From fossil to future: Exploring opportunities in the bio-based chemicals transition
Before petrochemistry reshaped the industrial world, early synthetic materials were derived
from natural resources such as cellulose. Fossil-based chemistry subsequently took over, driven by ease of processing, scale, and consistent performance, enabling a century of innovation which powered modern life. Over time, however, the environmental and health costs of this model have become increasingly evident, and finite resources and tightening regulations are challenging its long-term viability. Today, the industry is coming full circle:
as technology matures and policy momentum accelerates, the bio-based industry increasingly offers a scalable way to decarbonise and clean the chemical sector – representing not just an environmental imperative, but a compelling investment opportunity.