Policy and reports

Modern society depends on packaging to store, protect, and transport goods at scale, supporting essential systems such as food supply, healthcare, and e-commerce, while reducing damage, contamination, and waste. However, most packaging remains fossil-based and short-lived, generating significant waste and emissions; with the UK producing around 12 million tonnes annually and recycling rates still limited, policy misalignment and higher costs for bio-based alternatives risk slowing innovation, investment, and the transition to a more sustainable circular economy.

Over £3 billion has flowed into the UK bio-based sector since 2008 — but scaling the industry remains the next major challenge.

2025 has been a defining year for BBIA and for the UK’s modern industrial bioeconomy. As global momentum for bio-based solutions accelerates, BBIA’s role as a convenor, evidence-builder, and trusted voice has become more important than ever.

This Annual Report sets out how BBIA has delivered against its four core pillars – Influence, Innovate, Connect, and Communicate – during 2025, and the foundations laid for 2026 and beyond as we work towards a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive UK bioeconomy.

𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙆’𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮 — BBIA’s White Paper outlining how the UK can scale bio-based chemicals and materials into a £204bn annual industry.

𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆.

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy aims to position the nation as a global leader in technology-driven innovation by 2035, with Engineering Biology at its core, representing a £30 trillion global bioeconomy opportunity. However, this report highlights that outdated and fragmented regulations are stifling bio-based innovation, costing SMEs millions in lost value and jobs, and risking the UK’s competitiveness unless a clear, proportionate, and science-led regulatory framework is established.

As England prepares for the rollout of Simpler Recycling, the University of Birmingham Plastics Network, in consultation with experts from RECOUP, the UK’s leading independent authority and trusted voice on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), has conducted an analysis of the challenges that the implementation of simpler recycling will have on plastics circularity. Simpler Recycling (SR) aims to help meet the UK Government’s target of 65% recycling by 2035.

This report outlines outputs from the event, including key challenges and opportunities, and the collective
actions needed to build a secure, sustainable, and future-ready bio-based economy in the UK.

The global beauty industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the market expected to reach $418 billion by 2030. At the same time, the sector is undergoing a major transformation as biotechnology introduces sustainable alternatives like lab-grown and plant-based ingredients. However, fully integrating the bioeconomy into beauty operations remains challenging. Evolving and often fragmented regulatory frameworks pose barriers, particularly for smaller companies and innovators. This report is essential reading for professionals looking to stay ahead of market trends and lead in a bio-driven, responsible future.

As we stand in 2025, we find ourselves at a pivotal midpoint between two significant milestones: the turn of the millennium and the globally agreed deadline to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The next 25 years represent a critical window for transformative action, and at the heart of this transformation lies the bioeconomy.

In today’s world, chemicals often find themselves cast in a villainous light. From health warnings to environmental alarms, they’re seen as villains, their reputation tarnished. But while some chemicals do pose risks, it’s time to rethink the narrative. Many of the substances we fear are actually essential to the progress and functioning of modern society.

Read the letter we recently sent to policy makers and government officials about the bio-based sector is vital for the UK economy and net zero