Biomaterials are materials derived wholly or partly from biological sources, or engineered using biological processes, that are designed to replace or interact with conventional materials. For India, biomaterials address multiple goals, including environmental sustainability, industrial growth, revenue generation, and supporting farmer livelihoods through a single pathway. Domestic innovation includes startups like Phool.co, converting temple flower waste into biomaterials and Praj Industries, who have their own demonstration-level bioplastics plant in progress. Emirates Biotech has selected Sulzer technology for a PLA plant planned in two phases of 80,000 tonnes/year each to begin operations in 2028. India has an advantage in building a biomaterials industry, but some issues would need to be addressed first.

Source: The Hindu January 07, 2026 04:53 UTC