• Outlook for new biobased products
• Upscaling production
• Consumers’ acceptance and growth drivers
• Provides valuable insights from industry leaders on
  - full value chains from feedstock supply to application
  - sustainability benefits and end-of-life options

Biobased chemicals are becoming increasingly important to the petrochemical industry, as sustainability has become a concern for consumers in the face of global climate change. 1st and 2nd generation feedstocks (sugarcane, palm oil, cassava, corn, etc) are widely available across India, China, and ASEAN countries along with the introduction of 3rd generation feedstocks from agri-food waste. The trend is to diversify from biofuels production towards biochemicals, as the price is twice of biofuels, making them more of an attractive target. With the abundance of feedstocks and available technology, Asia has a higher advantage to grow its biobased industries with a large growing population which pushes for increased volumes of biobased products.

However, regional regulations and public policies continue to affect biobased products developments. In Asia, the majority of mandates and incentives are distributed for biofuels but new molecules are yet to have market and regulatory acceptance. One way to strengthen Asia’s competitiveness is by establishing large scale biorefineries and hubs, especially in Thailand and Malaysia.

Asia is a major bioplastics production hub, accounting for 30% share of the global demand for bioplastics. Global production capacity is set to increase from around 2.05 million tonnes last year to an estimate of 2.44 million tonnes in 2022. There has been remarkable growth in PLA and PHA commercial manufacturing, with emerging applications being explored. Bioplastics are increasingly used in packaging, food ware, electronics, automotive, agriculture, toys, textiles and other durable products.

CMT’s 7th Biobased Chemicals & Plastics aims to present information on latest technologies, innovations, obstacles and future in the biobased industry.