Green Chemistry Challenge
BII is seeking projects to develop a scalable platform for the sustainable production of drop-in or performance enhanced molecules that match or exceed capabilities of energy-intensive equivalents, to achieve cost-parity on a commercial scale.
PROBLEM TO SOLVE
Current sustainable alternatives fail to match the performance metrics or cost parity of existing conventional chemicals. Few are true ‘drop in’ solutions, creating barriers to adoption across supply chains. As global pressure increases for industry to decarbonize, there is a critical need for scalable, high-performance, economically viable replacements that can be integrated into processing methods without the need for new infrastructure.
REASON TO SOLVE
We believe that harnessing the power of Green Chemistry and focusing on the most resource intensive and highest carbon emitting materials will minimize our impact on the planet and reduce carbon emissions, to provide urgently needed, advanced, high-performing solutions.
Read more about our silicones case study
Read more about the Bio Studio program
Core criteria for proposed solutions
Technology applications of interest include fermentation, biocatalysis, and chemical methods for low volume, high value compounds used in e.g. cosmetics and personal care, household care, and health care.
Superior performance e.g. including color, odor, and demonstrated chemical compatibility.
Biodegradable or biocompatible, sustainable, non-toxic, exhibits thermal stability.
Competitive cost margin (drop-in solutions) or potential to reach cost parity (novel solutions).
Highly valued attributes of proposed solutions
Produce molecules with high purity.
Provide clear path to regulatory approval.
Scalable up to >1 ton per year.
We have high interest in solutions which identify replacements for volatile silicones, including D4, D5, and D6 silicones.
