In its most narrow sense it is a synonym to biofuel, which is fuel derived from biological sources. In its broader sense it includes biomass, the biological material used as a biofuel; as well as the social, economic, scientific and technical fields associated with biological sources of energy. A common misconception is that bioenergy can only be extracted once from the biomass, but the biomass is the matter and energy contained in its derivatives produced in multi-step processes. Products such as liquid and vapor fuels from biomass (plants, algae etc.) and its byproducts that are purposely grown or recycled can be used to power boilers, CHP’s and distllers for electricity or heat. They can also be conditioned to power vehicles.

In its most narrow sense it is a synonym to biofuel, which is fuel derived from biological sources. In its broader sense it includes biomass, the biological material used as a biofuel; as well as the social, economic, scientific and technical fields associated with biological sources of energy. A common misconception is that bioenergy can only be extracted once from the biomass, but the biomass is the matter and energy contained in its derivatives produced in multi-step processes. Products such as liquid and vapor fuels from biomass (plants, algae etc.) and its byproducts that are purposely grown or recycled can be used to power boilers, CHP’s and distllers for electricity or heat. They can also be conditioned to power vehicles.

While the organic standard is defined differently in different jurisdictions, in general, organic farming responds to site-specific farming and crop conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed, although certain organically approved pesticides may be used under limited conditions. In general, organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.

Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, the study of the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded in DNA is able to result in the processes of life. Depending on the exact definition of the terms used, molecular biology can be thought of as a branch of biochemistry, or biochemistry as a tool with which to investigate and study molecular biology.

Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and ions. These can be inorganic, for example water and metal ions, or organic, for example the amino acids which are used to synthesize proteins. The mechanisms by which cells harness energy from their environment via chemical reactions are known as metabolism. The findings of biochemistry are applied primarily in medicine, nutrition, and agriculture. In medicine, biochemists investigate the causes and cures of disease. In nutrition, they study how to maintain health and study the effects of nutritional deficiencies. In agriculture, biochemists investigate soil and fertilizers, and try to discover ways to improve crop cultivation, crop storage and pest control.

This involved the interfacing of industries that have historically known little about each other and had very different knowledge, expertise, and perspectives. Today, this interaction continues and these composites continue to evolve. A new generation of composites is emerging as material behavior is better understood, processes and performance are improved, and new opportunities are identified. Recent trends such as the desire to increase biocontent, growing production in different parts of the world, and, of course, the economy will play a major role in the future of these composites. Additionally, the advent of emerging technologies related to biopolymers, biorefineries, and nanotechnology are generating interest in new combinations of polymers and materials derived from wood or other natural fibers, some of which may be very different from those currently produced.

The processes are a series of interconnected nodes where intact agglomerations of the material enter and undergo mechanical separation into distinct type streams. The separated material streams then proceed to downstream processes that include:

• Plastic washing & baling
• Organic growth media screening & aggregation
• Inert growth media grinding, drying & sifting
• Organic plant material grinding, drying & pelletizing/briquetting

The material streams that emerge from the processes are utilized as constituents for polymer compounding, fertilizers, soil addendums/landscaping ground cover, and biofuels.