Championing bio-based and biodegradable products and materials - Jen Vanderhoven, BBIA

In this episode I speak with Jen Vanderhoven, Chief Operating Officer of the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industry Association (BBIA) in the UK. The BBIA is in place to champion the industrial bioeconomy in the UK, and to reduce our reliance on fossil resources to create a sustainable, circular economy.

Jen has been making real waves in her role at the BBIA. We have a fascinating conversation covering:

• What is the bio-economy? Why is it needed?

• The history of the BBIA, Jen’s role, and the evolution of the organisation

• The importance of certifications, standards and life cycle assessments

• The case for plastic as a material

• Bringing together different sectors and stakeholders under one roof

• The benefits of collaboration and the challenges of scaling-up

• How the bio-economy could transform supply chains and regional economies

• The UK vision for engineering biology

• Policy barriers and creating a supportive environment for the bio-based sector

• The REACH regulation and the implications of Brexit

• The BBIA’s new regulatory network (BB-REG-NET)

BBIA website: Home - BBIA

BB-REG-NET website: BB-REG-NET - Sustainable Chemicals and Materials