Context:
Biomaterials are emerging as a strategic and sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, offering India an opportunity to enhance environmental sustainability, industrial resilience, and rural income generation.
Key Highlights:
- What are Biomaterials?
- Materials derived from biological sources or processes.
- Designed to replace or supplement conventional petroleum-based materials.
- India’s bioplastics market was valued at ~$500 million in 2024, with strong growth prospects.
- Types of Biomaterials
- Drop-in biomaterials:
- Chemically identical to petroleum-based materials.
- Compatible with existing infrastructure.
- Drop-out biomaterials:
- Require new processing systems.
- Novel biomaterials:
- Offer advanced properties like self-healing, bioactive implants, and high-performance composites.
- Economic & Environmental Significance
- Reduces dependence on fossil-based imports.
- Supports farmer livelihoods through biomass feedstock demand.
- Contributes to climate mitigation and circular economy goals.
- Challenges
- Competition between food, fuel, and material feedstocks.
- Water stress and soil degradation.
- Fragmented policy coordination across sectors.
- Lack of clear regulatory definitions and labelling norms.
- Policy & Institutional Needs
- Scale up biomanufacturing infrastructure.
- Improve feedstock productivity.
- Invest in R&D and innovation ecosystems.
- Establish end-of-life pathways (recycling, composting).
- Use government procurement and time-bound incentives to de-risk early investments.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Definition of biomaterials and biomanufacturing.
- Difference between drop-in and drop-out biomaterials.
- Role of feedstock in biomanufacturing.
- Bioplastics market trends in India.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance:
- Aligns with environmental sustainability and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Strengthens rural–industrial linkages.
- Concerns:
- Resource stress and regulatory ambiguity.
- Way Forward:
- Integrated national biomaterials policy.
- Clear standards and lifecycle assessment.
- Strong public–private partnerships.
UPSC Relevance:
GS 3 – Environment & Ecology, Science & Technology, Economy | Prelims & Mains