Biotechnology methods and applications have the potential to accelerate a transition to a more circular economy. This article identifies five distinct points within a typical product lifecycle as areas where biotechnology can be impactful, starting with so-called 'beginning-of-life', with the ability to make many widely-used chemicals and materials using renewable feedstocks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This extends into a discussion of novel materials; a holistic approach to designing for improved lifecycle outcomes; compostability; and the potential for reuse and up-cycling at end-of-life, to enable a circular flow of materials. We propose specific steps that can be taken by chemical and materials manufacturers, designers and brands.

中文翻译：

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工业利用生物技术实现更循环经济的路线图

生物技术方法和应用有可能加速向更加循环的经济过渡。本文将典型产品生命周期中的五个不同点确定为生物技术可以产生影响的领域，从所谓的“生命之初”开始，能够使用可再生原料制造许多广泛使用的化学品和材料以减少温室气体排放气体排放。这延伸到对新材料的讨论；为改善生命周期结果而设计的整体方法；可堆肥性；以及在使用寿命结束时重复使用和升级循环的潜力，以实现材料的循环流动。我们提出了化学品和材料制造商、设计师和品牌可以采取的具体步骤。