ZhiGeng Research & Selection aims to track domestic and international trends and insights in the biotechnology sector through a research-and-analysis-driven approach. We present diverse industry backgrounds, current situations, challenges, and future development trends, with the goal of opening up innovative perspectives for partners within the biotechnology ecosystem.

In recent years, ZhiGeng has observed that, driven by increasingly stringent global environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable products, the field of bio-based new materials is experiencing rapid growth. Traditional materials primarily derived from petrochemical feedstocks are gradually being replaced by eco-friendly, high-performance bio-based alternatives. This shift not only represents a crucial pathway to addressing environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and carbon emissions but also provides fresh impetus for technological innovation and market expansion across multiple industries. From compostable packaging based on tree bark and bio-based compostable films to bio-based 3D-printing resins, biochemicals derived from waste cooking oil, and the use of biomass oils in sustainable energy, the research, development, and commercialization of bio-based materials are accelerating across the board, emerging as a key force driving the green economy and the circular economy.

01-Bpacks: An innovative packaging technology based on bark

Image source: Bpacks

The core technology behind Bpacks involves converting tree bark into compostable packaging materials, thereby replacing petroleum-based plastics. The key advantages of this technology lie in its environmental friendliness and high efficiency. Derived from industrial byproducts, the tree bark is transformed into packaging materials through a proprietary formulation that not only reduces plastic waste but also extends the shelf life of perishable foods. This technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing plastic production lines and pulp-molding equipment, lowering production costs and enhancing the sustainability of manufacturing processes. Moreover, Bpacks’ packaging materials exhibit strong antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting food spoilage and further reducing food waste.

02- LAM'ON: A Leading Company in Bio-Based, Compostable Packaging

Image source: LAM'ON

LAM'ON’s technological focus is on the development and application of bio-based, compostable films—particularly as alternative plastic packaging solutions for industries such as food, cosmetics, and logistics. Its core technologies include PACK'ON Classic, a highly transparent, durable, and compostable packaging film based on plant-derived ingredients, as well as PACK'ON Shrink, a heat-shrinkable film. These products not only meet the demands of sustainable development but also boast strong market competitiveness. Through innovative formulations and production processes, LAM'ON ensures that these products not only deliver the same functional performance as conventional plastic packaging but are also fully compostable and fully compliant with the European Union’s stringent environmental regulations. The application of these technologies not only helps brand owners reduce packaging costs but also enhances their brands’ eco-friendly image, driving a green revolution across the industry.

03-Adeyera: Research on the Conversion of Vegetable Oils into Bio-based Resins

Julius Adeyera’s research innovatively transforms vegetable oils into bio-based resins suitable for 3D printing. These resins not only exhibit high strength and heat resistance but also feature low shrinkage and excellent mechanical properties, meeting the demand for high-performance materials in industrial and manufacturing sectors. By chemically converting vegetable oils into acrylates and using ultraviolet photopolymerization technology to form resins, Adeyera’s technique can replace petroleum-based resins while offering significant environmental benefits. In particular, regarding tung oil, the team has optimized its chemical properties, enabling its broad application in binder jetting 3D printing processes. This technology is driving the 3D printing industry toward a more environmentally friendly and efficient future, reducing reliance on traditional petroleum resources and enhancing sustainability.

04-Ascend Performance Materials: Producing Low-Carbon Nylon 6,6 from Waste Cooking Oil

Image source: Ascend

Ascend uses waste cooking oil as a feedstock to successfully produce acrylonitrile, hexamethylenediamine, adipic acid, and nylon 6,6, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of these chemical products. The company employs the ISCC Plus-certified mass-balancing approach to ensure traceability of feedstock origins and enable the efficient utilization of bio-based resources such as waste cooking oil. This technological breakthrough has transformed the traditional production model for nylon 6,6, which is typically derived from petrochemicals. By leveraging bio-based materials, Ascend has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and is driving the green transformation of the chemical industry. Ascend’s Bioserve product series not only boasts outstanding performance but also offers scalable, sustainable material solutions that meet customers’ dual demands for both environmental friendliness and high performance.

05—Nufarm’s Partnership with BP: Promoting the Use of Biomass Oil in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Image source: Nufarm

The collaboration between Nufarm and BP focuses on converting high-biomass crops—such as energy sugarcane and feed sorghum—into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Under this partnership, Nufarm is responsible for supplying high-biomass crops, while BP leverages its advanced biomass-processing technologies—including HEFA (hydroesterification of fatty acids and esters), FT (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis), and ATJ (alcohol-to-jet synthesis)—to produce SAF from biomass resources like vegetable oils. These technological pathways offer multiple innovative approaches for converting biomass into sustainable aviation fuel. Among them, the HEFA process is already a mature, commercially viable technology, whereas the FT and ATJ processes are currently being explored to harness a broader range of biomass feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic materials, in order to produce high-quality aviation fuel. This collaboration not only accelerates the development of the biofuels industry but also provides a sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions from the global aviation sector.

In summary, ZhiGeng believes that bio-based new materials—driven by technological breakthroughs and practical applications—are gradually reshaping the landscape of traditional materials. From sustainable packaging and high-performance resins to biomass energy, these innovations not only effectively address global challenges such as plastic pollution and carbon emissions but also open up new avenues for green development in industries including food, manufacturing, and energy. Fueled by both policy support and market demand, the bio-based materials industry is now experiencing unprecedented growth opportunities, providing crucial support for the global achievement of sustainable development goals. Looking ahead, as technology continues to evolve and large-scale applications expand, bio-based new materials will offer more environmentally friendly and efficient solutions across various industries, helping us build a greener and more sustainable future.

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