Perspective
Biosolutions have potential to reduce global CO₂ emissions by 8%, support circular economies, and drive the green transition across multiple sectors, including construction, food, water management, and textiles. Discover tangible cases and connect with solutions providers excelling in creating climate impact through biosolutions.
Discover the publicationBiosolutions are rapidly emerging as a key player in the global green transition. By harnessing the power of nature through biotechnology, biosolutions combine biology and technology to create sustainable alternatives to traditional, carbon-intensive products. These innovative solutions hold the promise of reducing CO2 emissions, optimising energy use, and contributing to the circular economy.
From food production to industrial processes, the opportunities for biosolutions are vast and the potential global. In the publication “Biosolutions – Creating climate impact with nature’s own toolbox”, we have gathered 16 tangible cases which prove that only imagination sets the boundaries when it comes to biosolutions.
The development and scaling of biosolutions are dependent on a robust ecosystem of research, technology, and collaboration. In Denmark, several key enablers are fostering the growth of the biosolutions sector. Institutions such as the Danish Technological Institute, Biosolutions Zealand, DTU Biosustain, and 21st BIO play critical roles by offering advanced research facilities, funding opportunities, and platforms for collaboration. These enablers ensure that businesses – especially startups and scale-ups – have access to the resources they need to develop and commercialise biosolutions at a global scale.
Biosolutions Zealand, for example, is dedicated to building an international biosolutions stronghold. By supporting the development and testing of biotechnological innovations, this initiative is helping Danish companies transition from lab-scale to industrial-scale production. The Danish Technological Institute also offers cutting-edge facilities for biorefining, fermentation, and microalgae production, enabling companies to scale their biotechnological processes efficiently and sustainably.
By focusing on the commercialization of innovative products and processes, DTU Biosustain plays a key role in ensuring that research translates into impactful, scalable biosolutions that can address global sustainability challenges. The institute conducts advanced research in microbial engineering and sustainable materials, working closely with both industry and academia to accelerate the development of bio-based solutions for the green transition.
Additionally, 21st BIO is revolutionising the production of essential proteins through industrial-scale precision fermentation. By providing access to cutting-edge fermentation technology, 21st BIO helps food tech and ingredient companies harness the power of biosolutions for more sustainable protein production. Their technology has already been used to produce dairy proteins with over 90% reduction in land and water use compared to traditional methods.
Biosolutions have the potential to make an important impact across hard-to-abate industries, offering innovative alternatives to traditional methods. By integrating biosolutions into industrial processes, businesses can reduce CO2 emissions, optimise energy usage, and adopt circular economy models.
For example, Algiecel is harnessing the power of microalgae to capture CO2 emissions while producing nutrient-rich algae biomass for use in food, feed, and cosmetics. Their photobioreactor technology offers a sustainable, compact solution for SMEs to capture carbon on-site and turn it into valuable resources.
Another example is Visibuilt, which is transforming the construction industry with visiBIT, a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt. By replacing bitumen with a binder derived from mycelium, Visibuilt reduces CO2 emissions and energy consumption during asphalt production, offering an eco-friendly approach to road construction that is more aligned with the green transition.
Meanwhile, Aquaporin is improving water treatment efficiency through its innovative aquaporin protein-based filtration technology. By mimicking the natural filtration process of aquaporins in living cells, Aquaporin’s technology enhances reverse osmosis systems, reducing energy consumption by 30% and significantly lowering the carbon footprint of water purification processes.
Additionally, Novonesis is tackling plastic waste by using enzyme technology to recycle non-recyclable plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic production. Their innovative enzyme-based approach enables the recycling of PET plastics into high-quality materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a circular economy.
The food production industry faces immense challenges, from reducing its environmental impact to addressing food waste and feeding a growing global population. Biosolutions are emerging as a key tool for improving sustainability and efficiency in food production, helping to optimise processes and reduce waste.
MATR Foods is a prime example of this, offering plant-based meat alternatives made through fungal fermentation. Their products not only reduce CO2 emissions but also free up agricultural land for biodiversity restoration. Similarly, Chromologics is pioneering a sustainable approach to food colouring by using precision fermentation to create natural colours. This process significantly reduces the need for agricultural land and resources while providing a more efficient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional colouring methods that are often chemically derived.
Moreover, FERM FOOD is using fermentation to create clean-label ingredients that reduce the need for artificial additives and preservatives. Their sustainable production methods significantly reduce the environmental impact of food production, showcasing the potential of biosolutions to transform the entire food supply chain.
The innovative cases from Denmark’s biosolutions sector highlight the immense potential of nature-inspired solutions to drive sustainability, optimise energy use, and reduce CO2 emissions. From industrial applications to food production, these biosolutions are creating scalable, impactful solutions for a more sustainable world.
We invite you to explore the full range of biosolutions presented in our latest publication. This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into the cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of the green transition. From energy optimisation to waste reduction, discover the transformative potential of biosolutions
