Biomaterials
What are biomaterials?
Biomaterials are materials derived wholly or partly from biological sources or engineered using biological processes.
They are designed to replace or interact with conventional fossil-based materials.
Used across packaging, textiles, construction, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Types of biomaterials
(a) Drop-in biomaterials
Chemically identical to petroleum-based materials.
Can be used in existing manufacturing and recycling systems.
Example:
Bio-PET
Advantage:
No need for new infrastructure.
(b) Drop-out biomaterials
Chemically different from fossil-based materials.
Require new processing, recycling, or composting systems.
Example:
Polylactic acid (PLA)
Limitation:
End-of-life management is critical.
(c) Novel biomaterials
Offer new or enhanced properties not found in conventional materials.
Examples:
Self-healing materials
Bioactive medical implants
Advanced bio-composites
High R&D intensity, future-oriented.
Why does India need biomaterials?
(a) Economic and industrial reasons
Reduces dependence on fossil-based imports (plastics, chemicals).
Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in materials and manufacturing.
Enhances export competitiveness amid global low-carbon norms.
(b) Agricultural and rural benefits
Creates new value chains for:
Sugarcane
Maize
Agricultural residues
Provides additional income streams for farmers beyond food markets.
(c) Environmental and climate goals
Supports:
Ban on single-use plastics
Circular economy
Climate action commitments
Lower lifecycle carbon footprint compared to fossil-based materials.
Status of biomaterials sector in India
India’s bioplastics market:
Valued at ~$500 million (2024)
Expected to grow strongly through the decade
Key developments:
Balrampur Chini Mills: Large PLA plant investment in Uttar Pradesh
Phool.co: Converts temple flower waste into biomaterials
Praj Industries: Demonstration-level bioplastics plant
Limitation:
Foreign dependence for some advanced processing technologies.
Key challenges
Feedstock competition
Risk of diversion from food crops.
Environmental stress
Water overuse
Soil degradation from intensive agriculture.
Weak waste-management infrastructure
Composting and recycling systems not fully developed.
Policy fragmentation
Poor coordination between agriculture, environment, and industry ministries.
Global competition
Delay may increase future import dependence as other countries scale faster.
Way forward: Policy measures
(a) Industrial and technological
Scale biomanufacturing infrastructure:
Fermentation
Polymerisation
Support pilot plants and shared facilities.
(b) Agricultural and feedstock strategy
Improve feedstock productivity using:
Biotechnology
Precision agriculture
Promote use of agricultural residues.
(c) Regulatory and standards framework
Clear definitions of biodegradable, compostable, bio-based.
Strong labelling norms.
Defined end-of-life pathways:
Recycling
Industrial composting.
(d) Market creation
Government procurement of biomaterial-based products.
Time-bound incentives to de-risk early investments.
R&D support for drop-in and novel biomaterials.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Biomaterials that are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials and can be used in existing manufacturing systems are known as:
(a) Drop-out biomaterials
(b) Novel biomaterials
(c) Drop-in biomaterials
(d) Bio-composite materials
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Drop-in biomaterials (e.g., bio-PET) can directly replace fossil-based materials without changing infrastructure.
Q. Which of the following best describes drop-out biomaterials?
(a) They are identical to fossil-based materials
(b) They require no end-of-life management
(c) They are chemically different and need new processing or disposal systems
(d) They are used only in medical implants
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Drop-out biomaterials like PLA differ chemically and need new processing and composting systems.