British Standards Institute publishes industrial biotechnology standards roadmap

In the UK, the British Standards Institute, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, published “Industrial biotechnology Report: strategic roadmap for standards and regulations”, sponsored by Innovate UK and the Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum (IBLF).

Industrial Biotechnology has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. By embedding biotechnology at the heart of industrial processes and products, it can help to support the government target of doubling the bioeconomy to £440 billion by 2030 and contribute to the UK plan to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.

The new report identifies five industry sectors, with short to medium term potential for carbon reduction using industrial biotechnology: agritech; biofuels; fine and specialty chemicals; plastics; and textiles. It provides a roadmap to unlock this potential with recommendations grouped into four pathways: circular resources; communication tools; informed science-led approach; and a supportive level-playing field. The report suggests a combination of government support, agreement on good practice and private sector investment is needed to realize the potential of industrial biotechnology.