Biogenic CO2, or carbon dioxide of biological origin, is a key element in the carbon cycle and plays a fundamental role in the fight against climate change.

Biogenic CO2 refers to CO2 that has been absorbed from the atmosphere by living organisms, such as plants, through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb atmospheric CO2 and use it to produce glucose, which provides energy for plant growth and development. In the course of this process, CO2 is incorporated into the plant's cellular structures, including wood-based products.

Wood is composed of approximately half carbon: one cubic meter of wood absorbs about one ton of CO2.

Wood products, therefore, act as a "reservoir" of non-fossil carbon for the entire lifespan of the product. This means that the carbon absorbed by plants does not return to the atmosphere until the wood product is used for energy generation, for example, when it is burned.

Biogenic CO2 has a neutral impact on the greenhouse gas emissions balance, as the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere when the wood product is burned is equal to the amount of CO2 that was absorbed by the plant during its growth.

Furthermore, sustainable forest management can increase the amount of biogenic CO2 sequestered, as well-managed forests can absorb more CO2 than unmanaged ones. This makes biogenic CO2 a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

Biogenic CO2 represents an important carbon sequestration mechanism. This process helps mitigate the impact of climate change and highlights the importance of conserving and sustainably managing our forests. Biogenic CO2 is, therefore, not only a natural product of the carbon cycle but also a valuable ally in our fight for a more sustainable future.

The Correct Use of Fiber Waste and the Role of Mycelium

Wood fiber waste and waste from cosmetic and herbal production are natural products derived from production processes and can be reused in various ways.

However, a crucial aspect to avoid the re-emission of CO2 trapped in wood fiber waste is their correct digestion. This is where L-ife mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, comes into play. Mycelium is able to digest lignin, a major component of wood, transforming the trapped CO2 into nutrients instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.

This process of wood fiber digestion by mycelium is similar to what happens in our intestines when we consume dietary fiber. Dietary fibers, such as cellulose, resist digestion by human enzymes but can be broken down and metabolized by various intestinal bacteria. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which are important for the health of the intestinal mucosa.

Similarly, mycelium can break down lignin and other wood fibers, transforming trapped CO2 into useful nutrients. This process reduces the amount of CO2 that could be released into the atmosphere if the wood were simply burned for energy generation.

L-ife investigates the correct use of wood fiber waste and the digestion of fibers by mycelium, thus making an important carbon sequestration mechanism more efficient. This process contributes to mitigating the impact of climate change and highlights the importance of conserving and sustainably managing our forests. Biogenic CO2 and the digestion of lignin by mycelium are, therefore, not only a natural product of the carbon cycle but also a valuable ally in our fight for a more sustainable future.