India Advances in Sustainable Biomanufacturing with Ninth Biofoundry Webinar on Biopolymers

New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, hosted the ninth webinar in its Biofoundry and Biomanufacturing Initiative series on March 7, 2025. The session, focused on “Biomanufacturing of Biopolymers,” brought together experts from academia, industry, and startups to discuss advancements and opportunities in sustainable biopolymer production.

The webinar is part of the broader BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024, which aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations. The policy emphasizes sustainable biomanufacturing in key areas, including biopolymers, to drive economic growth while reducing environmental impact.

Dr. Vaishali Panjabi, Scientist ‘F’ at DBT, outlined the BioE3 Policy’s vision, emphasizing India’s potential to develop a cost-effective biopolymer production ecosystem. She discussed the sector’s existing gaps and challenges while highlighting opportunities to strengthen domestic capabilities.

Dr. Binod Parameswaran from CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, explained the differences between various biopolymers and the intricate processes involved in their production. He also addressed key limitations and the emerging trends shaping biopolymer research and development in India.

Industry insights were shared by Dr. Ashvini Shete from Praj Industries Ltd., who elaborated on the complexities of biopolymer production, including strain and feedstock selection, process optimization, and downstream processing. She emphasized that India has the necessary raw materials and technology to build a thriving, cost-efficient biopolymer manufacturing ecosystem.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, moderated by DBT and BIRAC officials, where participants actively engaged with experts to explore challenges and future prospects in biomanufacturing.