Technology Assessment on Renewable Raw Materials: Potentials and Risks of the Use of Starches

Abstract Starch as a renewable raw material for chemical/industrial uses has a long tradition. In terms of quantity, starch ranks third behind wood and vegetable oils. In the medium term, this position will be maintained, if not improved. The volume of renewable raw materials used for fuel is even greater and expected to increase in the medium term. By means of a technology assessment on chemical/industrial and energy uses of renewable raw materials, it shall be demonstrated where the specific potentials and risks of starch use can be found. Among others, the following aspects are considered: energy and CO2 balance sheets, biodegradability and competiveness. Under the headings of „saving of raw materials (degree of self‐sufficiency)”︁, „area required (reduction of surpluses)”︁, „employment effects”︁, „contribution to CO2 reduction”︁ and „need for subsidies”︁, medium‐term (up to 2005) potential use of starch in Germany is studied relative to use of renewable raw materials in total.