Welcome to the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), representing companies involved in the production of bio-based and biodegradable products for the benefit of the environment.

Our members’ activities span a wide range of sectors and applications, providing a range of transformative solutions that benefit both businesses and individual consumers. BBIA aims to develop the sustainable use of bio-based (renewable) and biodegradable materials, promoting their market development in the UK.

With increasing pressure to keep fossil fuels in the ground, bio-based alternatives can bridge the gap to meet demand. This can be done through the use of starch and glucose derivatives, as well as fibre reinforcements, including flax, hemp, sisal, jute, wool, bamboo and wood regenerated cellulose among others. The production of new biomaterials is opening up opportunities, creating jobs and wealth in the new green economy.

Many of these materials, once used, can be returned to regenerate soils as compost closing the circular loop of soil to soil. The issue of soil depletion, erosion and desertification is a major ecological challenge which a circular economy for biowastes and biomaterials can help mitigate. Soil is also a carbon sink and increasing the volumes of biowastes returned to soils can help reduce atmospheric emissions. The right materials to do this are needed to ensure such biowastes are free from contamination above all of plastics, to maximise the agronomic value of biowaste recovery.

BBIA is affiliated to the REA, to the IBIOIC, the WRAP Plastic Pact, is a member of the DEFRA Resources and Waste Strategy Advisory Group and the BEIS Business Environment Working Group and acts in favour of the public interest through advocacy for policy changes in the UK.

The COOP has developed an open-source document providing advice on how to sell compostable carrier bags. Read more.