Bio-based Policy for People and the Planet

Welcome to the final BB-REG-NET Workshop 'Bio-based Policy for People and the Planet'

Date: Tuesday September 2nd 2025

Time: 10:00 -16:00

Location: The University of Sheffield, S10 2TN

Come join us for an exciting day filled with discussions, networking, and learning at our first BB-REG-NET Workshop.

BB-REG-NET is a pioneering network of experts from academia, industry, policy, regulatory and NGOs. Our mission is to develop new tools, standards and approaches to evaluate the quality, performance and environmental and economic impact of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable chemicals and materials (BB-Materials) - BB-REG-NET - Sustainable Chemicals and Materials.

During this workshop participants will:

• Hear about, and dicuss the latest BB-REG-NET research findings.
• Take part in interactive workshops, aimed at generating new evidence for BB-Materials, focussed on economic impact, environmental impact, circular bioeconomy and communication and market awareness.
• Help shape our upcoming white paper 'Bio-based Policy for People and the Planet'.
• Meet other like-minded stakeholders working in the BB-Materials Sector.

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Agenda:

09:45 - 10:00 Registration

10:00- 10:05 Welcome and Objectives Dr Jen Vanderhoven, COO, BBIA

10:05- 11:15 Workshop: Plastic Free? Do We Need a Standard?

Dr Adrian Higson, Alder BioInsights, Professor Joanna Gavins, University of Sheffield

“Plastic free” is everywhere — on packaging, in product marketing, in corporate pledges. But what does it actually mean? Right now, there’s no universally accepted standard defining what “plastic free” is — and that opens the door to confusion, inconsistency, and even greenwashing.

In this workshop, we’ll ask the critical question: Do we need a standard for 'plastic free' — and if so, what should it look like? We'll unpack the current landscape of claims, explore the risks of operating without clear definitions, and consider the implications for consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and business

11:15 - 12:30 Workshops - participants choose one to attend

From Fuel to Feedstock: Optimising Biomass Use for Climate and Value

Jonthan Hobson, Perspective Economics, Adrian Higson, Alder Bioinsights

Biomass is a valuable, renewable resource — but how we use it determines its true climate and economic impact. In the race to reach net-zero, decisions around biomass use are becoming more urgent. Should we burn it for short-term energy gains, or transform it into high-value chemicals and materials for long-term carbon benefits? This workshop will explore the role of biogenic carbon within the context of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and also examine the trade-offs and benefits of using biomass for energy production versus as a feedstock for chemicals, with an emphasis on maximizing environmental and economic impact under a carbon-pricing framework. The outputs will help feed into a proposed biomass utilisation hierarchy - a framework that prioritses uses of biomass from highest to lowest value in terms of environmental and economic outcomes.

From Cradle to Chemistry: LCA for Liquid Polymer Applications

Professor Rachael Rothman, University of Sheffield

This workshop explores the critical role of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in evaluating the environmental impacts of polymers used in liquid formulations, such as those found in personal care products, detergents, coatings, and agrochemicals. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how LCA can guide sustainable material selection, product design, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis will be placed on the challenges of applying LCA to complex formulations, data quality considerations, and emerging trends in polymer innovation and circularity. The session aims to foster cross-sector collaboration between scientists, formulators, sustainability professionals, and policy stakeholders.

Framing Bio-based materials in Language: Creating the Stories We Live By

Professor Joanna Gavins, University of Sheffield

Stories are not just the books we read to children at bedtime, or the tales we share by the fire, or the anecdotes we entertain colleagues with at work. Stories underpin how we think about the world and, in turn, how we communicate about all our experiences through language. This workshop will introduce the concept of the 'stories we live by', how they're created, how they spread, and how changing them can change how we think and behave. We'll look at how we can use language to frame BB-materials effectively; where, when, and how to tell stories about these materials; and how telling the right stories, in the right place, and in the right way can improve understanding and achieve communicative goals.

12:30 - 13:15 Lunch and Networking

13:15 - 14:30 Workshops - participants choose one to attend

From Fuel to Feedstock: Optimising Biomass Use for Climate and Value

Jonthan Hobson, Perspective Economics, Adrian Higson, Alder Bioinsights

Biomass is a valuable, renewable resource — but how we use it determines its true climate and economic impact. In the race to reach net-zero, decisions around biomass use are becoming more urgent. Should we burn it for short-term energy gains, or transform it into high-value chemicals and materials for long-term carbon benefits? This workshop will explore the role of biogenic carbon within the context of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and also examine the trade-offs and benefits of using biomass for energy production versus as a feedstock for chemicals, with an emphasis on maximizing environmental and economic impact under a carbon-pricing framework. The outputs will help feed into a proposed biomass utilisation hierarchy - a framework that prioritses uses of biomass from highest to lowest value in terms of environmental and economic outcomes.

From Cradle to Chemistry: LCA for Liquid Polymer Applications

Professor Rachael Rothman, University of Sheffield

This workshop explores the critical role of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in evaluating the environmental impacts of polymers used in liquid formulations, such as those found in personal care products, detergents, coatings, and agrochemicals. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how LCA can guide sustainable material selection, product design, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis will be placed on the challenges of applying LCA to complex formulations, data quality considerations, and emerging trends in polymer innovation and circularity. The session aims to foster cross-sector collaboration between scientists, formulators, sustainability professionals, and policy stakeholders.

Framing Bio-based materials in Language: Creating the Stories We Live By

Professor Joanna Gavins, University of Sheffield

Stories are not just the books we read to children at bedtime, or the tales we share by the fire, or the anecdotes we entertain colleagues with at work. Stories underpin how we think about the world and, in turn, how we communicate about all our experiences through language. This workshop will introduce the concept of the 'stories we live by', how they're created, how they spread, and how changing them can change how we think and behave. We'll look at how we can use language to frame BB-materials effectively; where, when, and how to tell stories about these materials; and how telling the right stories, in the right place, and in the right way can improve understanding and achieve communicative goals.

14:30 - 15:00 Workshop Summaries Workshop Summaries Professor Rachel Rothman, University of Sheffield, Professor Joanna Gavins, University of Sheffield, Dr Adrian Higson, NNFCC, Jonathon Hobson, Perspective Economics

15:00- 15:15 Break

15:15 - 16:00 Next steps in Developing the BB-REG-NET White Paper: Bio-based Policy for People and Planet

16:00 Close

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Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this workshop is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your knowledge in the industry. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the BB-REG-NET community!

• Places are limited, so please register now!