Unpacking Government Buying Power: How Public Procurement Can Shape the Bioeconomy

Government procurement policies wield tremendous power to shape markets and influence the direction of industries. By prioritising sustainability, governments can drive the adoption of innovative materials and processes that support environmental goals. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by insisting that at least 30% of materials procured for critical sectors like the NHS and national construction projects be bio-based.

Why Bio-Based Chemicals and Materials Matter

Bio-based materials, derived from renewable biological resources, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional, often petroleum-based materials. Examples include bioplastics, hempcrete, bamboo, and mycelium-based construction materials. These products not only reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing and construction but also often provide superior performance in areas such as insulation, durability, and recyclability.

For the NHS, bio-based materials and chemicals can extend beyond building infrastructure to include sustainable medical products like compostable packaging, biobased single use PPE, and even bio-based medical devices. By integrating these materials, the healthcare sector can significantly reduce its waste and environmental impact.

In the construction industry, bio-based materials can play a pivotal role in meeting carbon reduction targets. With the UK committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, these materials provide an essential pathway for de-fossilising building projects.

Benefits of a 30% Bio-Based Requirement

Environmental Impact: Replacing traditional materials with bio-based alternatives can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce reliance on finite resources, and improve biodiversity through sustainable farming practices.

Economic Opportunities: Mandating bio-based materials can stimulate local economies, particularly rural areas, by increasing demand for crops like hemp, flax, and other raw materials used in bio-based manufacturing. This approach fosters green job creation and promotes innovation in material science.

Leadership and Innovation: By insisting on a 30% bio-based mandate, the government signals its commitment to sustainability, encouraging private sector innovation and investment in greener technologies. Such leadership can establish the UK as a global frontrunner in bio-based industries.

UK leadership losing competitive advantage

The UK has a sustained record of global academic excellence in bio-based chemicals and materials research, underpinning the potential for UK businesses to be industrial leaders in this space. Other areas of the world are already implementing policies to drive bio-based sectors forward but the UK risks losing its competitive advantage if action is not taken soon.

France has already implemented robust regulations and initiatives to integrate bio-based materials into its construction sector, aligning with its sustainability and carbon neutrality goals for 2050.

For example, France's RE2020 emphasises reducing the carbon footprint of buildings by requiring buildings meet specific carbon impact thresholds ("IC construction"), which often favour the use of bio-based products like timber, straw, and other natural materials. This regulation applies lifecycle assessment methodologies to evaluate environmental impacts and encourages materials that sequester biogenic carbon, reducing overall emissions

France also has mandates for public buildings, which requires all new public buildings in France to include at least 50% timber or other bio-based materials. This rule gained prominence with projects such as the 2024 Paris Olympics, where several structures were built using sustainable materials. Subsidies are available for renovations that incorporate green materials, further fostering the adoption of low-carbon construction methods across both public and private sectors.

Over the pond, in North America, the USDA BioPreferred Program is a federal initiative designed to increase the purchase and use of bio-based products. Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program aims to promote sustainability by encouraging the production and consumption of products derived from renewable biological resources. Federal agencies and their contractors are required to give preference to purchasing bio-based products. To qualify for the BioPreferred Program, products must undergo testing to confirm the bio-based content percentage using ASTM D6866, a standard method for determining biobased carbon content.

The program covers a wide range of product categories, such as cleaning products, construction materials, lubricants, personal care items, and more. These categories have specific minimum bio-based content requirements.

These programs, however have been developed over time, and there are challenges to overcome.

Challenges with Public Procurement Policy Changes

While the benefits are clear, implementing a 30% bio-based procurement policy requires overcoming several challenges

Supply Chain Readiness: Ensuring that bio-based materials are available at scale will require coordinated efforts among suppliers, manufacturers, and policymakers.

Cost Considerations: In the short term, bio-based materials may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional alternatives. Government incentives and subsidies can help bridge this gap.

Standards and Certification: Establishing robust standards for what qualifies as “bio-based” will be critical to prevent greenwashing and ensure genuine sustainability benefits.

Unpacking UK Government Buying Power to Accelerate Bioeconomy

To make a 30% bio-based mandate a reality, the UK government should:

Introduce Incentives: Provide tax breaks, grants, or subsidies to suppliers and builders who integrate bio-based materials into their projects.

Invest in Research and Development: Fund innovation to improve the cost-effectiveness and performance of bio-based materials.

Develop Standards: Create clear and enforceable guidelines for bio-based content and life-cycle sustainability.

Educate Stakeholders: Raise awareness among procurement officers, contractors, and healthcare providers about the benefits and applications of bio-based materials.

Requiring that 30% of NHS and construction materials be bio-based is an ambitious yet achievable goal that aligns with the UK’s broader environmental commitments. It’s an opportunity to reduce emissions, create green jobs, and inspire innovation across industries. By embedding sustainability into procurement, the government can lead by example, driving systemic change for a greener, healthier future.