The Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) are the right way to move towards a bio-based economy in connection with a strong partnership between academia and industry. Photo: serb.gov.in
meIndia’s new PPP initiative, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), was established to promote research and development, and the recently announced BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy emphasizes the need for academia-industry partnerships; and the role of the bioeconomy in driving the economy while respecting India’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action. Specifically, the BioE3 policy notes the need to transform the chemical-based industry into a sustainable bio-based industry model. It also provides an opportunity to revisit the impact of new technologies on existing industries such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs).
Reduce palm oil in soap
The soap industry globally, for example, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Soap production is highly dependent on palm oil. About 90% of oil palm plantations are planted in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula, where profitable production has led to the replacement of forest land with oil palm plantations. Although this deforestation is well documented, replacing palm oil in soaps and other FMCG products is difficult. For one, palm has a relatively higher yield than other vegetable oils, making it more profitable for farmers and cheaper for consumers. Palm oil also accounts for about 40% of the global annual demand for vegetable oil.
However, new emerging technologies may offer a way to replace or at least reduce the consumption of palm oil in soaps. Palm oil is the main source of fatty acids that perform two functions in bar soap – 15-20% of the lower chain fatty acids contribute to the surfactant/cleansing function of the soap, while most of the longer chain fatty acids just provide structure. to the bar. Synthetic biotechnology may create artificial fatty acid chains that can replace the functions of palm oil, especially those that provide stem structure. Instead, the so-called ‘structuring part of the Total Fatty Matter’, which does not offer consumer benefits, can be replaced with local plants or bio-based materials such as plant-based polysaccharides. In addition, with the total amount of ‘hard soap’ reduced, other beneficial agents such as antimicrobial peptides or other biologically active molecules can be added to the soap line to increase the function of germ protection or better molecules that improve skin immunity and provide germ protection. .
This requires strong support from the government and civil society. This means the development of solutions in the soap value chain, i.e. bio-based or bio-synthetic materials that can mimic the brick-and-mortar structure of soap or packaging innovations that can reduce/eliminate the use of plastic. The new PPP initiative at ANRF, which is seamlessly linked to the BioE3 policy, can support these partnerships through funding and by recognizing the need to recreate legacy products in addition to introducing new products.
Local palm oil
Until bio-synthetic or bio-engineered products become a reality, everyday products like soap will depend on domestic and international sustainable palm oil plantations. The Government of India has launched a National Mission on Vegetable Oil-Palm in August 2021 with the aim of increasing the production area of ​​palm oil to 10 lakh ha. and increase crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26. It is important that these plantations not only adhere to the ‘No Deforestation, No Peat’ policy, but are also carefully selected so as not to disturb the surrounding biodiversity. A comprehensive ecological research program to understand the long-term impact of such monocultures in the context of India’s biodiversity is also a strong need, along with regenerative agricultural practices, working with smallholder farmers.
Buying locally grown sustainable palm oil and investing in innovation to replace imported palm oil comes at a cost, which, if borne by companies, may have to be passed on to consumers. In a competitive market, this can mean a loss of market share. Government support through funding for research or other fiscal incentives encourages these sustainable practices and helps companies innovate in this space.
Finally, measures to reduce the use of palm oil in soaps require regulatory support. The value of toilet soap is now decided based on the fat content in the soap. This creates a false equivalence in the minds of the government and consumers that the higher the fat content in the soap, the better the quality of the product. Many publications refute this. The regulatory requirements for soap grains should be moved from these old ‘vertical’ composition standards based on single ingredients and apply more horizontal and performance-based standards as in developed markets and provide incentives for new technologies and methodologies related to consumer benefits, product safety . , and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, mandatory labeling of products with sustainability scales based on procurement and production practices can also help consumers make informed decisions.
ANRF and the BioE3 policy are the right way to move towards a bio-based economy linked to a strong partnership between academia and industry. The products we use every day can be the best place to start, to make a real impact on being sustainable and self-sufficient.
Shambhavi Naik, Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru. Personal views; LS Shashidhara, National Center for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. Views are personal
Published – 28 October 2024 02:17 IST
