Biomaterials in India – A New Frontier for Sustainable Manufacturing

Biomaterials Latest News

• Biomaterials have gained attention as countries, including India, explore cleaner and low-carbon alternatives to fossil-based materials for manufacturing.

Understanding Biomaterials

• Biomaterials refer to materials that are derived wholly or partly from biological sources or are engineered using biological processes to replace or interact with conventional materials. 
• Unlike traditional petroleum-based materials, biomaterials are designed to reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable production systems. 
• They are increasingly used in sectors such as packaging, textiles, construction, and healthcare.
• Broadly, biomaterials are classified into three categories. 
  • Drop-in biomaterials are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials and can be used in existing manufacturing systems without major modifications. Examples include bio-PET used in packaging. 
  • Drop-out biomaterials are chemically different and require new processing or end-of-life systems, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which needs industrial composting. 
  • Novel biomaterials go a step further by offering entirely new properties, including self-healing materials, bioactive implants, and advanced composites with enhanced performance characteristics.
• The development of biomaterials is seen as the next frontier in materials engineering as industries attempt to reduce carbon footprints and comply with tightening environmental regulations.

‹ ›

Importance of Biomaterials for India

• For India, biomaterials serve multiple strategic objectives through a single development pathway. 
• First, they contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional manufacturing. 
• Second, they offer significant industrial and economic opportunities, enabling India to build domestic capacity in advanced materials and reduce dependence on imports.
• A key advantage for India lies in its large agricultural base. Biomaterials can be produced using agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, and crop residues. 
• This creates additional income streams for farmers, beyond traditional food markets, and supports rural livelihoods. 
• Biomaterials also align well with India’s domestic policy priorities, including the ban on single-use plastics, waste reduction, and climate action commitments.
• From a trade perspective, as global consumer preferences shift toward low-carbon and circular products, biomaterials help Indian manufacturers remain competitive in export markets that are increasingly governed by sustainability standards.

Current Status of Biomaterials in India

• India’s biomaterials sector, encompassing bioplastics, biopolymers, and bio-derived materials, is at an early but rapidly emerging stage. 
• The bioplastics market alone was valued at around $500 million in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily through the decade. Several domestic initiatives highlight this transition. 
• Large-scale investments such as the planned PLA plant by Balrampur Chini Mills in Uttar Pradesh mark a significant step toward commercial-scale biomanufacturing. 
• Indian start-ups are also playing a role, with enterprises converting agricultural and floral waste into value-added biomaterials. 
• However, despite strong feedstock availability, India remains dependent on foreign technologies in certain segments, particularly in converting raw biomass into market-ready materials.

Global Developments in Biomaterials

• Globally, many regions are moving faster in adopting biomaterials. 
• The European Union has introduced binding regulations under its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, recognising the environmental benefits of compostable materials in specific applications. 
• The United States supports biomaterials through government procurement policies, particularly under programmes that prioritise bio-based products. 
• Meanwhile, countries like the UAE are positioning themselves as major manufacturing hubs through large-scale investments in PLA production.
• These global developments underscore the competitive urgency for India to scale up its biomaterials ecosystem.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Despite its potential, India’s biomaterials sector faces several challenges. 
• Scaling up feedstock production without competing with food security remains a key concern. 
• Intensive agricultural practices could also lead to water stress and soil degradation. 
• Additionally, weak waste management and composting infrastructure may undermine the environmental benefits of certain biomaterials.
• Fragmented policy coordination across agriculture, environment, and industry further slows adoption. 
• To address these issues, India needs to invest in biomanufacturing infrastructure, improve feedstock productivity using advanced technologies, and strengthen research and development.
• Clear regulatory definitions, labelling standards, and end-of-life pathways are essential to build industry and consumer confidence. 
• Government procurement and time-bound incentives can also help de-risk early investments and accelerate adoption.

Source: TH