Is Bioenergy the Big Bad Wolf in the Forestry Sector? : A discussion about the sustainable supply chain management role in bioenergy systems

The paper’s aim is to use a bioenergy supply chain management approach in order to reinforce sustainable development in a likely scenario of competition between bioenergy and the production of other goods extracted from wood. This competition is perceived as a threat because it may lead to an increase in raw material and energy prices and reduce the competitiveness of the European pulp & paper industry compared to other regions of the world. The key question is then: is bioenergy the big bad wolf in the forestry sector or an opportunity for improving the sustainability of biomass-based supply chains? The work assumes bioenergy as an opportunity because a systemic approach to bioenergy systems’ optimization can lead to performance improvement beyond the boundaries of a single company and increase the sustainability aspects of the entire network. The results are based on content analysis conducted by a literature review and information gathering from relevant publications in the field.