15 Nov 2023 --- Shifting away from petroleum-derived feedstocks for plastic production toward bio-based feedstocks is of the highest priority to make the polymer industry more environmentally sustainable, according to market researcher IDTechEx. However, making the commercial production of industrial chemicals via biotechnology feasible and economically viable often fails. It is difficult to overcome biological and process challenges to make industrial production competitive within the overall chemicals market. The need for more environmentally sustainable polymer options has never been more evident, stresses the market research institute. Four major groups are driving the progression to greater sustainability across the polymer industry: Governments, retailers or brands, NGOs or similar activist groups and the public.
