World Bioproduct Day 2025 and BioE3 Policy | 10 Jul 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The Department of Science & Technology (DST), along with BIRAC and iBRIC+, organized World Bioproduct Day 2025, focusing on Equity, Environment, and Economy to highlight the importance of inclusive public participation in biotechnology. 

• The event also reiterated the government's goal of achieving a USD 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 under the BioE3 framework. 

What are Bioproducts? 

• About: Bioproducts are fuels, materials, and chemicals made from renewable biomass like crops, trees, algae, and agricultural waste.  
  • Eg: Biofuels (ethanol, biogas), bioplastics, bio-based cosmetics, and plant-derived medicines.  
• Significance: Bioproducts reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby addressing air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.  
  • Through biotechnological innovation, they promote climate-resilient development without compromising product quality or performance. 
• Categories of Bioproducts: 

• Production Methods: Bioproducts are produced using methods such as fermentation, pyrolysis, enzymatic conversion, and chemical synthesis. 
• Biodegradability: Not all bioproducts are biodegradable and it depends on the intended use (e.g., bio-based paint is not biodegradable).  
• Feedstocks & Sustainability: Common sources include soybeans, corn, sugarcane, sunflowers, flax, potatoes, algae, and mycelium.  
  • Many bioproducts use agricultural or forestry waste, minimizing pressure on food supply. For example, sunflower residue after seed removal can be converted into biofuel. 

What is the BioE3 Policy? 

• About: The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), launched by the Department of Biotechnology in 2024 to promote high-performance biomanufacturing by integrating advanced biotechnological processes across key sectors.  
  • It aims to strengthen India’s bioeconomy through sustainable practices, innovation, and employment generation. 
  • It supports India's broader goals of achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable growth through a circular bioeconomy. 
• Key Features: 
  • Biomanufacturing Infrastructure: The policy focuses on boosting research and development (R&D), entrepreneurship, and the creation of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries. 
  • Supports Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Aligned with the ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) initiative, the policy supports the development of regenerative bioeconomy models that are sustainable and resource-efficient.  
    • It also emphasizes ethical biosafety and global regulatory alignment to boost India's global competitiveness while ensuring responsible biotechnology development. 
  • Workforce Expansion: Focuses on building a skilled biotechnology workforce, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, to create new jobs and drive inclusive regional growth using local biomass. 
• Core Themes of BioE3 Policy: 
  • Bio-Based Chemicals & Enzymes: Promote eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemicals. 
  • Functional Foods & Smart Proteins: Develop nutrient-rich, sustainable food sources. 
  • Precision Biotherapeutics: Advance targeted medical treatments and diagnostics. 
  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Support farming techniques adapted to climate change. 
  • Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU): Encourage technologies to capture and reuse carbon. 
  • Futuristic Marine & Space Research: Explore marine and space biotech for novel solutions in biomanufacturing.