Biobased

Natural Polymers: Opportunities and Challenges in the Application and Commercialization as Sustainable Materials Amid Growing Environmental Awareness

Polymeric materials are essential for the performance of plastics and functional ingredients in consumer and industrial products. However, there is a recognized need to shift toward more sustainable production and consumption of materials to address societal concerns on climate change and pollution while improving economic and environmental resilience. Natural polymers can provide sustainability benefits due to their inherent renewability and degradability.

Biobased policy across borders: what really drives adoption in the UK, EU and US?

This joint webinar between BBIA and GCSB will compare how the EU, UK and US are shaping markets for sustainable bioproducts, with a particular focus on where policy supports — or obstructs — scale-up, market access and credible end-of-life outcomes. This fits the Global Center's emphasis on use-inspired, policy-relevant bioeconomy research, stakeholder co-generation, and circular bioeconomy outcomes, as well as the BBIA's interests across the bioeconomy.

 

This will be a virtual round-table discussion between three experts on regional policy: 

 

Functional bioplastic films from cocoa shell cellulose and natural waxes: Toward sustainable active packaging

The development of sustainable packaging materials from agro-industrial by-products supports the transition to a circular bio-economy and offers a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Cocoa shells (CS), a by-product from the chocolate industry, are an abundant source of cellulose with limited industrial use. In this study, cellulose was extracted from CS and chemically converted into carboxymethyl cellulose (CS-CMC), which was then used to formulate bioplastic films plasticized with glycerol or sorbitol.

Nalo(TM) C12,C14 non-palm-derived fatty alcohols, from Future Origins

Future Origins is commercializing high-volume production of widely-used C12/C14 fatty alcohols (FALCs) from non-palm sources. Our Nalo™-brand FALCs provide a  *drop-in* alternative for a >3 million ton market that offers a traceable, deforestation-free supply chain critical to making surfactants that touch *billions* of consumers. We’ve developed super-efficient engineered microorganisms using biotechnology to deliver competitive economics and an estimated 68% reduction in GHGs.

PACCON 2025: Chemistry for a Changing World

The 35th Pure and Applied Chemistry International Conference (PACCON) will have the theme, “Chemistry for a Changing World." The conference holds the promise of unraveling new dimensions in scientific research and innovation, particularly in the field of chemistry. The Institute of Science at Suranaree University of Technology, known for its commitment to academic excellence and applicable, cutting-edge research, is honoured to host this stimulating and inspiring event that can be an instrument to reflect and materialise our commitment to our changing world.

Renewable Lubricant Base Oils

Lubricant base oils constitute approximately 75-90% of commercially formulated lubricants, representing a significant $60 billion market. These oils play a crucial role in various applications, including industrial machinery and vehicles. Traditionally, lubricant base oils have been synthesized from petroleum feedstocks; however, a novel process now uses biobased feedstocks, starting with sugars.

Subscribe to Biobased