UK bioeconomy celebrated at BBIA’s Demeter Awards
Holiferm, Carbon Cell, and 2M Group of Companies and Xampla awarded £25K co-working space and LCA, grant application and IP support for innovation, start-up, and collaboration categories.
The UK’s bioeconomy was celebrated at the inaugural Demeter Awards and Innovation Showcase, an event hosted by the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA).
The ceremony highlighted the achievements and innovations of the bio-based sector, and was opened by Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, Lord Patrick Vallance.
Lord Vallance, in his opening remarks, recognised the contributions of the sector to the UK’s industries strategy and net zero ambitions: “There is a unique opportunity to have the design, development and manufacture of new products and materials secured through a thriving bioeconomy. We can transition away from petrochemicals and become an engine for net zero, and set an example for the rest of the world to create well paid and meaningful jobs.”
Other speakers included former Science Minister George Freeman MP, who emphasised the important relationship between the bio-sector and the government: “The government has set out a massive ambition for an industrial strategy that implicitly prioritises R&D. In this new political landscape, we have an opportunity to make this the industry of tomorrow.”
Award winners
The Product Innovation Award, which recognises companies or researchers for the development of innovative bio-based products, was awarded to Holiferm. The biotechnology research company has developed a sustainable process to manufacture biosurfactants, which work towards ending the need for harmful petrochemicals.
Carbon Cell, who are developing a non-toxic, carbon-negative compostable foam alternative to polystyrene, was awarded Start-up of the Year, which recognises promising start-up companies in the bio-based sector.
2M Group of Companies, in partnership with Xampla, was recognised with the Collaboration Award for successful cooperation in the development of bio-based materials or products. The partnership brought their plastic-free, plant-based Morro Coating, a replacement for conventional plastic-based paper and cardboard coatings, from concept to large-scale production.
Jen Vanderhoven, Chief Operating Officer of the BBIA, congratulated the winning organisations: “It is crucial to acknowledge the businesses that are developing bio-based products and materials, as they play a key role in driving innovative solutions for the future.
“Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding contributions to the bioeconomy, and we want to thank the prominent politicians who are giving us their backing. We now need to see government policy follow with clear backing of bio-based products that are part of the journey to net zero.”
The winners will receive a 12 month co-working space in Manchester’s Renold Innovation Hub, IP support from Potter Clarkson, grant funding application support from PNO Consultant, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) advice from Oakdene Hollins, to the combined value of over £25,000.
Former Environment Secretary, Lord Deben, closed the ceremony: “What you do is not just a job. It’s actually helping the world to adapt to and mitigate climate change, which we have been stupid enough to allow to happen.”
