Bio-based materials are produced from the natural environment and anticipated to be biodegradable after the end use. However, the idea of sustainability is not limited to resource component but also dependent upon energy consumption. For example, a material derived from natural sources may be biodegradable and seem to be environmentally benign but energy consumption during separation, recycle, and reuse can result in great environmental and health burdens and cause the process to be environmentally harmful. This requires a detailed study of evaluating the energy consumption during a composting process, transportation to composting site, as well as a synthesis route implemented for the targeted chemical production. Additionally, the impact on social life and feasibility of economics must also be accounted. Thus, taking into account the material source, the process of manufacturing, the supply chain, and finally the end-phase of the product, we provide expert guidance in selecting the right material.