We have developed extensive research expertise in the field of life cycle assessment (LCA). In our research, LCA thinking approach is applied to a wide range of biorenewables derived from 1G, 2G and 3G biomass to evaluate the holistic economic and environmental performances of bioproduct system in comparison with petrochemical counterparts and identify the ‘hotspots’ which are main contributors to the environmental burdens. This combined with the robust environmental assessment based on original experimental results, industrial operational data [7], and statistical analyses [13] provided scientific evidence and support for the development of blended biocomposites[10] and microbially-synthesized biopolymers [6] in the UK and the global launching of the plant-based recyclable PET biopackaging and bio-PE. In collaboration with project partners, our research also covered the EU poplar-derived bioethanol value chains [12, 14] and the upgraded algal biofuel refinery systems via hydrothermal liquefaction and hydrotreating processes [15]. Our collaborative research sets performance targets for new technologies and value chains and highlights the opportunities for sustainable biorenewable development. Such research efforts enable ongoing empirical work to be more efficiently focused on key environmentally damaging steps and provide scientific and engineering evidences supporting decision-making on biorenewable process and value chain design. 

Overview of modelling approaches