Bio-based alternatives to a number of fossil-based materials, in particular bioplastics, have been written and spoken about for a number of years, but have generally failed to reach scale. Traditional chemical methods for producing products still dominate industry, but there are signs that the potential benefits of biomaterials for a variety of manufacturing, construction and apparel purposes are now being better uncovered.
Scientific and technological advancements are pushing biomaterials to a tipping point, according to a recent piece from Mike Hower writing in GreenBiz. A greater understanding of how microbes work, the ability to control chemical selection more effectively and the potential to engineer specific functions for biotechnologies have all contributed to a more positive picture emerging for the future of these materials.
Frequent technological breakthroughs are helping to make the argument for a broader switched to bio-based materials more compelling. For example, bioplastics may still represent only a tiny percentage of the market compared with their synthetic counterparts, but it is actually faster growing, increasing by 20-30% each year according to Duke University, and just barely keeping up with demand.
Meanwhile, earlier this year DuPont announced a significant breakthrough in the engineering of bio-based materials using a safe biological chemical called FDME as the primary input. At the time, DuPont’s global business director of biomaterials Simon Herriot claimed the breakthrough will enable, “cost efficient production of a variety of 100 percent renewable, high-performance chemical and polymers”.
What makes the field even more exciting is the potential to uncover new material options, including utilisation of cellulose fibres, inspiration from calcium carbonate in seashells and the potential to grow materials.
For now, a number of barriers remain in terms of scaling these solutions, including economic viability. However, as the technological processes continue to develop and costs decrease, the opportunity for bio-based materials to replace fossil fuel counterparts and to be seen as the better option for the economy and environment in the long-term improves.
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