Biomaterials: An Untapped Climate Opportunity

Many of the technology stacks we see in next-gen food and biopharmaceuticals are the same ones in the materials space. Although the application of these technologies to materials is relatively new, they have widespread impact on the climate and the lives of animals and humans.

I don't hear much about biomaterials' potential role in curbing climate change. It is not just plastics but textiles, building materials, pharmaceuticals, and more. The most interesting argument I left to ponder is durability versus degradability — providing functional durability while the material is in use, and degradability when it no longer is. Easier said than done.

The Markets

• Bioplastics currently represent roughly 0.5% of the over 400 million tonnes of plastic produced annually. Global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase from around 2.18 million tonnes in 2023 to approximately 7.43 million tonnes in 2028.
• The global synthetic fibres market was valued at $66.11 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at 7.4% CAGR through 2030.
• The animal leather market is worth nearly $100 billion annually (UNIDO).
• The wool market is estimated at $38.97 billion in 2024, expected to reach $45.61 billion by 2029.
• The global silk market is valued at $17.2 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $28.5 billion by 2030.
• The fashion industry was responsible for 2.1 billion tonnes of GHG emissions in 2018 — about 4% of the global total.

Why It Matters

Our dependence on animals and petroleum-based products is causing substantial environmental degradation, damage to local ecosystems, biodiversity loss, polluted water sources, and rising emissions. We need to think beyond energy transition if we are serious about decarbonisation, and press on solutions that help us transition consumption in materials, food, medicines, and skincare.

"In aquatic invertebrates, microplastics cause a decline in feeding behaviour and fertility, slow down larval growth, increase oxygen consumption, and stimulate reactive oxygen species. In fish, microplastics may cause structural damage to the intestine, liver, gills, and brain."

We can't continue hampering nature for our consumption; we need to find creative ways to decouple our dependence on animals and, in turn, alleviate their suffering and prevent biodiversity loss. We are excited about biomaterials — not only because they don't have microplastics but also because many of them, such as seaweed-based materials, can significantly help improve aquatic life and ocean pH balance.