded its renewable diesel production capacity, becoming one of the world’s largest producers of renewable fuels. The company has also ventured into producing renewable aviation fuel and raw materials for the chemical industry. 

Today, Neste is a global leader in renewable and circular solutions, with a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability in the energy sector and transitioning to a low-carbon future. The company’s renewable products are used in transportation, aviation, and various industries, contributing to the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Neste aims to assist their customers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 million tons CO2 equivalent annually by 2030 through their renewable and circular solutions. 20 million tons is the equivalent of emissions from 700 commercial airliners.\
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**Conclusion**

In this chapter we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of bio-based materials. While they generally have undeniable benefits over fossil-based materials, it's essential to delve deeper to understand when and in which specific cases they should be preferred. Only thorough analysis and LCA can tell just how sustainable they truly are in a given industry.

If we want to create new products in our company, let's remember to ask ourselves if there are alternative material choices that can create value from all perspectives, not just economically. Refer to industry experts, try to understand if there's already a material that suits our needs, or if it's necessary to invest in research and development of bio-based materials, preferably by establishing connections with other industries to use biological material waste and help keep materials within the production cycle.

It's a journey of discovery and exploration that contributes to creating the world we want to live in and leave for those who come after us. This journey is best faced with courage and enthusiasm.