Feedstock reporting gaps limit interpretation of circularity claims across conversion technologies

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Authors: Zahir Barahmand, Lars-André Tokheim, Liang Wang, Morten Seljeskog, Marianne Eikeland
Cited by: 1
References: 44

Abstract

Abstract Circularity claims in biomass and waste conversion research often depend on feedstock assumptions, but studies do not report baseline management, hazard-related information, and material status consistently. Here we show a Scopus-based evidence map of feedstock reporting across eight conversion technologies. We extract 152,548 feedstock items and retain 133,832 valid items using a deterministic-first workflow with record-level provenance, versioned dictionaries, and audited validation. The map reveals technology-specific reporting patterns and recurring gaps in the information needed to interpret whether feedstocks are primary biomass, wastes, by-products, or commodity inputs, and whether secondary streams carry hazard-relevant qualifiers. We provide a harmonised feedstock dictionary, a reusable labelling infrastructure, and minimum evidence conditions for transparent interpretation of feedstock claims. These findings characterise reporting patterns in a Scopus-indexed and query-constrained evidence base, not real-world deployment, feedstock availability, or sustainability performance. Together, these outputs support more transparent, reliable, and reusable feedstock evidence, enabling better-grounded interpretation of circularity claims across conversion technologies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Forest Biomass Utilization and Management Biofuel production and bioconversion Bioeconomy and Sustainability Development

Publication details

Journal / source
Communications Sustainability
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
1
Issue
1
Publication date
27 July 2026
Language
EN