According to Lux’s Gihan Hewage, “stagnation” was apparent in the lack of new product announcements compared to previous WCIBs. “Instead, many developers focused on rebranding existing products to emphasize performance as a key differentiator,” Hewage writes on Lux’s blog. “For example, NatureWorks emphasized PLA’s improved barrier properties over petroleum-based plastics instead of its poor mechanical properties.” Many conference tracks also focused on the well-known challenges of scaling and commercializing biobased products, Hewage adds.
Brand-owner involvement was lackluster, with both Method and Seventh Generation dropping out of their planned speaker sessions. Nonetheless, the importance of partnering remained an industry theme. Notable announcements included the continuation of the Praj-Gevo Joint Development Agreement and a licensing agreement between NatureWorks and Plaxica, Hewage writes.
“Given the historical challenges with developing and commercializing biobased materials and chemicals, the industry has shifted from relying on sustainability as a key value proposition to focusing on material’s unique performance properties,” Hewage says. “Now, the biobased space is challenged with translating that performance into actual end products. Readers looking for success in commercializing bio-based materials and chemicals should look to target improved or novel properties for specific applications, while leveraging partnerships throughout the value chain,” he adds.
WCIB is organized by Biotechnology Innovation Organization.