Bio-Based Resources: Rethinking Sustainable Supply: Social Metabolism, Resource Scarcity, Raw Material Substitution, Circular Economy (De Gruyter STEM)

Global shortages of fossil, mineral, and agricultural resources, coupled with passed global boundaries, climate changes and rising public debt, represent a systemic risk that threatens economic and social stability. This text examines the interconnectedness of raw material supply, state budgets, and societal resilience through the lens of social metabolism, which sees natural resources as essential “food” for the economy. As resource scarcity reduces economic output and tax revenues, states increasingly rely on debt, risking insolvency if resource-based growth falters. Biogenic resources are often seen as a potential solution―especially in fuels, materials, and biogenic energy―but these compete with food production and rely on fragile agricultural systems already impacted by climate change, erosion, and biodiversity loss. Although some bio-based materials show promise (e.g., hemp in construction or algae fuels), their market share is low but may grow. Moreover, rebound effects may lead to overexploitation rather than sustainable substitution. The analysis concludes that while bio-based resources offer partial relief, they cannot replace systemic changes in consumption, land use, and economic expectations.

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After training as a skilled chemical worker, Michael Has studied physics at University of Regensburg and marketing at INSEAD in Fontainebleau. He received his doctorate in 1991 from the University of Regensburg in the field of biophysics with a thesis on pressure and temperature effects on hydrophobic interaction. At the FOGRA Institute in Munich, Dr Has headed the Innovation Research and Prepress departments. 

After joining industry he held senior and executive positions in research and development as well as in partner management, marketing and product line management, product strategy. He led several new product/portfolio developments and successful market entries in software and hardware.

In parallel to his activities in industry, 'Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches' Dr. Has habilitated at the Institut National Polytechnique of the University of Grenoble in 1998.

Since 1998 he has been teaching in Grenoble as Distinguished Professor. He served as visiting Professor at Alpe Adria Universität Klagenfurt. Teaching topics included new technologies and business and portfolio strategy. Starting with the analysis of the circular economy XE "circular economy"  of paper, he has been working on the focus of sustainability since 2011. In this context, he deals with Non-Financial Reports and the assessment of data (KPIs, Footprints and Risks) to be included in reports including measures to reduce footprints and Ecodesign XE "ecodesign" . He consults companies and organizations on sustainability-related topics - Non-Financial Reports and the assessment of data (KPIs, Footprints and Risks) to be included in reports including measures to reduce footprints and Ecodesign. In doing so, he worked with companies and products from very different sectors such as the automotive, chemical or printing industries to establish the internal structures required and reduce footprints.

His scientific work on industry development led to publications in numerous fields and led to several awards.
Dr. Has is a frequent speaker at international events and conferences.

In recognition of his contribution and his way of guiding students, he was appointed as a trusted lecturer of the Hans Böckler Foundation - the foundation of the German Trade Union Confederation. Dr Has heads the Foundation Diversity of Cultures of the World (Stiftung Vielfalt der Kulturen der Welt) - a foundation dealing with and supporting human rights activities and projects for ethnic and religious minorities.