Invasive Species Application in Bioeconomy. Case Study Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden in Latvia

Abstract

Since there is a constant battle with invasive species – Heracleum sosnowskyi Menden in Latvia, the case study aim is to evaluate possible solutions for the use of the hogweed and find if there is socio-economic benefit, greater added value and possibility to use it effectively in bioeconomy. The most explored aspect is hogweed use in biobutanol production. Evaluation has been determined with cost-benefit analysis and environmental impact assessment. The obtained testing results shows that producing products with higher added value is biobutanol production.