Biobased economy

A biobased economy uses the power of biotechnology to convert renewable raw materials derived from plants and crops into products including fuels, chemicals, plastics, and inks needed by advanced societies.

In the biobased economy, renewable carbon from plants replaces fossil carbon from dinosaurs. Biology replaces geology. We will till instead of drill for our raw materials. And bioprocesses will replace chemical synthesis in many industrial processes.

Making it work

Genencor is already working to lay the foundation for a biobased economy. For example, our partnership with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has created a new generation of cellulase enzymes. These next-generation enzymes economically convert agricultural wastestreams, such as corn stalks, into bioethanol fuel and other chemicals.

Biobased benefits

The benefits of a biobased economy are profound, including:

• Energizing agricultural and rural economies
• Reducing impact on the environment by decreasing industrial wastes and use of finite natural resources 
• Reduced production costs and improved efficiency
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels