Innovate UK has awarded £474,000 to the Bio-based and Biodegradable materials REGulatory NETwork (BB-REG-NET), a new initiative aimed at advancing sustainable chemical and material standards in the United Kingdom.
The project emerges from a comprehensive six-month discovery phase that involved over 180 individuals and 100 organizations identifying regulatory challenges in the bio-based materials sector. The network will now enter a 12-month implementation phase focused on developing more consistent frameworks for sustainable materials.
The initiative addresses significant industry challenges, including the UK chemicals sector’s goal to source 30 percent of carbon feedstock from biomass by 2050. Currently, the chemical sector accounts for approximately 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most chemicals manufactured from fossil fuels.
The network will operate through six specialized working groups concentrating on circular bioeconomy, environmental and economic impact assessment, and market acceptance. An advisory board featuring experts from organizations like Biome Plastics, Novamont, and the British Standards Institute will provide guidance.
Dr. Jen Vanderhoven, Project Lead, highlighted the network’s importance in addressing regulatory inconsistencies and standardization challenges that currently impede biobased material innovation.
Professor Rachael Rothman from the University of Sheffield emphasized the project’s collaborative approach, bringing together industry, academia, policymakers, and regulators to develop sustainable supply chains.
The working groups are scheduled to begin activities in December 2024, with initial deliverables expected in early 2025.
This initiative represents a significant step towards developing more comprehensive regulatory frameworks for sustainable materials in the United Kingdom.
