“BB-REG-NET” will bring together stakeholders from across industry, academia and government to accelerate the adoption of sustainable chemicals and materials in the UK market.
The funding boost follows a six-month discovery period that engaged with over 180 individuals and 100 organisations to establish the barriers preventing wider adoption of sustainable chemicals and materials in the UK market. The network will now engage in a 12-month implementation phase with six working groups focusing on:
- The circular bioeconomy
- Environmental impact assessments
- Economic impact analysis
- Market acceptance and consumer understanding
The working groups will begin activities in December 2024, with the first major deliverables expected in early 2025. The network will be supported by an advisory board.
Ultimately, the network aims to facilitate evidence-based policy making and create a more supportive regulatory environment for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials.
Dr Jen Vanderhoven, chief operating officer at BBIA and project lead for BB-REG-NET, said: “The development of a regulatory science network for bio-based and biodegradable materials is crucial to overcoming existing barriers to their widespread adoption.
“Current challenges include inconsistent policy and regulatory frameworks, standardardisation challenges and consumer confusion. These issues hinder innovation and market acceptance, placing bio-based chemicals and materials at a disadvantage compared to fossil-based incumbents.
“BB-REG-NET will establish a network of key stakeholders, with the aim of developing new tools, standards and approaches to evaluate the quality, performance and environmental and economic impact of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable chemicals and materials, to assess benefit-risk and facilitate sound and transparent regulatory decision-making. We hope this will enable a truly circular bioeconomy and reducing reliance on fossil resources.”
Rachael Rothman, professor of sustainable chemical engineering and academic lead for sustainability at the University of Sheffield, added: “BB-REG-NET will bring together industry, academia, policy makers and regulators with a shared goal of developing, assessing and bringing to market the bio-based supply chains needed for a sustainable future.
“Through collaboration across sectors, we will develop guidelines to help harmonise the assessment of bio-based and biodegradable materials, and in particular to ensure fair, forward-looking comparisons with fossil counterparts.”
The UK chemicals industry has a goal to source 30% of its carbon feedstock from biomass by 2050, potentially contributing £204 billion in annual revenue to the UK economy.
BB-REG-NET will host a free online launch event next Monday (9 December 2024) from 3pm to 4pm. The event will introduce the team, outline the network’s aims and working groups and explain how organisations can get involved. Register to attend here.
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