New Japanese resources to help companies adopt biomanufacturing

The Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI-KANSAI) released two guidebooks last week to promote the adoption of biomanufacturing products. These resources aim to expand demand and facilitate the introduction of bio-based materials among private companies and local governments. The guides provide practical hints and examine advanced case studies to help organisations overcome hurdles associated with new technology adoption.

The corporate guidebook targets procurement and product development managers at brand owners, retailers, and food service companies. It focuses on how biomanufacturing can solve challenges such as new product development, sustainability improvements, and supply chain stabilisation. The document explains the motivations for choosing bio-based alternatives and the methods used to navigate implementation obstacles, using early adopters as examples.

Featured case studies in the corporate guide include Starbucks Coffee Japan, which adopted biomass-derived biodegradable straws to balance environmental goals with customer experience. Japan Airlines (JAL) and JALUX are also noted for using biodegradable materials that allow passengers to contribute to environmental conservation naturally. Other examples cover diverse sectors, such as Mizuno Corporation’s biodegradable artificial turf and Pola Chemical Industries’ use of natural ingredients with high moisturising effects.

The second guidebook assists local government officials in drafting policies that leverages on biomanufacturing to address regional issues. It outlines how these technologies contribute to climate change mitigation, the circular economy, and the reduction of marine plastic waste. Furthermore, the guide suggests applications in agricultural policy, such as eco-friendly farming materials, and in education through school lunch programmes and environmental awareness initiatives.

METI-KANSAI’s guidebooks are a strategic effort to close the gap between biomanufacturing potential and market reality, and seek to establish biomanufacturing as a standard choice for problem-solving.

[Reference] Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japanese)