Described in this report is an attempt produce definitions for renewable elements and molecules (as components of bio-based products). The purpose of these definitions is to assist the Open-BIO consortium when preparing sustainability criteria for the indirect assessments
of bio-based products. Definitions were prepared and proposed to bio-based product stakeholders as part of a consortium led workshop (Cologne, Germany), as well as to members to the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (University of York, UK), Open-BIO project partners, and delegates at the 7th International Conference on Bio-Based Materials (Cologne, Germany). After these discussions it was decided to generate a family of definitions addressing specific aspects of the recirculation of elements and molecules as they are returned to use. A single overarching definition of renewability was not seen as appropriate for use horizontally across all bio-based products and chemical articles in general.
