Bio-derived sustainable & renewable materials offer new opputunities in Wales
Increasingly we are becoming aware of the need to reduce the adverse impact of our activities upon the environment. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses through the burning of fossil reserves is set to become one of the major challenges of the 21st Century. At the same time, however, society’s demand for materials (and energy) continues to grow. This presents a dilemma that could be (in part) solved through the implementation of sustainable practices.
Renewable biomass from plants and animals present a real opportunity as many of the issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions can be resolved through the use of renewable materials.
Industrial sectors like the forest products industries are currently using renewable biomass feedstocks. There are, however, other industries that could utilise renewable and sustainable materials to produce products in a sustainable and cost effective manner. The replacement of glass fibre with plant fibres, the development of bioresins and adhesives and the use of natural chemicals in the pharmaceutical industry are all examples for future growth.
In a recent market study undertaken by CARM it was established that industry is interested in sustainable and renewable material technologies. When asked how their businesses are involved in sustainable practices the majority replied that saving energy is key closely followed by the use of sustainable materials, see figure1.
|
How is your business involved in sustainable development
|
|
|
|
Figure 1. Sustainable development
|
A - Save Energy
B - Use sustainable & renewable materials
C - Support the policy of sustainable development
D - Cut down transportation
E - Undertake research
F - Other
However, a lack of market pull, access to materials, cost of products and funding for R&D are seen as barriers to exploitation. New approaches are now being proposed to overcome these barriers by developing strategic alliances within the supply chain. Future proposals will link to designers and consumers in order to gain further insights that will assist in the development of stronger markets.
Future growth areas for these technologies are predicted in the utilisation of bio-derived fibres for composites applications, the growth of bio-derived oils as replacements for mineral based materials and the production of hybrid materials that are a combination of recycled and renewable resources. Key to all of these technologies is demonstrating that the products meet performance requirements and conform to standards.
A successful research project between BioChem Wales Ltd and The BioComposites Centre, University of Wales Bangor has demonstrated that in many cases bio-derived products can outperform existing materials. Bio-derived cutting and metal working oils are used in applications such as milling, drilling, thread cutting and actually outperform mineral equivalents.
A wealth of opportunities exists in these new and emerging markets. Wales is in a position to lead these developments, create wealth, jobs and generate new IPR that will help build a sustainable future.
©
Materials Network Wales 2005 | Last Updated: Jun 21 2005 | info@mnw.org.uk