Across two days of conference sessions at World Bio Markets 2024, attendees learnt about a wide variety of topics influencing and shaping the bioeconomy and bio-based solutions from industry-leading bio-based pioneers.
08:00-09:00
Welcome coffee & registration
09:00-09:10
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Paul MacDonald, Partner & Head of Community, World Bio Markets
09:10-09:30
OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
PVH/Tommy Hilfiger Innovation & Ecovative: “A Natural Collaboration”
The Innovation Team of PVH/Tommy Hilfiger and innovator Ecovative will share how they collaborate to explore the potential of mycelium materials. Together, on a journey of testing and trialing these natural elements to craft next-generation materials for future accessories and footwear products.
Margherita Guaschino, Product Innovation Manager, PVH/Tommy Hilfiger
Gavin McIntyre, Co-Founder & Chief Commercialization Officer, Ecovative
09:30-10:00
Panel Discussion + Q&A
Collaborate to Innovate: Working across the value chain to drive sustainable change in the chemical industry and beyond
Implementing and accelerating innovative sustainable chemical solutions and materials will require collaboration across the value chain. Representatives from the traditional and bio-chemical manufacturers and downstream users will discuss the various requirements and collaborative efforts to drive adoption of sustainable solutions across the chemical industry and beyond.
Hosted by Philippe Pouchot-Rouge, Vice President Sales EMEA, ADM BioSolutions, ADM
Robert Nolles, Trusted Advisor & Business Development Expert
Lucy Nattrass, Principal, AFRY
Yap Chie Cheung, Managing Director Renewable Chemistries, Avantium
Thomas Canova, Head of Renewable Materials & Biotechnology Platform, Syensqo
10:00-10:10
Opening new markets with DMC’s Made to Scale™ technology
An insight into DMC’s novel Made to Scale™ technology and DMC’s commercial efforts to launch two new supplements in 2025. The presentation will also highlight how DMC is collaborating with leading chemical producers to develop and advance efficient bioprocesses for other chemical and nutrition products.
Rusty Pittman, Vice President Business Development, DMC
10:10-10:20
Sustainable solutions that transform consumers’ lives and experiences - sustainable material innovation, opportunities & challenges
IFF is a creator, innovator and manufacturer for food, health, biosciences and scent solutions and is also serving the personal and home care market-place. IFF is focused on innovation enabling unique product categories to drive sustainable growth and biotechnology takes center stage as the enabling platform technology. Creating a better world at IFF means understanding how we can leverage our business, our performance and our partners for people and planet.
Christian Lenges, Venture Director, IFF
10:20-10:30
Unlocking the Future: Innovative Wood-Pulp Solutions
Renewable wood fibres can replace fossil-based materials and reduce carbon footprint. A leading producer of pulp, timber, and bioproducts, Metsä Fibre presents the unique qualities of Nordic wood to advance bioeconomy and circular economy. Discover how our resource-efficient mills turn pulp and their side streams into valuable biochemicals, and new bioproducts.
Katja Salmenkivi, Sales Director, Metsä Fibre
10:30-10:40
Leveraging the power of microorganisms and fermentation to build a sustainable industry
At Leaf, we are committed to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable industry. Driven by the conviction that fermentation is one of the answers to today’s challenges, we collaborate with players from all sectors to design high-performance bio-based solutions. We support our partners whatever the stage they are at, in turning their biobased projects into industrial reality.
Chloé Marteel, Marketing & Communication Manager, Leaf by Lesaffre
10:50-11:00
Hyperscaling levoglucosenone, a novel bio-based platform for the development of specialty chemicals
From vision to reality: the journey of hyperscaling LGO and Cyrene, bio-based chemicals used in a variety of applications in different industries. With our imminent 1000-tonne plant commissioning in France, we will highlight some of the market developments for LGO and Cyrene(tm).
Alessandro Napoli, Vice President – Product Development, Circa Group
11:00-11:45
Networking coffee
11:45-11:55
I’ve smelled the future
Lignin is one of the world’s most abundant natural raw materials that can replace fossil fuel plastics and reduce C02 emission!
Are you looking for ways to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint but still maintain the performance, the properties and the quality of your current plastics?
Toby Hodgson, CCO, Lignin Industries
11:55-12:05
The new innovation hub for alternative proteins
Protein Port is a newly established network situated in the province of Zuid-Holland. It is an innovation hub for research and development and serving as a catalyst for collaboration in alternative proteins. The network supports early stage orgaisations in research and development, as well as scaling up and commercialisation.
Bram Kerssemakers, Program Manager, Protein Port Network
12:05-12:15
Renewable polymers are emerging as a critical component in the green transition
Renewable chemicals introduce new and complex challenges. Barriers in process simplification, regulation and cost reduction need attention. Key is partnering along value chain; academia, industry stakeholders, off-takers and government. AlfaLaval contributes unique expertise, process equipment and demonstration capabilities, which derisk scale up and dramatically cut cost and development time.
Karin Forsberg, President BU Energy Separation, VP Energy Division, Alfa Laval Technologies AB
12:15-12:45
Panel Discussion + Q&A
Set your GPS to scaleup - bumpy cobblestones or smooth asphalt?
A panel of bruised, nerdy, damaged, misunderstood and normal individuals will discuss (I mean argue) about who should make up your syndicate. Who you need, who you don’t and do you need everyone along for the journey the whole time?
Hosted by Rob van der Meij, Partner, Capricorn Partners
Jason Robinson, CEO, Evoco
Mark Weustink, Head of Sustainable Investments/Managing Director, ING
Nicolas Sordet, CEO, AFYREN
12:45-12:55
A competitive bioeconomy for a sustainable future - The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking
Since 2014, the public-private partnership Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has invested over €3.7 billion in 160+ projects developing the highly innovative, resource-efficient and competitive bio-based sector in Europe. New funding opportunities for all bioeconomy stakeholders open every year.
Virginia Puzzolo, Head of CBE JU Programme Unit, Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)
13:05-13:15
Advancing Sustainable Innovation with Bio-VERA™
Modern Meadow is pleased to announce the successful scale-up of its Bio-VERA material, which marks a critical milestone as it positions Bio-VERA as a leading sustainable alternative to traditional leather. The advanced production capabilities allow for more efficient manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and improving product uniformity. Our strategic focus on the Bio-VERA family with its >90% sustainable content aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials across multiple industries.
David Williamson, President & Chief Operating Officer, Modern Meadow
13:15-14:30
Networking lunch
14:30-14:55
Panel Discussion + Q&A
Scaling up bio production for the global marketplace
Hear from international bio producers and startups on the journey of scaling up biobased businesses to reach global markets. Gain insights on industry trends, major growth opportunities, fast bio adopters, and important legislation.
Hosted by K.C Belitz, Director, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Billy Hagstrom, CEO & Co-Founder, Bluestem Biosciences
Sarah Jelken, Vice President Industrial Segment – Starches, Sweeteners & Texturizers, Cargill
Timothy Bauer, Vice President, Green Plains
14:55-15:05
Sustainable solutions for packaging and construction from forest biomaterials
Learn how to leverage nature’s superpolymer to deliver functionality needed to replace fossil derived materials. Nanocellulose is commercially produced from wood and other cellulosic materials using mechanical processes – no chemistry required. Sustainable forest fiber derived nanocellulose – the solution from oil/grease barriers for packaging to replacements for formaldehyde in fiberboard.
Dr Colleen Walker, Director of UMaine’s Process Development Center, University of Maine
15:05-15:30
Panel Discussion + Q&A
An insight into the fast moving sustainable innovation landscape in the beauty sector
How is the beauty sector evolving to offer consumer products that both provide new levels of performance and are sustainable by design? You will hear from existing cosmetic ingredient suppliers, emerging players including start-ups and the world leading beauty company L’Oréal.
Hosted by Fabien Deswarte, Strategic Partnerships for Sustainability Group Leader, L’Oreal
Douwina Bosscher, CTO – Director of Innovation, Oleon
Isabelle Malcuit, CSO, Algentech
Sasha Calder, Head of Impact, Geno
15:40-16:00
Building the world’s first FDCA plant
In this talk Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium will talk about the progress on the commercialization and the construction of the world’s first PEF production facility in the Netherlands. PEF is a 100% plant-based polyester that has significantly lower CO2 footprint and is fully recyclable.
Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer, Avantium
16:00-16:30
Networking coffee
16:30-16:55
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Bio-based polymer markets and policy in the EU and China
Providing the latest information on 17 commercially available bio-based polymers, their applications and markets. The global capacity and production of bio-based polymers had an impressive CAGR of 17% between 2013 and 2018. The main demand drivers are Asia and North America, with Europe lagging behind. The main difference between the regions is the policy framework. Here the policy framework for bio-based materials in Europe and China will be presented and discussed.
Michael Carus, Founder & CEO, nova-Institute
16:55-17:05
Thoughtleadership for independent leaders
Thoughtleadership is not about shouting into the void but engaging stakeholders in a credible way. As industry leaders, we have a valuable contribution to make. Here we explore how to build your profile and your credibility in a way that can change culture.
Kathryn Sheridan, CEO & Founder, Sustainability Consult
17:05-17:30
Panel Discussion + Q&A
Is the current and future investment landscape a glass half empty or a glass half full?
After strong growth in recent years, investments in bio dipped in 2023. A panel of investment experts discuss the reasons for the dip, what can be expected in 2024 and beyond and how to ensure you are one of the bio developers successful in your quest for funding.
Hosted by Xandra Weinbeck, Senior Business Development Manager – Materials – Circular Economy, Invest-NL
Fredric Petit, Partner, Emerald Technology Ventures
Kirsten Herben-Steinbusch, Program Director, Biobased Circular
Michael Nettersheim, Managing Partner, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund