Those vanguard sectors are: agriculture and forestry, biorefining, biobased chemicals, enzymes, bioplastic bottles and packaging, forest products and textiles.
The report explains that this reduction was likely due to two main mechanisms: the use of biobased chemical feedstocks in place of crude oil derived chemicals, and the use of biobased materials as substitutes for traditionally petroleum-based products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real world application<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSouth Korean company Softpack launched its high barrier biodegradable coffee pouch<\/a> in 2020. Designated Coffilm, its outer layering comprises Kraft paper made from softwood chips that have been pressure-cooked in a mixture of strong alkaline chemicals. At its end-of-life, Kraft paper quickly breaks down into cellulose fibres, making it a truly circular material. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe core of Coffilm packaging is made from an industrially-grown starch trade named Plantic and marketed by Japanese chemicals manufacturer Kuraray<\/a>. That biobased polymer provides the gas barrier necessary to maintain the product\u2019s freshness and keep the aroma locked inside. Although TUV-certified<\/a> as home compostable, Coffilm\u2019s barrier protection properties are marketed as matching aluminium. Traditionally the go-to material for packaging coffee globally, aluminium takes 80 to 400 years to decompose and isn\u2019t readily recyclable so largely ends in landfill. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe packet\u2019s eco-credentials are further boosted by its use of water-based ink for branding elements. And Coffilm was recognised by WorldStar Awards as a world first<\/a> in high barrier biodegradable coffee pouch technology. More recently, Danish brewer Carlsberg launched a trial of a biobased bottle it claims is fully recyclable<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n‘…More localised production favours the biobased market because it typically uses local feedstock to produce chemicals and materials…’<\/em>– Tecnon OrbiChem biomaterials expert Doris de Guzman<\/p>\n\n\n\nWood-based packaging <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA July 2022 survey \u2013 Sustainable food packaging in 2040<\/a> \u2013 co-conducted by paper mill UPMBiofore<\/a> and US-based scientific testing and certification provider Smithers<\/a> uncovered high enthusiasm for wood-based packaging solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWell over half its cohort of 200 respondents \u2013 senior packaging professionals from across the packaging value chain globally \u2013 consider innovations in wood-based packaging key to industry\u2019s capacity to evolve. It is innovation, they say, which will provide the strength and performance required for wood-based packaging to become reusable. When the UPM\/Smithers report says ‘fibre’, this refers to wood pulp derived material, not synthetic fibres like Nylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also key to note that current food contact materials (FCM) regulators will need to sanction its use \u2013 and that will only happen once its consumer safety record is fully established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The head of global packaging R&D at South Korea’s CJ CheilJedang Grace Kim was a<\/em> key contributor to the report. Operating in an increasingly mandated and regulated country in terms of packaging sustainability, Kim is well-versed in innovative solutions. As covered in our blog post Plastic packaging material that is both sustainable and biodegrades<\/a><\/em>, CJ CheilJedang shipped the first batches of its PHA-based material from its 5ktpa capacity facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia in April 2022. The company is therefore, well-positioned as an innovator in biodegradable product markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUPMBiofore meanwhile, is building a facility in Germany to convert woody biomass to sugars for the production of glycols. It is a different technology but more and more new chemical processing technologies targeting biobased chemical markets are exploring woody biomass as the feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new world<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn particular, the survey\u2019s findings reflect that micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) and nanotechnology advancements as key to the shift away from polymers towards wood-based packaging solutions in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like the biopolymer starch compound Plantic uses in Coffilm packaging, MFC is a biomass feedstock. It is comprised of cellulose fibrils \u2013 small or slender fibres \u2013 separated from its source, such as wood pulp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By bonding together, MFC fibres create strength that, when added to the paper making process, improve tensile strength and barrier properties, while also providing a smooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bio-economic times <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On the supply side, says Tecnon OrbiChem\u2019s biomaterials expert Doris de Guzman \u2018the bioeconomy has emerged as a globally impactful transformative force in industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018On the demand side, there is a transformative force for consumption changes and waste reduction.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Going forward, ‘there will be a greater focus on localising production instead of importing goods. More localised production favours the biobased market because it typically uses local feedstock in the production of biobased chemicals and materials,\u2019 de Guzman adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbichem.com\/hubfs\/image-png-Jul-14-2022-10-07-57-11-AM.png\")
Source: nova Institute<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGermany’s independent research establishment the nova Institute<\/a> estimates global bioplastics capacity at 2.42 million tons currently, a figure expected to increase to 7.59 million tons in five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPolyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a new type of polymer made from furanic-based chemicals. Its inherent biodegradability \u2013 and barrier properties beyond those of PET \u2013 make it a promising drop-in technology for packaging markets. Some developers in this field will be using woody biomass feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North America-based Origin Materials<\/a> for example \u2013 a PEF vanguard we explored in a 2021 blog post Renewable materials and the future of plastics<\/em><\/a> \u2013 sees huge potential for wood-based feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.orbichem.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/origin%20materials.jpg?width=1375&name=origin%20materials.jpg\")
Source: Origin Materials<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Headquartered in California, Origin is building its first commercial plant to produce chloromethylfurfural and co-product hydrothermal carbon. The plant \u2013 which is called Origin 1 \u2013 is located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn May 2022, Origin announced a partnership with Louis Vuitton parent company LVMH to produce PEF-based packaging and materials. And the company is already collaborating with several food & beverage brands to develop and commercialise PEF bottles as an alternative to PET bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hydrothermal carbon co-product can be used as alternative to activated carbon, or as raw material in the production of tyres, foams and fuel pellets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cleverly, Origin optimises its capital expenditure by using a Pulp Mill brownfield strategy. Sawmill chips are currently cheaper than corn, and competitive compared to sugarcane and sugar beet. Wood also has the advantage that it isn\u2019t a food source. And its cost as a feedstock is significantly lower compared to crude oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.orbichem.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Image%20shows%20price%20comparisons%20for%20feedstocks%20from%20crude%20oil%20to%20softwood%20and%20sugar-based%20biomass.jpg?width=1363&name=Image%20shows%20price%20comparisons%20for%20feedstocks%20from%20crude%20oil%20to%20softwood%20and%20sugar-based%20biomass.jpg\")
Source: Origin Materials<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIt will be interesting to see how \u2013 if it is successful \u2013 this type of technology will change the pulp mill landscape, says de Guzman. ‘At Tecnon OrbiChem \u2013 along with our sister companies Fisher International<\/a> and Forest2Market <\/a>\u2013 we will be closely monitoring the capacities, collaborations and trade flows in the coming months and years.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\nSupporting resuse tactics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use of recycled fibre in food contact applications has been hindered due to food safety\/migration concerns and lack of clear legal standards <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By 2040 however, food safe recycled fibres will likely \u2013 says the study \u2013 be US Food & Drug Administration and EU EFSA-approved. There will also have been by then improvements in recycling technology and better supply chain traceability to enable its safe use in the heavily-legislated area of FCMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The core of Coffilm packaging is made from an industrially-grown starch trade named Plantic and marketed by Japanese chemicals manufacturer Kuraray<\/a>. That biobased polymer provides the gas barrier necessary to maintain the product\u2019s freshness and keep the aroma locked inside. Although TUV-certified<\/a> as home compostable, Coffilm\u2019s barrier protection properties are marketed as matching aluminium. Traditionally the go-to material for packaging coffee globally, aluminium takes 80 to 400 years to decompose and isn\u2019t readily recyclable so largely ends in landfill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The packet\u2019s eco-credentials are further boosted by its use of water-based ink for branding elements. And Coffilm was recognised by WorldStar Awards as a world first<\/a> in high barrier biodegradable coffee pouch technology. More recently, Danish brewer Carlsberg launched a trial of a biobased bottle it claims is fully recyclable<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘…More localised production favours the biobased market because it typically uses local feedstock to produce chemicals and materials…’<\/em>– Tecnon OrbiChem biomaterials expert Doris de Guzman<\/p>\n\n\n\n A July 2022 survey \u2013 Sustainable food packaging in 2040<\/a> \u2013 co-conducted by paper mill UPMBiofore<\/a> and US-based scientific testing and certification provider Smithers<\/a> uncovered high enthusiasm for wood-based packaging solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well over half its cohort of 200 respondents \u2013 senior packaging professionals from across the packaging value chain globally \u2013 consider innovations in wood-based packaging key to industry\u2019s capacity to evolve. It is innovation, they say, which will provide the strength and performance required for wood-based packaging to become reusable. When the UPM\/Smithers report says ‘fibre’, this refers to wood pulp derived material, not synthetic fibres like Nylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also key to note that current food contact materials (FCM) regulators will need to sanction its use \u2013 and that will only happen once its consumer safety record is fully established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The head of global packaging R&D at South Korea’s CJ CheilJedang Grace Kim was a<\/em> key contributor to the report. Operating in an increasingly mandated and regulated country in terms of packaging sustainability, Kim is well-versed in innovative solutions. As covered in our blog post Plastic packaging material that is both sustainable and biodegrades<\/a><\/em>, CJ CheilJedang shipped the first batches of its PHA-based material from its 5ktpa capacity facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia in April 2022. The company is therefore, well-positioned as an innovator in biodegradable product markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n UPMBiofore meanwhile, is building a facility in Germany to convert woody biomass to sugars for the production of glycols. It is a different technology but more and more new chemical processing technologies targeting biobased chemical markets are exploring woody biomass as the feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In particular, the survey\u2019s findings reflect that micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) and nanotechnology advancements as key to the shift away from polymers towards wood-based packaging solutions in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the biopolymer starch compound Plantic uses in Coffilm packaging, MFC is a biomass feedstock. It is comprised of cellulose fibrils \u2013 small or slender fibres \u2013 separated from its source, such as wood pulp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By bonding together, MFC fibres create strength that, when added to the paper making process, improve tensile strength and barrier properties, while also providing a smooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the supply side, says Tecnon OrbiChem\u2019s biomaterials expert Doris de Guzman \u2018the bioeconomy has emerged as a globally impactful transformative force in industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018On the demand side, there is a transformative force for consumption changes and waste reduction.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going forward, ‘there will be a greater focus on localising production instead of importing goods. More localised production favours the biobased market because it typically uses local feedstock in the production of biobased chemicals and materials,\u2019 de Guzman adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Germany’s independent research establishment the nova Institute<\/a> estimates global bioplastics capacity at 2.42 million tons currently, a figure expected to increase to 7.59 million tons in five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a new type of polymer made from furanic-based chemicals. Its inherent biodegradability \u2013 and barrier properties beyond those of PET \u2013 make it a promising drop-in technology for packaging markets. Some developers in this field will be using woody biomass feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n North America-based Origin Materials<\/a> for example \u2013 a PEF vanguard we explored in a 2021 blog post Renewable materials and the future of plastics<\/em><\/a> \u2013 sees huge potential for wood-based feedstock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Headquartered in California, Origin is building its first commercial plant to produce chloromethylfurfural and co-product hydrothermal carbon. The plant \u2013 which is called Origin 1 \u2013 is located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In May 2022, Origin announced a partnership with Louis Vuitton parent company LVMH to produce PEF-based packaging and materials. And the company is already collaborating with several food & beverage brands to develop and commercialise PEF bottles as an alternative to PET bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hydrothermal carbon co-product can be used as alternative to activated carbon, or as raw material in the production of tyres, foams and fuel pellets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleverly, Origin optimises its capital expenditure by using a Pulp Mill brownfield strategy. Sawmill chips are currently cheaper than corn, and competitive compared to sugarcane and sugar beet. Wood also has the advantage that it isn\u2019t a food source. And its cost as a feedstock is significantly lower compared to crude oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will be interesting to see how \u2013 if it is successful \u2013 this type of technology will change the pulp mill landscape, says de Guzman. ‘At Tecnon OrbiChem \u2013 along with our sister companies Fisher International<\/a> and Forest2Market <\/a>\u2013 we will be closely monitoring the capacities, collaborations and trade flows in the coming months and years.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use of recycled fibre in food contact applications has been hindered due to food safety\/migration concerns and lack of clear legal standards <\/p>\n\n\n\n By 2040 however, food safe recycled fibres will likely \u2013 says the study \u2013 be US Food & Drug Administration and EU EFSA-approved. There will also have been by then improvements in recycling technology and better supply chain traceability to enable its safe use in the heavily-legislated area of FCMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWood-based packaging <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A new world<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bio-economic times <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Supporting resuse tactics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n