In News:

India is prioritising bio-based chemicals and enzymes under the BioE3 policy to reduce petrochemical imports, promote sustainable manufacturing, and strengthen its bioeconomy.

What are Bio-Based Chemicals?

Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced from renewable biological feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, starch, and agricultural residues, rather than fossil fuels. They are typically manufactured through fermentation, enzymatic conversion, or microbial processes using biomass.

Examples:

• Organic acids (e.g., lactic acid)
• Bio-alcohols
• Solvents
• Surfactants
• Chemical intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

These chemicals form a core component of the bioeconomy, which integrates biological resources and biotechnology into industrial production systems to create sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals.

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts (mainly proteins) that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. While enzymes have been used traditionally in brewing and baking for centuries, modern industrial enzyme engineering expanded significantly in the 20th century with advances in biotechnology.

Enzymes are produced via microbial fermentation, followed by purification and formulation for industrial use.

Key Characteristics

1. Renewable Feedstock Base – Derived from biomass instead of fossil hydrocarbons.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint – Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to petrochemical pathways.
3. Energy Efficiency – Enzymes operate at lower temperatures and pressures.
4. Biodegradability – Many bio-based products are environmentally friendly.
5. High Specificity – Enzymes provide targeted catalytic action, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Applications

1. Chemical Industry

• Organic acids (lactic acid)
• Acetyl intermediates (acetic anhydride, ethyl acetate)
• Solvents and specialty chemicals

2. Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines: Active ingredient synthesis through fermentation technologies.

3. Food & Beverage: Brewing, baking, dairy processing.

4. Textiles & Detergents: Stain removal, fabric treatment.

5. Biomanufacturing & Clean Technology: Sustainable plastics, biofuels, specialty chemicals.

Why Does India Need Bio-Based Chemicals?

India has strong structural advantages:

• Large agricultural base (ample biomass availability)
• Established fermentation expertise (pharmaceuticals and vaccines)
• Expanding manufacturing ecosystem
• Rising demand for sustainable industrial inputs

India imported approximately $479.8 million worth of acetic acid in 2023, reflecting dependence on petrochemical imports. Scaling domestic bio-based chemical production can:

• Reduce import dependence
• Create value-added markets for agricultural produce
• Strengthen climate commitments
• Boost rural and industrial employment

Policy Support: BioE3 Initiative

India has identified bio-based chemicals and enzymes as priority sectors under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 Policy.

BioE3 focuses on:

• Biomanufacturing scale-up
• Shared infrastructure (biofoundries, pilot plants, demonstration facilities)
• Innovation ecosystem development
• Reducing capital risk for emerging firms

Industry Landscape in India

Bio-Based Chemicals

• Praj Industries
• Godrej Industries
• Godavari Biorefineries
• Jubilant Ingrevia
• StringBio

Enzymes Market

The Indian enzyme market is highly consolidated, with top players accounting for over 75% market share.

Key companies:

• Novozymes India
• DuPont
• DSM
• Advance Enzyme Technologies
• BASF SE
• Ultreze Enzymes Private Limited

Global Initiatives

European Union

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy links industrial transformation with:

• Climate mitigation
• Circular economy
• Waste reduction

United States

• The USDA BioPreferred Program mandates federal procurement preference for certified bio-based products, helping create stable demand.

China

• Bioeconomy development plans prioritise high-value bio-based chemicals and enzyme technologies as strategic sectors.

Japan

• Projects supported by METI/NARO integrate research with manufacturing readiness in bio-based chemicals.