Context:
Recent policy deliberations and government strategies have emphasized the need to scale up bio-based manufacturing as a key component of India’s bio-economy agenda, with the objective of reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-derived chemicals and advancing environmentally sustainable industrial development.
1. Core Concepts: Definitions & Applications
- Bio-based Chemicals: These are chemicals made from renewable biological sources or feedstocks like (e.g., sugarcane, corn, starch, biomass residues). They are produced mainly through fermentation or biological processing and are considered environmentally friendly.
- Examples: Organic acids (lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates for plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Enzymes: Enzymes are natural biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
- Environmental Benefit: They function at lower temperatures and pressures, significantly reducing energy consumption and emissions compared to traditional methods.
2. India’s Strategic Position and Policy
- Policy Framework: India has designated bio-based chemicals and enzymes as a priority area under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy.
- Economic Drivers: Scaling this sector aims to reduce import dependence on petrochemicals (e.g., India imported approximately $479.8 million worth of acetic acid in 2023) and create new markets for agricultural produce.
| About BioE3 Policy The Government of India has introduced (in 2024-25 budget) the BIO-E3 Policy to accelerate the growth of the country’s bio-economy by promoting bio-based innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmentally sustainable manufacturing.Aims and objective: It aims to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, utilizing AI, biofoundries, and hubs to drive innovation in climate-resilient agriculture, precision biotherapeutics, and green chemicals.Strategic Sectors: The policy focuses on six thematic areas, including high-value bio-based chemicals and enzymes, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, carbon capture & utilization, climate resilient agriculture, and futuristic marine and space research.Policy Impact and Goals: It supports India’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and Viksit Bharat @2047. |
3. Global Perspectives: International Strategies
| Region/Country | Key Strategy/Program | Focus Area |
| European Union (EU) | Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan | Coordinated support linking industrial transformation to climate goals and waste reduction. |
| United States (U.S.) | USDA BioPreferred Program | Mandates federal procurement preference for certified bio-based products to create early markets. |
| China | Bioeconomy Development Plans | Explicitly prioritizes high-value bio-based chemicals and enzyme technologies as strategic sectors. |
| Japan | METI/NARO Projects | Integrates bio-based chemical research with manufacturing readiness. |
4. Challenges and Risks to Scale-up
- Cost Disadvantage: High comparative cost of bio-based products relative to established petrochemical alternatives creates a significant entry barrier for private investment.
- Resource Availability: Issues regarding the availability of reliable feedstocks and the supporting infrastructure required for large-scale production.
- Market Adoption: Challenges in seamlessly substituting existing inputs in manufacturing pipelines and the willingness of downstream manufacturers to switch.
Q. With reference to the 'BioE3 Policy' and bio-based chemicals in India, consider the following statements:
I. Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals derived primarily from petrochemical feedstocks through enzymatic catalysts.
II. Enzymes are preferred in biomanufacturing because they function at lower temperatures and pressures compared to traditional chemical catalysts.
III. The USDA BioPreferred Program is an international initiative led by India to mandate the global procurement of bio-based detergents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) I and III only
(d) II and III only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement I is incorrect: They are derived from biological feedstocks (sugarcane, corn), not petrochemicals.
Statement II is correct: Enzymes are natural biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. They help industries operate at lower temperature and pressure, making processes more energy-efficient and less polluting.
Statement III is incorrect: It is a U.S. program, not an Indian-led international initiative.
