Strategic pathways for sustainable transitions in biomanufacturing

Project duration: June 2024 – June 2027

The challenge

Sustainable transitions in biomanufacturing face various barriers such as high costs, technological uncertainties, and policy gaps. This limits its scalability and adoption, particularly in regional areas.

A key challenge is to ensure environmental sustainability while enhancing economic viability in agri-food biomanufacturing. To do this, we need integrated assessments of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these technologies.

By identifying strategic pathways that align biomanufacturing with regional strengths, circular economy principles, food security objectives, and climate goals, we can ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.

Our response

In this project, we are developing a comprehensive sustainability framework. We are applying this framework to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of scaling up biomanufacturing, including in regional areas.

Our work will identify key challenges and opportunities for creating new bio-based food and agricultural products through regional pathways.

This research aims to facilitate investment in sustainable, high-value biomanufacturing solutions that align with food security and climate goals. Ultimately, this will help provide a competitive advantage for Australia’s evolving bioeconomy.

Impact

Our work will have three main impacts:

1. Enabling informed decision-making and investment to establish sustainable biomanufacturing hubs in regional Australia.
2. Driving innovation and regional economic resilience.
3. Enhancing environmental sustainability through biomanufacturing solutions.

By addressing barriers and developing strategic solutions, our researchers aim to support the creation of resilient and circular agri-food value chains.

Team

Reihaneh Bandari, Barton Loechel, Andrea Walton, Lavinia Poruschi and Aditi Mankad