BIOMATERIALS

NEWS: 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)

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

India need biomaterials

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
• Support climate action and circular economy
• 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
• Strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Reduce vulnerability to oil price shocks

CURRENT STATUS: INDIA

India’s biomaterials sector is emerging but not mature

• Bioplastics market (2024): ~ $500 million
• Key examples
  • Balrampur Chini Mills: Large PLA plant in Uttar Pradesh
  • co: Converts temple flower waste into biomaterials
  • Praj Industries: Demonstration-level bioplastics plant

Challenges India must address

• Feedstock risks: Competition with food crops
• Unsustainable farming → water stress & soil degradation
• Weak: Waste segregation, industrial composting, recycling systems
• Fragmented policies across: Agriculture, environment, industry
• Delay may make India import dependent again as other countries scale faster

Way forward

• Scale bio-manufacturing capacityà Fermentation, Polymerisation
• Support pilot plants & shared facilities
• Feedstock strategy” Improve productivity ofàSugarcane, maize, agricultural residues
• Use emerging agri-technologies
• Invest in: Drop-in biomaterials, Novel biomaterials