Biobased Materials

Biobased materials are products wholly or partly derived from renewable biological sources. Unlike conventional materials that rely on fossil fuels, biobased materials utilize biomass, which includes agricultural crops, forestry products, algae, by-products from food or the industrial processing of biomass or biogenic consumer waste.

Common examples include bio-based plastics such as polylactic acid or polyethylene, natural fibers like hemp and flax, and bio-based composites used in the construction and automotive industries.

Uses of Biobased Materials

Biobased materials are often sold on the basis of their sustainability credentials. Since they are sourced from renewable feedstocks, they help reduce dependence on fossil resources. Additionally, biobased materials can have a lower carbon footprint because the biomass raw materials absorb CO₂ during their growth phase, partially offsetting emissions from the products production phase.

Biobased materials are widely used across various industries, including packaging, construction, textiles, and automotive manufacturing. Bio-based plastics can replace conventional plastics in packaging and other sectors. In the construction sector, bio-based insulation materials like mycelium-based foams and hempcrete offer energy-efficient and non-toxic alternatives to traditional options. The textile industry also benefits from biobased materials such as cotton, cellulosic fibers, hemp and novel materials such as bioengineered silk.