Biobased materials in the GWW sector are geotechnical solutions manufactured from renewable biological raw materials such as plants, fibers and other natural materials. These raw materials are extracted without depleting fossil resources and are biodegradable or compostable at the end of their life cycle.

The core of biobased materials lies in their origin: they derive from biomass that has grown recently, as opposed to fossil feedstocks formed millions of years ago. Examples include materials made from flax, hemp, jute, coir and other plant fibers that are processed into functional geotechnical products.

These materials can be applied in various geotechnical functions such as soil stabilization, erosion protection, filtration systems and temporary protective layers. Processing methods range from minimal treatment to advanced biotechnological processes that improve properties without negating ecological benefits.

Biobased materials are an important part of the transition to a more sustainable GWW sector by reducing dependence on finite resources while providing functional solutions to infrastructure challenges.

What types of biobased materials are used in GWW projects?

Various types of biobased materials are used in GWW projects, each with specific properties and application areas. These materials can be divided into several categories that together perform a wide range of geotechnical functions.

Natural fiber applications are an important category. These include:

• Jute ground cloth for temporary erosion protection and support of vegetation growth
• Coconut mats for bank protection and embankments
• Hemp and flax fibers for reinforcement and stabilization
• Reed mats for nature-friendly banks

Biocomposites combine natural fibers with (partially) biobased resins or binders. These are used in:

• Reinforced structures for ground retaining wall
• Lightweight infill material in infrastructure projects
• Alternative shoring materials

Biopolymers and bio-plastics are increasingly being used as alternatives to conventional plastics:

• PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) for temporary applications
• Starch-based materials for erosion control
• Biobased geotextiles for filter functions and separation

There are also hybrid solutions that combine conventional and biobased materials, allowing a gradual transition without compromising on technical performance. These materials are used for soil improvement, water regulation and environmental protection within the GWW sector.

What are the advantages of biobased materials over traditional materials?

Biobased materials offer several significant advantages over traditional materials in GWW applications. The main added value lies in their ecological footprint and contribution to a circular economy.

Environmentally, biobased materials are distinguished by:

• Lower CO₂ emissions during production and transportation
• Using renewable rather than finite resources
• Biodegradability or compostability (depending on type)
• Reduced leaching of microplastics to soil and water
• Natural integration into ecosystem at end of life

At the technical level, they offer interesting features:

• Good water permeability while maintaining filter functions
• Effective erosion protection with support for vegetation growth
• Adaptable lifetime depending on project needs
• Compatibility with different soil types

Economically, biobased materials are becoming increasingly competitive. Although initial acquisition costs are sometimes higher, this is offset by:

• Reduced end-of-life disposal costs
• Valuable contribution to sustainability goals of projects
• Improved scoring opportunities in tenders with sustainability criteria
• Anticipating future regulations and standards

Moreover, with increasing economies of scale in production, biobased materials are becoming increasingly attractive price-wise, making overall project costs competitive with traditional solutions.

How do biobased materials affect the sustainability goals of GWW projects?

Biobased materials contribute substantially to achieving sustainability goals within GWW projects. They are an integral part of the sustainability strategy in the infrastructure sector and have impact at multiple levels.

For CO₂ reduction, biobased materials are an important factor. Because they are made from renewable resources that absorb CO₂ as they grow, they have a significantly lower carbon footprint. Compared to conventional oil-based materials, CO₂ emissions can be up to 70% lower, directly contributing to climate goals.

Within the circular economy, these materials play a key role:

• They close cycles by using renewable resources
• Biodegradable varieties return to the natural cycle
• Compostable options become new soil nutrients
• They reduce end-of-life waste problems

For certifications and procurement, biobased materials offer concrete benefits. They help achieve scores on sustainability tools such as:

• DuboCalc and MKI (Environmental Cost Indicator) values.
• BREEAM-NL Infra certification
• CO₂-Performanceladder
• Criteria for Socially Responsible Purchasing (SRI).

In addition, biobased materials contribute to biodiversity restoration through better integration with natural systems. For example, by supporting vegetation growth or not releasing harmful substances into the environment. This ties in with the growing attention to nature-inclusive construction within infrastructure projects.

Why is the demand for biobased materials growing in Dutch infrastructure?

The demand for biobased materials in Dutch infrastructure is growing due to a combination of policy developments, social awareness and changing market conditions. This shift is driven by multiple factors that reinforce each other.

Public policy plays a crucial role with initiatives such as:

• The Building and Infrastructure Transition Agenda within the government-wide Circular Economy program
• Climate agreement targets for CO₂ reduction in construction
• Stricter material use requirements in tenders
• Aiming to use 50% less primary raw materials by 2030

Procurement procedures encourage innovation by:

• BPKV (Best Price-Quality Ratio) criteria that reward sustainability
• MKI (Environmental Cost Indicator) values as award criteria
• Valuing circular material application in projects
• Room for innovation through functional specification

Clients such as the Department of Public Works, provinces and municipalities are setting ever higher sustainability requirements, with bio-based materials being an important tool for achieving them. At the same time, there is growing awareness among market players that sustainable innovation provides a competitive advantage.

The scarcity of traditional feedstocks also plays a role. Rising prices and supply uncertainties of fossil raw materials make biobased alternatives more attractive. In addition, locally produced biobased materials offer opportunities for regional economic development and reduction of transport movements.

Due to these developments, there is a growing demand for knowledge and innovation in biobased materials in the Dutch infrastructure sector.

Key insights on biobased materials in the GWW sector

The application of bio-based materials in the GWW sector represents an important development in making infrastructure more sustainable. It is clear that these materials not only offer an environmentally friendly alternative, but also perform better and better technically in various applications.

The key insights on biobased materials in the GWW sector are:

• They represent a concrete implementation of circular principles through the use of renewable raw materials
• The technical properties match or complement conventional solutions
• They contribute demonstrably to reduction of CO₂ emissions and environmental impact
• Demand grows due to policy developments and stricter sustainability requirements
• They offer a response to increasing resource scarcity

For the future, we expect further innovation in biobased materials, with a focus on improved functionality, longer life where desired, and better recycling and composting capabilities. Research into new feedstocks and processing methods will further expand the range of applications.

The transition to biobased alternatives requires collaboration throughout the chain, from raw material producer to contractor. Here, knowledge about the right application is essential for achieving optimal results.

We at TEFAB see these developments up close as a supplier and knowledge partner. With our expertise in both traditional and biobased geotechnical materials, we help you make the right choices for your specific project challenges. This way, together we contribute to a more sustainable infrastructure without compromising on quality and functionality.

Curious about what we can do? Contact us at +31 (0)162 455 515 or sales@tefab.nl