Bioconversion technology is emerging as a promising solution for defossilising industries, particularly in the production of plastics and the recycling of CO2.
However, biogenic carbon often comes in a complex matrix: as long polymers (cellulose, starch, lignin, etc.) with mechanical constraints and alongside other heteroatoms (O, S, Cl, etc.). Both are challenging to manage for conventional catalytic processes, designed for stable petroleum products and thus often leading to pre-treatment and purification overcosts.
Bioconversion using whole organisms, isolated enzymes, etc. offers an enticing avenue due to its selectivity, mild operating conditions, non-reliance on rare metals, biodegradability, etc. In addition, there has been a rapid expansion of knowledge in the field through the recent discovery of genomic tools and the leverage of data science. However, there are challenges, including lower activity, and the question of social acceptance.
Increased Commercial Projects and Investments:
- Companies like LanzaTech, Carbios, and Danimer Scientific have launched commercial-scale projects, showing a shift from research to market implementation.
- Substantial investments by governments and private entities support scaling bioconversion technologies, such as subsidies for bio-based industries and venture capital for startups.
Policy Support and Regulation:
- Governments are enacting regulations to reduce plastic pollution (e.g., bans on single-use plastics) and carbon emissions, indirectly promoting bioconversion technologies.
Market Demand for Sustainability:
- Consumers and industries are increasingly demanding biodegradable plastics and low-carbon fuels, driving the adoption of bioconversion-based products.
- Companies such as Unilever, PepsiCo, and L’Oréal are partnering with bioconversion companies to meet sustainability targets.
Technological Advancements:
- Significant progress in synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, and fermentation technologies has made bioconversion more efficient, scalable, and cost-competitive.
- Innovations, such as CRISPR-based microbial engineering, are enabling the development of highly-specialised and efficient biocatalysts.
Biological methods leverage living organisms or enzymes to transform carbon compounds into fuels & chemicals and to recycle plastics.
Innovative approaches in fuel and chemical production, such as microbial fermentation and the integration of biomass and recycled plastics, are gaining momentum to reduce carbon emissions and help the transition to sustainable energy.
Microbial fermentation uses microorganisms to convert CO2 and CO into biofuels and chemicals, with projects like LanzaTech and Electrochaea showcasing its potential.
Researchers are also developing refineries that process biomass and recycled plastics, aiming to reduce fossil fuel reliance and achieve net-zero emissions. These advancements are set to transform fuel and chemical production, promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Read the article on the Refineries of the future.
The increasing environmental impact of plastic waste has driven research into innovative recycling methods. Two promising approaches are microbial degradation and enzymatic recycling, which offer sustainable solutions for managing plastic waste.
| Advantages | Challenges |
| Environmental Benefits: This process helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change by converting CO2 into useful products. | System Integration: Integrating biological systems with existing industrial processes and optimising bioreactor designs are complex tasks. |
| Sustainability: It uses renewable biological systems, such as bacteria, fungi, algae or enzymes to convert CO2, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical processes. | Scalability: Scaling up laboratory successes to industrial levels can be challenging due to differences in conditions and the need for consistent performance. |
| Economic Value: The conversion of CO2 into value-added products, such as biofuels, chemicals, and materials, can create new revenue streams and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. | Economic Viability: The costs associated with developing and maintaining bioconversion systems can be high, impacting their economic feasibility. |
| Energy Efficiency: Bioconversion processes often operate under milder conditions compared to traditional methods, potentially lowering energy consumption and costs. | |
| Flexibility: These processes can handle varying CO2 concentrations and impurities, making them adaptable to different industrial applications. |
Bioconversion technology is emerging as a promising solution for defossilising industries, particularly in the production of plastics and the recycling of CO2. However, its implementation raises significant social issues that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable transition.
A major candidate for plastic defossilisation with secondary benefits
According to expert and environmental stakeholders, bioconversion is viewed positively within the context of plastic defossilisation strategies, although there are concerns about its scalability. While electrocatalysis is known for its high energy consumption, biocatalysis offers a more energy-efficient alternative, operating effectively under mild conditions. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the production costs and stability of enzymes needed for large-scale applications. In addition to producing sustainable plastics, bioconversion technologies can facilitate the recycling of plastic waste and the production of low-carbon biofuels. These secondary services enhance the overall value of bioconversion, contributing to a circular economy.
Future debates on genetic engineering
Scholars anticipate that the use of genetic engineering to produce fourth-generation biofuels may lead to controversies similar to those seen in agriculture and medicine. They advocate for closed production systems with high security standards to mitigate contamination risks.
Biomass availability
A major concern is the availability of biomass, which is crucial for bioconversion processes. In France for example, some projections indicate that by 2050, demand for biomass may exceed supply, leading to several consequences:
The allocation of biomass resources is a critical issue, as biomass is used for various purposes beyond liquid fuel production, including food, biofertilisers, materials, and energy. In a context of limited biomass, prioritisation becomes essential. For instance, Germany has faced significant debates over the use of biofuels, balancing food security, climate goals, and energy independence.
The French National Biomass Mobilisation Strategy (2018) indicates that liquid fuel production ranks fifth in resource allocation priorities, behind food, biofertilisers, materials, and molecules. This hierarchy underscores the need for careful consideration of local contexts and the specific characteristics of different biomass types. For example, certain grass types, like miscanthus, may be more effectively utilised as liquid fuels rather than materials.
Given these prioritisations, there is an urgent need for better knowledge and understanding of future biomass demand across various sectors. This includes evaluating available alternatives for defossilisation, their costs, and their technological maturity. In addition, collaboration among stakeholders is crucial, as prioritisation decisions are highly dependent on local context.
More information, examples and use cases in ENGIE's 2025 report on Emerging Sustainable Technologies.
