Primer on Bioproducts - BIOCAP Canada

Chapter 4Biochemicals and BiomaterialsIndustrial chemistry is the science used to make many of theeveryday products and materials we take for granted — plastics,glues and cleaners, to name a few. Industry and governmentslooking to find cleaner, more efficient and cost-effectivemanufacturing methods have begun to focus on naturallyoccurring chemical reactions and on the biological structuresthat help these processes along. Their hope is that relying onnatural processes will help industry reduce the hazardouschemicals used, the dangerous reactions required, and the toxicwaste created.Yet, the overall impact of these bioproducts is not clear. In a2001 report, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD) reviewed the environmental andeconomic performance of bioproducts industries (using lifecycleassessments) and found that, in general, bioproductsPRIMER ON BIOPRODUCTS33