From innovative vaccines to cell-based meats, bioproducts are a rapidly growing market. In fact, the bioproducts market will surge to $200 billion by 2040. However, according to a report from Synonym and the Boston Consulting Group, for the industry to reach this demand, biomanufacturing capacity must grow twentyfold from its current level.

The European Commission defines bio-based products as any product “wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin.” This encompasses products sourced from organic renewable resources such as plants, enzymes, animals, and microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and yeast. These products are found in a number of industries, including the chemicals industry, the textiles industry, and the packaging industry (think biodegradable glitter made from eucalyptus cellulose, a plant-based material). In particular, bio-based alternatives in the chemicals industry and bioplastics are poised to experience rapid growth. 

While they offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based products, a significant barrier to scaling the bioproducts market is currently the high cost of production. Advanced biomanufacturing processes like precision fermentation, which utilize genetically engineered microorganisms to produce functional ingredients that mimic their real animal counterparts, such as proteins, enzymes, or fats, remain underdeveloped. The absence of large-scale manufacturing infrastructure and complex regulatory requirements have kept production expensive and limited. A biomanufacturing infrastructure developer called Synonym is working to change that. 

In August, New York City-headquartered Synonym announced a partnership with leading plant-based producer Primient to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based products nationwide. According to the press release, the goal of the inaugural project is to introduce innovative, practical, and affordable biomaterials to the market. 

“We’re one of the originals in this space,” says Chief Executive Officer of Primient Jim Stutelberg. “We understand the potential of biobased products and solutions and have the proven experience to back it up at scale. Our partnership with Synonym will make a material difference for companies trying to break the biobased barrier by providing a scalable, data-led proving ground to grow with support.”

The first project, iPROOF (Pilot Research Operations Optimization Facility), will be based at Primient’s Decatur, Illinois facility. It will be partially subsidized by federal grants, specifically a Phase 2 Tech Hub Implementation Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). 

The U.S. government’s support underscores the strategic importance of a robust domestic bioeconomy. Investing in innovative U.S.-based biomanufacturing strengthens national competitiveness and ensures that we maintain a comparative advantage over global competitors like China. A recent report released last month by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) warns that maintaining biotechnological dominance is critical to safeguarding the U.S. economy and national security.

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“From more productive seeds and targeted cancer therapies to the possibility of genetically enhanced soldiers, biotechnology’s reach extends far beyond the laboratory,” says the NSCEB report, published April 8. “Falling further behind would signal a global power shift toward China and create an array of new strategic challenges for the U.S. government.”

Ramping up biomanufacturing capacity is also critical to advancing other industries, like the chemicals, food, and pharmaceutical sectors. Moreover, long-term investments in infrastructure ensure that the U.S. remains self-sufficient, particularly during times of global disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only will a sustainable industrial base maintain our competitive edge in an age of fractured geo-alliances and enhance our resilience to foreign supply shocks, but advances in biosynthetic innovation may also create more American jobs. Further, it supports the U.S. efforts to develop lower-emission alternatives to everyday household products, such as in the food and personal care sectors.

From dairy products to cleaning agents to cosmetics, innovative techniques like precision fermentation enable a new generation of sustainable, animal-free alternatives. GFI Europe estimates that egg and dairy proteins derived from the process, for instance, release 70 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, while utilizing 95 percent less land and 80 percent less water compared to conventional dairy farming.

Retaining global leadership in biotechnology requires a steady flow of private investment, a step that companies like Synonym are facilitating. 

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.