Breaking through the Cost Barrier
Biochemicals and biomaterials are rising to the forefront of sustainable innovation, but the price tag attached to these next-gen solutions continues to stand in the way of widespread adoption.
- Jen Vanderhoven, chief operating officer of the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), is uniquely positioned to tackle these issues head-on. She is moderating the ‘Biochemicals: Rethinking the Building Blocks for Sustainable Manufacturing’ panel at the Rethinking Materials Innovation & Investment Summit, returning to London’s Hilton Bankside on 13-14 May.
- The event – hosted by Rethink, a William Reed company – drives partnerships and investment in synthetic materials, bio-based alternatives and circular solutions.
- Focused on upstream innovation – from material selection to designing out waste – it offers actionable insights to future-proof businesses across the packaging, textiles, durable goods and hygiene sectors.
Policymaking and Regulation
The challenge of getting sustainable materials across the cost barrier is exacerbated by the current regulatory environment. According to Vanderhoven, the system-level incentives that favor fossil materials today need to be rethought.
“Stop subsidising fossil-based materials,” she said. “Current regulations like the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility still favour incumbent products made from oil and gas.”
She argues that even well-intentioned strategies – such as promoting biomass use for energy or sustainable aviation fuel – divert crucial raw materials away from high-value applications like food packaging and durable goods.
- In the UK, biomass is mostly directed toward burning, not product manufacturing.
- Instead, we should be using it to create longer-living, higher-value materials.
Building Momentum with BBIA
As COO of BBIA, Vanderhoven works closely with nearly 80 organisations trying to commercialise bio-based and biodegradable products across the UK and Europe. “We exist to influence better policy, support innovation and give the sector a stronger voice,” she said. “Connecting innovators with policymakers, industry and investment communities is critical to creating real market opportunities.”
She is particularly excited about the diversity of companies joining her panel on 13 May. One standout is Holiferm, represented by COO Richard Lock.
“They manufacture bio-surfactants – essential ingredients in shampoos and cleaning products – from biomass instead of fossil oils,” she said.
“They’ve gone from university lab research to commercial manufacturing and it’s a brilliant success story.”
Another is Rubi Labs, which is tackling carbon emissions head-on by using captured CO₂ as a feedstock to create bio-based fibres and materials. “These are the kinds of pioneering solutions we’ll be discussing,” Vanderhoven said.
“Not theoretical future tech – products scaling now, overcoming real challenges.”
The PFAS Problem
As the conversation around sustainable packaging accelerates, so too does the scrutiny around toxic materials like PFAS – the ‘forever chemicals’ linked to health risks. “We absolutely want to make sure that new bio-based materials don’t carry toxic legacies,” Vanderhoven said.
“That’s why strict regulations are in place, particularly for food contact applications. In the UK, materials must pass REACH regulations, involving extensive safety testing.”
Who Should Attend?
According to Vanderhoven, the upcoming session will be valuable for a wide range of players. “Anyone already making bio-based materials who wants to build connections or companies curious about the potential environmental and economic benefits should be there,” she said.
“Investors, sustainability leads, innovation teams – there’s something for everyone.”
The Rethinking Materials Summit will feature tailored networking sessions, a start-up showcase, pitch presentations and a 1-1 meeting app designed to turn inspiration into real-world partnerships. “Innovation alone isn’t enough,” Vanderhoven concluded.
“We need collaboration, commitment and investment to make sustainable packaging the standard, not the exception.
