<P> The production and use of bioplastics is generally regarded as a more sustainable activity when compared to plastic production from petroleum (petroplastic); however, manufacturing of bioplastic materials is often still reliant upon petroleum as an energy and materials source . Because of the fragmentation in the market and ambiguous definitions it is difficult to describe the total market size for bioplastics, but the global production capacity is estimated at 327,000 tonnes . In contrast, global consumption of all flexible packaging is estimated at around 12.3 million tonnes . </P> <P> Bioasphalt is an asphalt alternative made from non-petroleum based renewable resources . Manufacturing sources of bioasphalt include sugar, molasses and rice, corn and potato starches, and vegetable oil based waste . Asphalt made with vegetable oil based binders was patented by Colas SA in France in 2004 . </P> <P> Renewable energy refers to the provision of energy via renewable resources which are naturally replenished fast enough as being used . It includes e.g. sunlight, wind, biomass, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat . Renewable energy may replace or enhance fossil energy supply various distinct areas: electricity generation, hot water / space heating, motor fuels, and rural (off - grid) energy services . </P> <P> Biomass is referring to biological material from living, or recently living organisms, most often referring to plants or plant - derived materials . </P>

Is a renewable resource used for the generation of electricity answers.com