In our latest Social Awareness Interview, we spoke to Charles Bavington, a seasoned biochemist with a career rooted in natural product research, who has spent years developing bio-based compounds derived from marine resources. His journey spans academia, startups, and the founding of his own business, with a focus on polysaccharides and seaweed-based products used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. During the interview Dr. Bavington explored the landscape and challenges of bio-based products, highlighting the sustainability benefits and the investment hurdles these innovations face.
Marine-derived bio-based products have a rich history, with nature offering solutions developed over millions of years of evolution. Dr. Bavington noted, “Even now, something like 50% of all drugs are naturally inspired, some of them with marine origin.” The appeal lies in nature’s finely tuned chemical compositions, which often provide effective alternatives to synthetic compounds. Marine resources, in particular, contain unique biochemistries that differ significantly from terrestrial organisms, presenting new opportunities for innovation in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.
In line with this, Dr. Bavington pointed out that the sustainability aspect of bio-based products makes them even more attractive. With the ongoing biodiversity crisis, the pressure on industries to adopt eco-friendly alternatives is immense. He explained, “Trying to find more environmentally favorable solutions is an absolute imperative.” Transitioning to bio-based compounds not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with growing consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products.
However, there are some barriers like costs, which are a significant hurdle. While many companies are eager to adopt sustainable practices, Dr. Bavington warned that bio-based products must remain cost-competitive and meet rigorous validation standards. “It has to be cost-competitive and extremely well validated,” he explains. The validation process not only includes proving product efficacy but also demonstrating a favorable environmental impact, which is essential to meeting industry and regulatory standards.
Dr. Bavington’s current work focuses on seaweed, which he believes is one of the most sustainable bio-resources available. Seaweed cultivation, unlike land-based agriculture, requires no fertiliser, water, or land, making it a highly efficient and low-impact production system. As he put it, “Seaweed is a zero-input production system… it’s a very low impact production system compared to land agriculture”. Seaweed’s unique chemical composition sets it apart, enabling the production of compounds that are difficult to obtain from terrestrial resources. This characteristic opens the door to producing bio-based products, helping address ecological concerns while meeting consumer demands.
Dr. Bavington is optimistic about the regulatory frameworks in place, particularly in the European Union, which has introduced policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and biodiversity gains. These policies push industries toward bio-based alternatives, yet he also sees room for improvement. Regulatory processes, he explains, are often so burdensome that they stifle innovation. “Regulation and government could help by somehow easing that regulatory path,” he suggested, emphasising the need for more accessible pathways that facilitate the adoption of bio-based products.
Investment is another critical factor. Although demand for bio-based products is high, the industry still faces a significant funding gap. Scaling up marine-based production, for example, requires substantial capital investment in farms and processing facilities. Unlike tech startups, bio-based industries are capital-intensive, with factories costing tens or even hundreds of millions. Dr. Bavington highlighted the growing community of impact investors—those who prioritise environmental impact alongside financial returns—as a positive development. However, he noted that finding the right investors remains challenging, as bio-based industries require specialised knowledge that is not as prevalent as in fields like pharmaceuticals.
On the other hand, industry associations and clusters play a vital role in advancing bio-based innovations, as they can serve as unified voices for the sector. These groups facilitate dialogue with policymakers, reducing barriers to market entry by advocating for streamlined regulations and funding support. Dr. Bavington explained, “These bodies naturally are the people that the politicians and civil servants talk to, so they have a key role in being the voice of the community.” By organising lobbying efforts and funding initiatives, associations can help bio-based companies navigate regulatory hurdles and secure the capital needed to scale their operations.
Dr. Bavington’s perspective offers an insider’s view of the bio-based product landscape, particularly in the marine sector. Despite the challenges, his optimism about the future of bio-based products is evident. As investment, regulatory support, and consumer awareness continue to grow, the potential for bio-based compounds to transform industries and contribute to environmental sustainability becomes increasingly tangible. With continued innovation, collaboration, and financial backing, the bio-based industry—especially in the marine sector—has the potential to revolutionise traditional production methods and pave the way for a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.
