We sat down with Jen from the BBIA to explore the rapidly evolving bioeconomy and what it means for the future of the UK’s chemicals and materials sector. As the UK’s leading trade association for bio-based and biodegradable industries, BBIA sits at the heart of the transition away from fossil-derived resources.

In this conversation, Jen shares insight into the key trends shaping the market, the policy and infrastructure challenges still to overcome, and why collaboration across industry, government and investors is critical. She also offers a preview of BBIA’s upcoming CHEMUK workshop a timely “reality check and reset” for the UK chemicals industry and explains why the bioeconomy represents one of the biggest industrial opportunities ahead.

For those who may not know you well, how would you briefly describe BBIA and the role you play in the UK bio-based and biodegradable industries?

So, the BBIA is the UK’s only dedicated trade association for the bioeconomy — specifically focused on bio-based chemicals and materials.

In simple terms, we bring together the companies, innovators and stakeholders who are working to replace fossil-based chemicals and materials with more sustainable alternatives. Our role is to connect the ecosystem, influence policy, and make sure the UK has the right conditions to scale these technologies.Ultimately, we’re here to help build a globally competitive UK bioeconomy.

From BBIA’s perspective, what are the biggest trends and challenges currently shaping the bio-based and biodegradable materials market in the UK?

There are a few big themes shaping the market right now.

The first is policy and regulation – businesses really need clarity around standards, labelling, and what happens to these materials at end of life. Without that, it’s hard to scale.

The second is infrastructure. Even when the materials exist, the systems to collect, sort and process them – aren’t always in place or consistent across the UK.

And the third is market dynamics. There’s definitely growing demand from brands looking to move away from fossil carbon, but bio-based chemicals and materials are still competing with very established, often cheaper petrochemical products.

So, there’s real momentum – but also some structural barriers we need to address.

Policy-makers are taking a growing interest in the bioeconomy. How is the current policy and regulatory landscape influencing the development and adoption of bio-based and biodegradable solutions?

Policy is absolutely critical in this space – it can either unlock growth or hold it back.

We’re seeing progress through things like Extended Producer Regulations, packaging reforms, UK REACH and increasing focus on environmental claims, which is all positive. But there’s still a lack of alignment.

We need clearer frameworks around standards, labelling, biogenic carbon, and end-of-life pathways. At the moment, that uncertainty makes it harder for businesses to invest with confidence.

If we get policy right, it can accelerate adoption, unlock private investment, and really position the UK as a leader in sustainable materials.

Which application areas or technologies in the bioeconomy are you most excited about right now?

There’s a lot to be excited about right now.

We’re seeing rapid progress in bio-based chemicals, new feedstocks like waste-derived carbon and CO₂, and entirely new classes of biomaterials.

Sectors like agriculture, personal care, textiles and coatings are all evolving quickly too.

What’s really exciting is that this isn’t just about replacing existing chemicals and materials – it’s about creating entirely new value chains and industries.

BBIA is co-hosting the ‘Resurrecting the UK Chemicals Industry: Growth, Resilience, Sustainability and Competitive Advantage’ workshop with the BDC. This is billed as a reality check and a reset for the UK chemicals sector. What are the big questions you want this session to answer about whether the UK is still investable for chemicals growth?

The reason we’re calling this a “reality check and reset” is because the UK chemicals sector is at a really pivotal moment.

We need to be honest about where we are. Are we still competitive globally? Are we an attractive place to invest, given energy costs, policy uncertainty, and access to feedstocks?

And if not — what needs to change?

We want to explore what a future UK chemicals industry actually looks like, one that’s resilient, sustainable, and competitive.

The aim is that people leave not just understanding the challenges but seeing where the real opportunities are.

In the workshop you will explore what caused the UK’s downward spiral in chemicals – from energy and policy to capital and skills – and then look at three credible growth pathways. How do you hope this CHEMUK session will move the conversation from diagnosis to action for industry, government and investors?

This session is really about moving from diagnosis to action.

Yes, we’ll look at what’s gone wrong, energy, policy, capital, skills, but the key is what we do next.

We’ll be focusing on three credible growth pathways, and what it actually takes to deliver them.

CHEMUK is powerful because it brings everyone together, industry, investors, policymakers, and that’s what we need to turn ideas into action.
By 2027, there are some things that should be non-negotiable: clearer policy alignment, proper recognition of bio-based carbon, investment in scale-up, and stronger UK supply chains.

It’s about creating real momentum, not just conversation.

For people who meet you here at CHEMUK or attend your session, what is the one key message you would like them to take away about BBIA and the opportunity in the bioeconomy?

If there’s one thing I’d want people to take away, it’s that the bioeconomy is a huge industrial opportunity for the UK.
This isn’t niche – it’s about how we replace fossil carbon across the chemicals and materials sector, while building resilience and driving growth.

BBIA’s role is to bring the right people together to make that happen.

So the message is simple: get involved, collaborate, and be part of shaping the future of the UK’s chemicals industry!