What is a biobased product? June 12, 2024

These days, regulatory pressure is driving manufacturers to adapt their manufacturing processes to include sustainability objectives. With this in mind, biobased products are proving to be a promising solution. But what are "biobased products", and why are they a crucial avenue for industry and research? 

In this article, we take an in-depth look at their definition, applications and benefits for industry. Discover how these products can transform your industrial processes and contribute to a more sustainable future in line with societal and regulatory concerns. 

Introduction to the concept of biobased products

Biobased products: definition

A biobased product is one made from renewable raw materials of biological origin. Unlike products made from fossil resources, biobased products are derived from biomass, i.e. organic matter such as plants, algae, micro-organisms or, in some cases, agricultural waste. 

The main aim of using these raw materials is not only to reduce the carbon footprint of products, but also to promote a sustainable circular economy.

Biobased products can be found in a wide range of sectors, from construction products, textiles and packaging to chemicals and pharmaceuticals. 

Integrating biobased products into manufacturing activities and processes is crucial for manufacturers wishing to stay ahead of future regulations.

Origin and emergence of biobased products

The emergence of biobased products is closely linked to environmental concerns and the predicted scarcity of fossil fuels. Since the 2000s, many players have been campaigning to find alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived materials and products. 

Political and environmental regulations have also played a crucial role in promoting biobased products. The European Union actively encourages the development and use of biobased materials through the regulations it imposes and the subsidies and tax incentives it provides.

Technological advances are also driving the emergence of biobased materials. Innovations in biotechnologies, green chemistry and industrial processes have enabled the development of biobased products that are more efficient and competitive than their fossil-based counterparts. This opens up new opportunities for manufacturers wishing to explore innovative solutions outside the realm of fossil-based products. Industry is increasingly integratingradiocarbon analysis of biobased products into its R&D processes, to determine the proportion of products derived from biomass.  

The emergence of biobased products is therefore correlated with the desire to change our production and consumption patterns. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers seeking competitive advantages. 

But what are the characteristics of biobased products and what exactly are the raw materials used in their manufacturing process?

Essential characteristics of a biobased product

Raw materials used for biobased products

The raw materials used to manufacture biobased products are mainly derived from biomass. There are 4 main sources: 

• Plants: plants such as corn, soybean, rapeseed, sugarcane and hemp are frequently used. These plants are cultivated specifically to extract components such as oils, starches, fibers and sugars that can be transformed into biobased products.
• Algae: Algae, and more specifically microalgae, are a promising source because of their rapid growth and low resource requirements. They can be used to produce biofuels, chemicals and polymeric materials.
• Agricultural waste: crop residues such as corn stalks and walnut shells can be recycled to produce biobased materials. This method gives a second life to waste by providing a useful raw material.
• Food waste: food waste, such as used oil and fruit residues, can be transformed into biobased products.

These "renewable" raw materials are essential for the manufacture of biobased products. They offer a viable alternative to fossil-based products, and are generally less harmful to the environment. Selecting and optimizing the use of these raw materials is essential to developing high-performance, sustainable biobased products.

Manufacturing processes for biobased products

The manufacturing process for biobased products is different from that for products derived from fossil resources. It breaks down into 5 stages:

1. Raw material collection and preparation : biobased raw materials are collected, cleaned and prepared for subsequent processing stages. This may include grinding, drying and extraction of specific components.
2. Biological or chemical transformation: raw materials can undergo fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis or chemical reactions. For example, sugars extracted from biomass can be fermented to produce bioplastics or biofuels.
3. Polymerization and formulation: for products such as bioplastics, bio-based monomers are polymerized to form polymers. These polymers are then modified and blended with other additives to obtain the desired properties for specific applications.
4. Manufacturing and shaping: polymers or other biobased materials are then transformed into finished products by molding, extrusion or injection. This process is similar to that used for conventional materials. It may, however, require adjustments to optimize the performance of biobased products.
5. Quality control and regulatory compliance: quality controls are necessary to ensure that bio-sourced products meet performance and safety standards, and comply with current regulations and market requirements.

Mastering these steps is essential for integrating biobased products into new-generation industrial processes, while ensuring the superior quality of the products created. 

Having explored the characteristics and manufacturing processes of biobased products, let's take a look at the different types of biobased products available on the market.

The different applications of biobased products

Biobased products for food

Biobased products are playing an increasingly important role in the food sector. They are often perceived as more environmentally-friendly alternatives, thanks to their composition based on renewable raw materials. Here are a few possible applications in the food sector:

• Bioplastics for food packaging: bioplastics made from corn, sugarcane or potato starch are used to produce biodegradable food packaging. These reduce our dependence on conventional plastics and minimize the environmental impact of packaging waste produced from fossil resources. 

• Food additives: Biobased food additives, such as natural sweeteners (e.g. stevia), texturizing agents (e.g. xanthan gum), natural colorants (e.g. carotenoids) or natural flavors offer healthier, natural alternatives to synthetic additives.

• Plant-based protein products: biobased products such as plant-based meats, plant-based beverages and egg substitutes are becoming increasingly common as a result of the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets. 

Biobased products for cleaning and cosmetics

The cleaning and cosmetics sector is also benefiting from advances in research into biobased products. These offer safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional chemicals, which are often toxic and non-biodegradable. These include the following applications:

• Detergents and laundry detergents: biobased detergents and laundry detergents are composed of enzymes and surfactants derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils and sugars. They are effective for cleaning and less polluting for water and the environment.

• Personal care products : soaps, shampoos and lotions made from bio-sourced ingredients such as essential oils, plant extracts and natural washing bases are acclaimed for their skin care benefits and reduced environmental impact.

Biobased products for industry

In the industrial sector, biobased products offer more sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications. They can reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes and offer performance comparable to or even better than that of conventional fossil-based products:

• Industrial bioplastics : used in the manufacture of automotive parts, electronic products and building materials. Industrial bioplastics and biopolymers derived from renewable resources such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) offer mechanical and thermal properties tailored to the requirements of these sectors.

• Lubricants and hydraulic fluids: bio-sourced lubricants and hydraulic fluids, made from oils of plant origin, offer excellent lubrication performance while being biodegradable and less toxic for the environment. This makes them ideal for use in sectors such as agriculture, construction and transport.

• Solvents and adhesives: bio-based solvents and adhesives, produced from raw materials such as essential oils, natural resins and biological alcohols, are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the manufacture of paints, coatings and composites.

The integration of biobased products into industrial processes therefore represents a strategic opportunity for R&D departments to improve the sustainability of operations while meeting the growing expectations of consumers and regulators in terms of environmental responsibility.If you would like to discuss the opportunities offered by biobased products, or obtain analyses on the composition of your biobased products, contact CIRAM. Our laboratories and experts will support you in your industrial transition.