In a world grappling with the environmental costs of industrialisation, biotechnology is emerging as a crucial pathway toward sustainable production. Dr. Rosa Doménech, Head of Biotechnology at ITENE in Valencia, Spain, offers a compelling perspective on how bio-based innovation is transforming industries and advancing environmental responsibility.
Dr. Doménech brings over 15 years of experience in sustainable biotechnology to her role at ITENE, a research center focused on packaging, innovation, and environmental impact. Her team leads European projects like EXPLORA, closely related in topics and scope to SECRETed, working at the forefront of bio-based compound development for industries ranging from agriculture to cosmetics. “I lead projects that innovate in the use of biological compounds in diverse sectors, with a strong commitment to sustainability and creating added value,“. Doménech explains.
According to Dr. Dómenech, the promise of biotechnology lies in its ability to reduce toxic chemical use, lower environmental impact, and create safer products for humans. Dr. Doménech emphasises that in her line of work they strive to make products that fit today’s needs, as she puts it: “the bio-based compounds we develop tend to be safer for human health and the environment. Their production is more sustainable and less harmful than traditional chemical processes” Moreover, in her view, bio-compounds like biopesticides, biofertilizers, and natural cosmetic ingredients have applications across a wide array of sectors, potentially replacing harmful petrochemical products. Despite the promise, the journey toward replacing synthetic compounds is not without obstacles. Dr. Doménech acknowledges that developing biological compounds is more costly and less reproducible at the early stages than synthetic ones: “biological processes are not as reproducible initially. They require more expensive infrastructure and reactants, and the costs can be a barrier—especially for small companies,” she says.
Scalability is another significant challenge. Transitioning a lab-scale innovation to industrial production demands substantial investment and technical adaptation. To overcome these hurdles, Dr. Doménech advocates for government incentives, regulatory support, and public education: “Government policies, such as grants, regulations, and product certification standards, are essential. Consumers must also be made aware that these products are as good—or better—than conventional ones.” Additionally, she emphasises the importance of collaboration between companies, universities, and research centers, along with consumer awareness and certifications that promote trust in bio-based alternatives.
Projects like EXPLORA and SECRETed illustrate the role of European projects consortia in advancing biotechnology. These initiatives facilitate collaboration among stakeholders across the value chain and support the transition from early research (low TRL) to market-ready solutions (high TRL). “European projects connect stakeholders and help raise the technological readiness level of bio-based innovations, moving them closer to real-world applications,” Doménech says.
Cluster organisations and associations also play a vital role by promoting best practices, in her opinion, facilitating knowledge exchange, and influencing policy in favor of sustainable innovation. Dr. Doménech sees the relationship between innovation and policy as symbiotic: “Sometimes policies drive innovation, and other times innovation prompts policy change. It’s a feedback loop shaped by societal trends and technological progress.”
In her closing thoughts, Dr. Doménech articulates a hopeful vision: “Biological compounds have the potential to drastically reduce industrial impact, promote the circular economy, and prevent ecosystem degradation. They also reflect a societal shift—from a linear model to one that values reuse and sustainability.” Dr. Rosa Doménech’s insights underscore the transformative power of biotechnology in building a greener future. While cost, scalability, and industry inertia remain barriers, the long-term environmental and societal benefits of bio-based innovation are clear. Through collaborative research, policy alignment, and public engagement, sustainable biotechnology is poised to redefine the materials we use and the world we inhabit.
