Everything indicates that the future of manufacturing is bio-based. Want to know why? Discover new biotech developments, innovations and opportunities in our latest newsletter.

Education

The Future of Plastics Lies in Advanced Biotechnology

With bioplastic production capacity reaching 2.18 million tons in 2023 and set to grow to 7.43 million tons by 2028, the material is revolutionising product development.

Read this article by AIMPLAS plastic technology expert Pablo Ferrero to explore the benefits and challenges of:

• Different types of bacterial fermentation, products and functions
• Enzymatic recycling and monomer recovery
• Importance of critical raw materials (CRMs) and recovery techniques
• Plastic biodegradation accelerators

You might also enjoy:

• Becoming nature-positive: World Economic Forum outlines guidance for businesses

Innovation

TNO researchers create AI model to develop new bioplastics 

A team of researchers including the TNO Young Excellent Researcher Awards 2024 nominee Milad Golkaram created the AI program polySCOUT to marry polymer science, sustainability, and AI.

The model predicts the chemical structure of any polymer to help businesses develop effective and accessible bioplastics by assessing multiple variables like strength, processing times and biodegradability.

More innovations to keep an eye on:

• Sicomin's GreenPoxy® 56 Used in Sustainable Ski Production
• Versalis Launches NAREGLAX®, a high-purity, bio-based plasticizer

Opportunities

DOE Announces Up to $23M Funding for Biomass and Waste-Based Chemical and Fuel R&D 

US Department of Energy's Bioengineering Technologies Office (BETO) announced a $23 million budget to fund the research and development of renewable chemicals and fuels from biomass and waste resources. 

The fund is designed to encourage more affordable fuels and products for the nation's growing bioeconomy. 

Application deadline: May 30th

Need some help preparing? Check out:

• Investment Climate Podcast: Emile Redant of Zymofix, How to Get Funded in 2025 

Community

Online community facilitates expert collaboration for more sustainable manufacturing 

Manufacturing Helix by the global innovation network Crowdhelix is designed to bring experts from multiple fields - AI included - together to speed up technological development for manufacturing processes.

More networking opportunities:

• CBE event: circular bioeconomy for a competitive, innovative and resilient EU gathering (Feb 4, Belgium)

Stay tuned for weekly updates on opportunities and biotech innovations so we can collectively turn off the tap on polluting materials!

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