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By: Ashika Verma
Student, Faculty of Biotechnology, Ewing Christian College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology, represents the application of biological systems and organisms in industrial processes, focusing on the production of bio-based products, including biofuels, chemicals, and materials. With the pressing need for sustainable manufacturing practices to address environmental degradation, resource depletion, and climate change, integrating industrial biotechnology with the principles of the circular economy offers an innovative pathway to ensure sustainability. The circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and supporting the reuse and recycling of materials, provides a framework that can significantly enhance the effectiveness and scalability of industrial biotechnology. By emphasizing the utilization of renewable feedstocks, energy-efficient processes, and waste valorization, industrial biotechnology can contribute to a sustainable bio-manufacturing future that minimizes environmental impact while optimizing economic benefits. In recent years, industrial biotechnology has gained increasing attention for its potential to transform industries, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemicals, with applications ranging from bioplastics and bio-based fuels to enzymes and synthetic biology products. Through the principles of the circular economy, the focus shifts to systems that maximize resource use, reduce carbon footprints, and close production loops. This synergy between industrial biotechnology and the circular economy has led to innovations, such as the recycling of carbon dioxide into biofuels, converting waste materials into valuable biochemicals, and the development of biodegradable plastics. The transition to sustainable bio-manufacturing necessitates multidisciplinary approaches that integrate technological innovation, policy support, business models, and consumer behavior changes.
Keywords: Industrial biotechnology, circular economy, bio-manufacturing, sustainability, renewable feedstocks, waste valorization
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