Source: Ocean and Wetlands

In fact, humanity’s history of utilizing biomass can be traced back to ancient times. Our ancestors already knew how to use biomass such as wood and bamboo to build houses and make tools. Although these early applications were rudimentary, they laid the foundation for the subsequent development of bio-based materials.
Bio-based materials, as the name suggests, are materials made from biomass—such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. Unlike conventional petroleum-based materials, bio-based materials use renewable raw materials that can be continuously sourced from nature. For example, corn starch, bagasse from sugarcane, and wood chips can all serve as feedstocks for producing bio-based materials.

As a plentiful agricultural waste, straw is considered an important raw material for bio-based materials and holds tremendous potential. Converting straw into bio-based materials not only enables the resourceful utilization of agricultural waste but also brings about a host of ecological and economic benefits, including the reduction of plastic pollution. The use of straw can help mitigate environmental pollution caused by straw burning, while also sequestering carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Photography: Linda © Green Association Media·“OceanWetlands”
As global concern about environmental issues continues to grow, people are placing increasing emphasis on finding sustainable solutions. Bio-based materials have emerged in response to this need—they are made from biomass and offer us a brand-new, more environmentally friendly material option.
Compared to traditional petroleum-based materials, bio-based materials offer numerous advantages. First, their raw materials come from renewable biomass, which can be continuously sourced from nature, thereby reducing reliance on finite fossil resources. Second, the production processes of bio-based materials typically generate fewer greenhouse gases and cause less environmental pollution. Moreover, many bio-based materials are biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally in the environment, thus minimizing their long-term impact on the ecosystem.
 

(Above: Research shows that bio-refining technology can convert organic solid waste into valuable bio-based products. Bio-refining is a green and sustainable technology that breaks down organic waste into useful products such as biofertilizers, bioethanol, biohydrogen, bioelectricity, biogas, bioplastics, organic acids, and bioenzymes. Studies indicate that compared to conventional waste treatment methods (such as pyrolysis and gasification), bio-refining technology offers significant advantages, as it does not produce harmful gases and consumes less energy. Image source: Adetunji, A. I., Oberholster, P. J., & Erasmus, M. (2023).)
The applications of bio-based materials are incredibly diverse. In our daily lives, we’re seeing an increasing number of bio-based products emerging. For example, PLA (polylactic acid), a plastic made from corn starch, is widely used in disposable tableware and packaging materials; while lignocellulosic fibers can be transformed into various textiles, such as clothing and home furnishings. Beyond these common applications, bio-based materials also show tremendous potential in fields like biomedicine, automotive, and construction.
The development prospects for bio-based materials are promising. As technology continues to advance and people’s awareness of environmental protection grows, the research, development, and application of bio-based materials will become increasingly widespread.

(Above: Silk can be regarded as a bio-based material. Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves and convert the proteins in these leaves into silk—a process that is entirely biological. Silk is a protein fiber secreted by silkworms; it is a natural biopolymer. Photo: Linda © Green Association Media·“Ocean & Wetland”)
Tackling Plastic Pollution: Bio-based Materials Can Play a Significant Role
Here, since the author is currently preparing for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to draft a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including marine environmental issues, one particular focus is the potential of bio-based materials in addressing plastic pollution.
Traditional petroleum-based plastics, much like “plastic islands” floating in the ocean, have inflicted severe damage on the ecological environment. In contrast, bio-based materials serve as a “green vanguard,” drawing energy from nature itself and wielding their biodegradable and recyclable properties to take on the challenge of plastic pollution. When it comes to tackling plastic pollution, bio-based materials can truly be described as deploying a “green special forces unit.”

Above: The Triple Compensation Effect of Bamboo (P. van der Lugt, 2018, “The Thriving Bamboo”)

However, these kinds of solutions were actually “forced” into existence. In the mid-20th century, as petroleum resources became increasingly depleted and environmental issues grew ever more pressing, people began searching for environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based materials. The oil crisis of the 1970s further accelerated this process. Scientists started delving deeply into ways to convert biomass into chemicals and materials—for instance, using starch to produce plastics.
It can be said that bio-based materials hold tremendous potential in addressing the global problem of plastic pollution. Traditional petroleum-based plastics, due to their difficult-to-degrade nature, have caused severe damage to ecosystems. In contrast, bio-based materials—derived from renewable resources—feature biodegradability and recyclability, offering a more sustainable approach to tackling plastic pollution. For instance, biodegradable plastics made from plant starch can replace single-use plastic tableware, shopping bags, and other items, thereby reducing white pollution. Moreover, bio-based fibers can be used to produce eco-friendly textiles, lessening the environmental impact of the textile industry.
In other words, bio-based materials, with their sustainable and biodegradable properties, offer us a nature-based solution (NbS) that gives us the opportunity to restore our planet, which has been polluted by plastics.

Above: In April 2024, outside the venue of the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Plastics Treaty (INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada, the sculpture “Turn Off the Tap” delivered a striking visual impact. Photo: Xiuying © Green Association Media·Green Association Global Environmental Governance Team.
What challenges does the development of bio-based materials face?
Despite their enormous potential, the development of bio-based materials also faces several challenges.

The author is increasingly seeing that some products sold on the market are made from bamboo. Photography: Linda © Green Association Media·Oceans and Wetlands

First is the issue of cost. Currently, the production costs of bio-based materials generally exceed those of conventional petroleum-based materials. This is because the production processes for bio-based materials often involve complex biological conversion steps, requiring greater energy inputs and more sophisticated equipment. Moreover, seasonal fluctuations and regional differences in biomass feedstock can also lead to unstable raw material costs. It’s a bit like building a house: although using wood is environmentally friendly, the cost of wood itself may be somewhat higher than that of reinforced concrete.
Second, there are performance issues. Although bio-based materials offer advantages in terms of renewability and environmental friendliness, they still fall short of traditional petroleum-based materials in certain performance aspects, such as heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, some bioplastics tend to deform or decompose easily under high temperatures or in strong acidic or alkaline environments, thereby limiting their range of applications. It’s like a race: although bio-based materials started later, they’ll need to keep striving relentlessly if they’re to catch up with traditional materials in terms of performance.
Another issue is market promotion. Currently, overall, consumers’ awareness of bio-based materials remains relatively low, and it will take time for them to fully embrace these new products. Moreover, the existing industrial chains and infrastructure also need to be adjusted accordingly in order to better accommodate the development of bio-based materials. It’s just like promoting a new crop—beyond breeding high-yield, high-quality varieties, we also need to establish a comprehensive system covering cultivation, processing, and sales.
The fourth major challenge is the lack of economies of scale. It’s like running a small workshop and trying to compete on price with large-scale factories—of course, you’d be at a disadvantage. The production of bio-based materials faces exactly the same dilemma. Since market demand for bio-based materials is still in its early stages, many companies remain small in size. This means they can’t reduce costs through mass production the way traditional petrochemical companies do. Picture this: a small factory with limited raw material purchases, weak bargaining power, low utilization of production equipment, and high fixed costs that are hard to spread across a larger output. As a result, the cost of bio-based materials remains stubbornly high, making it difficult for them to compete with conventional materials. To change this situation, we need to expand market demand, attract more companies to enter this industry, and create economies of scale. Only then can we truly bring down costs and make bio-based materials accessible to households across the board.
In the process of reviewing relevant materials, I’ve come to a rather clear realization: Under the overarching trend of sustainable development, bio-based chemicals and products derived from renewable resources have become “a fiercely contested battleground.” Companies that started planning early and invested deeply in R&D have already secured a favorable position in this intense competition. Moreover, it seems that new “green barriers” are beginning to take shape. However, fortunately, this field inherently boasts enormous potential, making it unlikely for any single player to dominate the market.
 

(Above: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a common biodegradable plastic whose raw materials are primarily derived from corn starch. PLA products include disposable tableware, shopping bags, packaging materials, and more. Above: The variety of everyday products made from PLA is extensive. Image source: Al Mobarak T, DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.15665.63842)
A living example
Let’s look at a few examples—examples that you’ve probably encountered in your daily life.
For example, PLA plastic—a common type of bioplastic—is made from corn starch. You’ve probably seen disposable plates labeled as “corn-based” in supermarkets, which are touted as being more environmentally friendly. However, once you bring them home, you’ll notice that although PLA plastic boasts excellent biodegradability, it has relatively poor heat resistance and tends to deform easily at high temperatures. Moreover, compared to its “competitors,” the production cost of PLA plastic remains fairly high at present, which limits its application in certain high-performance fields.
Take bio-based ethanol, for example. As we know, bio-based ethanol can serve as a substitute for gasoline, reducing our reliance on petroleum. Bio-based ethanol—what a seemingly eco-friendly energy source! Just imagine: instead of depending entirely on oil buried deep underground, we could use plants to produce fuel. Isn't that wonderful? Indeed, bio-based ethanol can replace gasoline, cut down on tailpipe emissions, and help mitigate climate change. But as often happens with beautiful ideas, there are some challenges lurking beneath the surface. Producing bio-based ethanol requires vast quantities of grain crops, such as corn and sugarcane. That means grains that were once meant to feed people now have to be burned for fuel—many of you are probably already exclaiming, “What a waste!” The extensive use of arable land will inevitably throw food supply and demand out of balance, driving up food prices. Moreover, bio-based ethanol doesn't boast very high energy conversion efficiency; in other words, to produce the same amount of energy, bio-based ethanol needs far more raw materials than petroleum does. Add to that the complexity of the production process, and you’ll find that the cost of producing bio-based ethanol remains stubbornly high. So while bio-based ethanol holds great promise as an alternative energy source, there’s still a long way to go before it can be widely adopted and scaled up.
The third example is wood-plastic composite material. This emerging material seems to combine the natural texture of wood with the durability of plastic—truly a case of “leveraging strengths while offsetting weaknesses.” In fact, that’s exactly what it does: wood-plastic composites not only retain the grain and color of wood but also inherit plastic’s water-resistant and insect-proof properties. However, just as everything in this world has two sides, wood-plastic composites also come with their own “little quirks.” Wood flour, one of the main components of wood-plastic composites, naturally loves to absorb moisture. While this property gives wood its vitality, it also introduces potential risks for wood-plastic composites. In humid outdoor environments, these materials can easily soak up moisture, which over time may lead to aging and deformation. Moreover, to achieve the perfect blend of wood flour and plastic, manufacturers have gone to great lengths. The complex manufacturing process not only drives up production costs but also limits the large-scale adoption of wood-plastic composites. Although wood-plastic composites hold great promise, truly bringing them into every household will require continued efforts by scientists and engineers to overcome these technical challenges.
The fourth example is bio-based paint. Anyone who’s ever struggled with material choices for home renovations will love the concept of “bio-based paint”—it sounds like a paint brimming with natural charm, doesn’t it? Its raw materials are no longer petroleum, buried deep underground, but rather gifts from nature: vegetable oils and soy protein. Just imagine using sunflowers and soybeans—foods we often find on our dining tables—to decorate our homes. Doesn’t that feel so close to nature? Compared to traditional petroleum-based paints, bio-based paints are much gentler in their “temperament.” They produce fewer harmful gases and cause less harm to both humans and the environment. As a result, bio-based paints have become highly popular in fields such as construction and furniture making—especially in households with young children, where renovation projects naturally gravitate toward these eco-friendly options. However, nothing in this world is perfect. Although bio-based paints are environmentally friendly, they do have their own “little drawbacks.” For instance, in environments exposed to wind, rain, and intense sunlight, the weather resistance of bio-based paints may not be quite as impressive as that of traditional paints. Moreover, when exposed to water, they tend to lose some of their resilience and “wilt” more easily. Thus, how can we further enhance the performance of bio-based paints so that they can match—or even surpass—traditional paints in terms of functionality? This remains an area that requires continued research and effort.