How Biotechnology Can Create Zero Impact Products

“Product Development Process” Dimension

In product development processes, both the choice of the correct raw materials and corresponding process optimizations are crucial to minimizing the Product Carbon Footprint. Biotechnological processes play an important role in this dimension of circular business models. By intelligently using renewable resources to produce materials – from raw materials to final products – it is possible to optimize the intrinsic recyclability and biodegradability of products so that they no longer pose an environmental burden during and after their useful life.

• Degradability: Products should be biodegradable to keep the environmental impact low. However, there is an unfavorable relationship between biodegradability and CO₂ emissions, as CO₂ is also released when products are decomposed by microorganisms.
• Longer product life: This results in CO₂ being kept bound for a longer period of time. It is important to take advantage of the benefits of biodegradability, but at the same time to also factor in the effects on the carbon balance and to take measures to reduce emissions.
• Reusability/recyclate content: Resources should be used that can be easily recovered and therefore best integrated into a circular economy. Plants are a prime example of renewable resources in sustainable product development, as they convert atmospheric CO₂ into base materials: Cellulose and lignin for components, resins for bonding, oils for lubricating, and natural rubber for tire production. To influence and increase the diversity of the base materials, biotechnology also offers the option of using microorganisms and biotransformation processes. These can directly or indirectly convert CO₂ into raw materials, which can in turn be used as biofuel or for biopolymer synthesis. This means that a neutral Product Carbon Footprint can be achieved by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and effectively storing it over a long product life.

“Product Manufacturing Process” Dimension

In order to make manufacturing processes sustainable, it is necessary to handle chemical substances responsibly. Avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals is a key factor in protecting health and the environment. Biotechnological processes and renewable resources are an important prerequisite for sustainable production because they offer more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical processes and raw materials. Although establishing biotechnological processes at scale can require large initial investments, such processes often offer a price advantage over the use of expensive chemicals in the long term.

Development and Manufacturing Challenges

When integrating biotechnological approaches into the product development and product manufacturing process, it is important to consider:

• Developing the required skillsets in the company must be ensured via internal or external means.
• The required technologies for processing and recovering bioresources must be optimized where necessary.
• The selection of suitable materials must be based on renewable resources.
• The scale at which the technologies and processes are used must be optimized based on the location (in terms of energy, resource availability, supply chain, etc.).
• To be feasible in practice, biotechnological solutions must not only be sustainable, but also economically viable.
• Existing regulations must be adhered to but can also be seen as opportunities. Stricter regulations, such as the German Fuel Emission Allowance Trading Act, impose radical, disruptive, and costly measures to implement or achieve climate goals. Public funding is often provided for this purpose.