World Bio Markets 2018, Amsterdam

Speaking at World Bio Markets 2018 in Amsterdam on embedding design thinking and creative R&D in the circular bioeconomy, Natsai Audrey Chieza was joined on a panel by Jason King (Oxford Biotrans), Kevin Madden, (Ginkgo Bioworks), and Tom Beardslee (Verdezyne). Chaired by Francesco Mutti, their discussion focused on synthetic biology as an enabling technology that can provide greater momentum for the proliferation of biobased materials, chemicals and processes.

The conference programme explored the opportunities and challenges of biobased materials, the path from R&D to beta testing/pilots, and what scaling these for a transition to the circular economy requires: performance advantage for materials, multi-stakeholder engagement, and long-term investment. The team at Bio-Based World assembled exhibitors from across the value chain. Our highlights included seeing Patagonia’s ‘neoprene-free’ wetsuits which have reduced their CO2 footprint by ~80% compared to traditional suits, and learning more about Eastman’s TRĒVA™- a cellulose-based engineering bioplastic –  offers both high performance and improved sustainability.