Bio-based materials
How can InCrops help?
The main bioplastic types manufactured in the UK are starch and cellulose based, while a wide range of other biopolymers are also available in the UK through suppliers from the EU and worldwide. The East of England boasts major capacity in the processing of hemp, flax and other fibre crops. Bast fibres, such as flax, kenaf, and hemp, are most commonly used in the automotive industry, whereas wood plastic composites are useful in construction.
Biopolymers have extensive and growing applications. Uses range from packaging and catering, to sports goods and casing for consumer products, such as PCs, mobile phones and power tools.
There are huge market opportunities for bio-based materials. It is estimated that over 90% of the annual global plastic production (270 million tons) could be substituted by bioplastics. However, in 2012, bioplastics made up about 1% of the global plastics market. Between 2010 and 2015, global production capacity for bioplastics will grow from 724,000 tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes, with a predicted annual growth rate of 20%.
Meanwhile, the global natural fibre composites market reached $2.1 billion in 2010, with a compound annual growth rate of 15% in the last five years. By 2016, the natural fibres composite market is expected to reach $3.8 billion.
Bio-based materials have particular relevance in these industries:
Automotive and marine
In vehicles and boats, natural fibres are increasingly used as alternatives to glass fibre. Current automotive use of natural fibres in the EU is estimated at approximately 7 - 8 kg per vehicle, with potential for this to increase with technological innovation. InCrops is working with client companies to facilitate development of products that not only replace synthetic composites, but do so with materials that reduce vehicle weight. With the region’s major capacity in the processing of hemp, flax and other fibre crops, this presents a significant opportunity.
For marine use, the challenge is to develop materials that can perform in testing circumstances. We are working with boat-builders and composite manufacturers to introduce biocomposites into boat structures. This project brings together the academic expertise from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and the Bangor Biocomposite Centre with leading boat-building and composite engineering businesses. The partnership aims to test a range of plant-derived materials from hemp to bioresins, in order to develop an optimum composition that would withstand the rigorous performance standards required for marine applications.
The built environment
In construction, recent trends have seen increasing use of hemp-based materials, new fibre insulation products, and finished wood products. With estimates that the East of England will see 780,000 new homes by 2030, there is considerable regional opportunity for bio-based materials in the construction industry.
InCrops is working with clients to support the development and adoption of modern, environmentally friendly building materials with excellent energy conservation characteristics, low carbon supply chains and high levels of carbon sequestration.
Our Living Designs series of events examines how biology and bio-based materials can be integrated into the built environment. We are bringing together scientists, architects and designers who are at the forefront of researching and trialling new ways of using plant-based materials within buildings. Resins, biocomposites, paints, and fibres can all be used in interior design and the finishing of buildings.
Catering and packaging
The use of bio-based material can lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and other environmental impacts if agricultural and crop waste is used. Bio-based packaging can also provide a positive environmental branding message. This case study demonstrates how it has worked for a local farmer.
The use of compostable biopolymers in food packaging and catering items provides an added benefit, because they allow for disposal of both the waste content (food) and the packaging via the same composting route, thereby reducing the amount of food and packaging going to landfill.