Carbon Removal Potential and Bio-Based Solutions: Expert Insights from NTT

For this article, we had the pleasure of speaking with Matteo Maccanti, a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and a leading researcher at Next Technology Tecnotessile (NTT). Matteo's expertise lies in assessing the environmental and economic sustainability of bio-based products, which is one of the key points in the BIORADAR project.

1) What is exactly carbon removal potential?

Carbon removal potential refers to the ability of a process, technology, or natural system to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in a stable form over a long period of time. This concept is critical to mitigating climate change, as excess CO₂ in the atmosphere contributes to global warming. In order to keep the global temperature, rise below certain thresholds (such as 1.5°C or 2°C set by the Paris Agreement), we must not only reduce emissions, but also actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

2) How do bio-based carbon removal solutions differ from other carbon capture technologies?

The main difference between bio-based carbon removal and other carbon capture technologies lies in the way carbon dioxide (CO₂) is captured and stored, and the underlying processes. There are several methods of carbon removal, such as:

• Natural approaches: tree planting, reforestation, afforestation, and restoration of ecosystems such as wetlands and mangroves.
• Soil carbon sequestration: Improving land management practices to increase the amount of carbon stored in soils.
• Ocean-based methods: Increasing the ability of the oceans to absorb and store CO₂, such as through ocean alkalinity enhancement or seaweed farming.
• Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Burning biomass for energy and capturing the resulting CO₂ emissions.
• Direct Air Capture (DAC): Using machinery to capture CO₂ from the air and then storing it underground or using it in other products.

The carbon removal potential of these methods varies widely, and no single approach is sufficient to address the scale of climate change on its own. The most effective strategies are likely to involve a mix of methods that complement each other.

3) What are the key factors that influence the carbon removal potential of bio-based systems?

The carbon removal potential of bio-based systems depends on several interrelated factors, ranging from biological and environmental conditions to socio-economic and technological aspects. These factors determine how effectively bio-based systems can capture and store carbon over time.

In particular, carbon removal potential is determined by biological factors such as biomass type (forest and trees, grassland, perennial crops, algae and marine biomass, etc.) and growth rates; environmental conditions such as climate, temperature, precipitation and water availability, soil type, etc.; management practices; and external factors like land availability, policy and economic support. Successful bio-based carbon sequestration efforts rely on careful planning, sustainable management, and balancing environmental and social trade-offs to maximize long-term carbon storage.

4) What metrics are currently being used to assess the carbon removal potential of bio-based solutions? Are they industry-specific?

When evaluating the carbon removal potential of bio-based solutions, several metrics are used to assess how much carbon can be captured, stored, and maintained over time. These metrics/indicators vary depending on the type of bio-based solution and the industry in which it is applied, but generally focus on key factors such as sequestration capacity, permanence, cost-effectiveness, and co-benefits. While some metrics are applicable to multiple bio-based systems, others are more specific to certain industries like forestry, agriculture, or bioenergy. Some examples of metrics that have been used to assess the carbon removal potential of bio-based solutions are Net Carbon Sequestration Rate (tCO₂/year), Carbon Storage Capacity (tCO₂/hectare), Carbon Storage Permanence (years or centuries), Leakage Rate (%), Cost per ton of CO₂ Removed (€/tCO₂), Carbon Removal Efficiency (%), or Carbon Intensity of Production (tCO₂/unit of product).

5) What emerging technologies or innovations do you think could enhance the carbon removal potential of bio-based solutions in the near future?

Several technologies could significantly improve the carbon removal potential of bio-based solutions in the coming years. These innovations focus on improving the efficiency, scalability, durability and co-benefits of bio-based carbon removal systems. Some of the most promising technologies and approaches could include: precision agriculture and remote sensing (using advanced technologies such as drones, satellite imagery, sensors and data analytics to optimise land use and improve carbon sequestration in soils); marine-based carbon removal technologies (e.g., large-scale algae cultivation, technologies that bring nutrient-rich water to the ocean surface to stimulate plankton growth, etc.); soil carbon sequestration through carbon farming (a range of agricultural practices designed to increase carbon sequestration in soils); agroforestry and silvopasture innovations (the combination of trees, crops and livestock to maximise land use while increasing carbon sequestration) or gene editing and biotechnology for carbon sequestration (innovative gene editing tools could be used to enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of plants or increase the durability of carbon stored in biomass).

6) What do you see as the future of carbon removal within the bio-based industry?

The carbon removal within the bio-based industry is poised for significant growth and transformation. With advances in technology, policy support, and increased public and corporate interest, bio-based solutions are likely to play a central role in global carbon removal efforts. As these systems evolve, they will become more efficient, scalable, and integrated into broader economic and environmental strategies, helping address the urgent need to mitigate climate change while delivering valuable co-benefits to ecosystems and communities. 
The technologies are there, the potential is huge, and the benefits could be widespread; what is needed now is a bigger push from policymakers to advance these solutions by increasing research funding and facilities for companies in the sector.

Matteo's insights underscore the importance of bio-based solutions in creating a sustainable future. As NTT continues to lead efforts in exploring opportunities for carbon removal and iLUC risk within the bio-based systems, projects like BIORADAR are paving the way for a more circular and carbon-neutral economy.