Which option is an example of using renewable feedstocks?

• A. Using petrochemical-derived solvents.
• B. Using bio-based starting materials.
• C. Using chlorinated solvents for safety.
• D. Using reagents from nonrenewable resources.

Answer: (B)

Renewable feedstocks come from resources that can be replenished on a human timescale, usually biomass. Using bio-based starting materials fits this idea because they come from plants or other renewable biological sources that can be grown and harvested repeatedly, such as sugars, plant oils, or fermentation products. In contrast, solvents or reagents derived from petrochemicals rely on fossil fuels, which are finite and not readily replenished, so they don’t represent renewable feedstocks. Chlorinated solvents and reagents from nonrenewable resources also don’t meet the renewal criterion. So, bio-based starting materials are the best example of renewable feedstocks.