This suggests that the feedstock had an effect of enriching microbial populations that are uniquely suited to a particular feedstock.
In contrast, biochemical processes are feedstock selective and the range of products that can be produced from a particular feedstock is limited.
This could provide a 'way out' from a particular trajectory (e.g. use of particular feedstock), thus avoiding stranding the innovation into a deadlock.
This will improve decision-making regarding if a particular feedstock, production system, processing or conversion technology is a feasible emission reduction option and should therefore be utilised.
However, scaling up the production of biofuel from microalgae can face unsustainable demands on energy, water (1 L biofuel: 3650 L water), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and CO2) required for cultivating this particular feedstock [16].
An example of this is provided by Asveld and Stemerding (2017), hypothesising an adaptable bio-process as an alternative ending for the Ecover case, able to switch between various feedstocks in case the sustainability of a particular feedstock is later confronted.
Given that valuable co-products are formed during the production of ethylene, the absolute environmental impact is estimated using a proportional energy allocation method, which is based on the energy content of the desired products relative to the energy content of all products and co-products formed with a particular feedstock.
Even though other costs, in particular feedstock costs, are dominant, choosing the best gas supply configuration can still save about 0.01 $/kg product, translating into a million dollars per year for a product that might be produced at a scale of 100,000 tonnes per year.
However, design of specialized reactors is often expensive and may restrict the functionality to a particular feedstock.
