BB-REG-NET project identifies key barriers to adoption of bio-based materials
Report finds high costs, regulatory gaps and customer confusion limits the potential benefits of biodegradable materials.
A recent project by the Bio-based and Biodegradable Materials Regulatory Network (BB-REG-NET) has outlined the key hurdles preventing bio-based, biodegradable and compostable materials (BB-materials) from breaking into the mainstream.
The project, backed by Innovate UK and led by the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), Green Rouse Chemistry, and the University of Sheffield, undertook a literature review, stakeholder engagement, and research in life cycle assessment and communication with 186 individuals and 102 organisations.
Key Challenges
The BB-REG-NET study identified several barriers to the adoption of BB-material solutions:
- High costs: Bio-based materials are more expensive due to higher feedstock costs and new technology requirements. Traditional fossil-fuel industries also benefit from subsidies that put BB-materials at a disadvantage.
- Regulatory hurdles: UK policy lacks cohesion, with regulations favouring fossil-based plastics.
- Performance limitations: Inconsistent durability, limited shelf life, and difficulty achieving specific properties like heat resistance hinder the adoption of BB-materials.
- Infrastructure gaps: The UK’s current recycling and composting infrastructure isn’t able to handle BB-materials, leading to contamination risk in recycling streams.
- Consumer confusion: Public awareness of BB-materials is low, with many consumers misunderstanding terms like “biodegradable” and associating them with greenwashing campaigns.
Potential interventions
The study suggests that the integration of BB-materials into mainstream use requires targeted interventions that address these challenges.
Policy support is highlighted as a key factor in making BB-materials commercially viable. This involves developing a unified bioeconomy strategy with clear regulations and standardised certification, allowing these materials to compete fairly with fossil-based products.
The research points to EU policies such as the Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan to offer guidance on how UK policy could attempt to grow the bio-based and compostable industry.
Consumer education is equally important, and well-crafted communications strategies, featuring clear labelling and public awareness campaigns are recommended to help ensure BB-materials are used and discarded correctly.
The need for sustainable alternatives
These interventions unlock the positive benefits of BB-materials. They can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate job creation and support farmers with non-food-based income streams.
The UK chemical sector, responsible for around 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. Unlike energy, which can be decarbonised through renewables, chemical production still requires carbon, traditionally sourced from fossil fuels.
BB-materials, derived from renewable biological resources like plants and algae, offer a sustainable alternative. With the UK’s chemical sector aiming to source 80 per cent of its carbon needs from non-virgin fossil sources by 2050, BB-materials are expected to cover 30 per cent of this sustainable carbon.
The BB-REG-NET hopes that further research will allow policy makers and regulators to understand the environmental and economic impacts of new policies and making alterations to existing ones on BB-material potential.