BIOMATERIALS

News: As countries look to shift to cleaner processes to manufacture consumer products, be it plastics or textiles, biomaterials will become the new frontier of material engineering

What are biomaterials?

Biomaterials are materials derived fully or partially from biological sources (plants, microbes, agricultural waste) or manufactured using biological processes, designed to:

• Replace fossil-based materials (plastics, chemicals)
• Or interact safely with biological systems (medical implants)

Application

• Packaging, Textiles, Construction, Healthcare, Consumer goods

Classification of biomaterials

• Drop-in biomaterials: Chemically identical to petroleum based materials
  • Can be used in existing factories and supply chains
  • Example: Bio-PET
• Drop-out biomaterials: Chemically different
  • Require new processing or disposal systems
  • Example: Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Novel biomaterials: Offer new properties not found in conventional materials
  • Examples: Self-healing materials, Bioactive medical implants

How do biomaterials work?

• Feedstock: Sugarcane, maize, agri-residue, flower waste, microbes
• Process:
  • Fermentation (using microbes)
  • Polymerisation
  • Bio-engineering
• Output: Bioplastics, fibres, chemicals, composites

Why does India need biomaterials?

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
• Reduce import dependence on fossil based plastics & chemicals
• Improve export competitiveness as global markets shift to low-carbon products
• Create new income streams for farmers

Where does India stand today?

• India’s biomaterials sector is emerging but not mature
• Bioplastics market (2024): ~ $500 million

Key players: Balrampur Chini Mills, Phool.co, Praj Industries