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Using biological systems to develop high value products and processes
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Abstract
High value biorenewables are bio-based products, typically valued at greater than £10/kg
and produced at low volumes using industrial biotechnology methods (i.e., produced using
biological systems). They range from small bio-derived molecules to complex molecules
(e.g., polymers, proteins, and enzymes) and cells.
• High value biorenewables have a wide variety of applications across industrial sectors that
underpin the UK economy. For example, they can be used as ingredients in
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agrochemicals, home and personal care products, and
foods.
• There are opportunities for new and improved products using high value biorenewables,
and they can also provide sustainability benefits such as decreased greenhouse gas
emissions or reduced reliance on fossil feedstocks or unsustainable natural resources.
Deploying high value biorenewables at scale could also offer broader environmental,
economic, and social benefits.
• The UK is well placed to reap the potential benefits of high value biorenewables due to its
wealth of research and industrial expertise. However, there are barriers to developing and
deploying these products at commercial scales, and action across industry, academia,
and government will be required to overcome them.
• Government intervention will be required to create an enabling environment for this sector
to continue to grow. This includes appropriate funding at all stages of research and
innovation, a supportive regulatory environment, investment in skills, and policies that
encourage the use of sustainable products.