Recently, SECRETed project had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Dr Amy Switzer, a molecular microbiologist, and bio-plastics innovator, who offers a glimpse into the future of bio-based materials. She explores how cutting-edge research, coupled with industrial partnerships, is advancing the development of environmentally friendly plastics.
Dr Switzer has dedicated her career to microbial engineering and strain development, recently joining Biome Bioplastics to work on the bio-based production of chemicals for sustainable plastics. Her background, which spans over 15 years in molecular microbiology, provides a solid foundation for her role in the advancement of bio-based compounds. At Biome Bioplastics, she focuses on creating monomers for bio-plastics using microbial fermentation—paving the way for compostable and bio-based plastics to replace their fossil-based counterparts.
One of the critical challenges in developing bio-based compounds is achieving both cost-effectiveness and enhanced performance compared to traditional compounds. Dr Switzer acknowledges this difficulty but also points out the potential for bio-based materials to be more economically viable at larger scales. “A lot of it actually could be cheaper, when you get to larger scales”. However, she also emphasizes that merely labeling a product as “bio-based” is not enough to ensure its environmental benefit. She argues that proper life-cycle assessments must be conducted to determine whether bio-based products are indeed better for the environment, both in production and end-of-life processes.
Additionally, Dr Switzer also highlights the misconceptions surrounding bio compounds and the terms used to describe them. There is a general lack of understanding regarding the difference between biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials. “People don’t understand that. You’ve got labeling of things that are biodegradable… but it’s really about knowing exactly where things go, how it’s consumed, and how it’s better for the environment”. This confusion extends to consumers who may be misled into believing that bio-based automatically equals environmentally friendly. Dr Switzer calls for better dissemination of information, both to the public and within industries, to foster a more informed and responsible use of bio-based products.
The conversation also touches on the role of government and policy in driving the adoption of bio-based compounds. Dr Switzer underscores the importance of legislative support and incentives for industries to transition away from fossil-based plastics. Without government intervention, companies may not have the motivation to invest in bio-based solutions, even if they are more environmentally friendly or offer better performance. She notes, “Unless there’s that drive—legislative drive or some tax benefits to actually going bio-based—I don’t think companies are very keen”. However, Dr Switzer believes that there’s a future in which both corporative interests and governmental action can be reconciled: “I think it’s coming, but it’s just the engineering biology bio-based drive has taken off faster than legislation can catch up with. But we’re getting there”. On the other hand, Dr Switzer discusses the need for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application is crucial for advancing the field of bio-plastics. “There is often a gap between academic interests and industrial translation. And it’s a lining that is so important in terms of making things work”, she says, emphasizing the need for a network of experts to streamline the process from concept to production.
Dr Amy Switzer’s work exemplifies the growing intersection of biotechnology and sustainable materials. Her efforts in bio-based compound production hold promise for reducing the environmental impact of plastics. However, as she notes, achieving widespread adoption of bio-based products requires a combination of cost-effectiveness, enhanced product performance, and informed consumer choices, supported by governmental policies. With continued research and collaboration, the future of bio-based compounds and sustainable products seems bright, but significant hurdles remain before fossil-based alternatives can be fully replaced in our everyday lives.
