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.
Ginkgo Bioworks is a platform for cell programming, offering comprehensive, end-to-end services that address complex challenges across various industries, including food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. The company specializes in enzyme engineering, providing tailored solutions such as biocatalysts that replace traditional chemical synthesis steps, enhance enzyme functionality, and reduce manufacturing costs at scale. These innovations empower clients to optimize their R&D projects and improve overall efficiency.
Reflo is a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to transforming waste into high-performance sportswear. By repurposing recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds, they produce yarns for fabrics that uphold rigorous environmental standards, including Bluesign, Oeko-Tex, U Trust, and Global Recycled Standards. The process involves collecting and washing single-use plastic bottles, which are then melted and spun into lightweight, flexible yarns designed for durability.
Fairbrics, a French startup, is leading the charge in creating sustainable alternatives to traditional textiles. Their innovative process, which involves capturing CO2 from industrial sources and converting it into polyester fabric, is a beacon of hope for the fashion industry. By offering a more eco-friendly alternative, Fairbrics is not just reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels but also inspiring a greener future.
Terpenoil, a Brazilian company, specializes in the production of disinfectants, surface cleaners, air treatments, and chemical specialties derived from plant-based and renewable sources. The company provides a range of products for professional cleaning, odor control, glass treatment, air purification, and household cleaning. Many of these products are available in super-concentrated capsules to minimize plastic use.
Blueview is a footwear company owned by Algenesis, a material science and technology company intended to manufacture renewable and biodegradable plastic material from algae. Blueview footwear is made with Soleic™ Technology, a high-performance, renewable, and fully biodegradable polyurethane plastic made from plants. The process starts with algae oil and other raw materials from the algae growing partners and other biological sources and converting them into bioplastic at the molecular level in the lab.
SixRing™ specializes in converting sustainable biomass into high-value intermediates, fine chemicals, biofuels, and advanced materials using patented chemical compositions and low-energy processes. The technology operates under ambient conditions, efficiently extracting cellulose and Lignin-Hemicellulose-Depolymerized-Organics™ (LHDO™) from biomass. These components can be upgraded to biofuels such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), diesel, and gasoline.
Bioweg combines biotechnology, material science, and molecular simulations to create advanced, sustainable, and bio-based performance with 100% animal- and GMO-free ingredients. These ingredients are scalable and produced without harsh chemicals, aligning with the needs of forward-thinking companies in the beauty, nutraceuticals, and food/beverage sectors. Bioweg's technology uses waste side streams, converting low-value by-products like molasses and vegetable peels into high-value products, supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Beyond Surface Technologies (BTS), a Swiss supplier of bio-based textile chemicals, is committed to replacing petroleum-based materials in textiles with sustainable alternatives like plant seeds, natural waxes, and microalgae. BTS has developed miDori® bioWick, the first microalgae-based wicking finish for fabrics. This innovative finish achieves 100% biobased status and enhances moisture management by pulling sweat away from the body, promoting rapid evaporation, and providing advanced cooling.