Stefano Donadio, CEO of NAICONS and a seasoned expert in natural products, has spent the past 40 years navigating academia, pharmaceutical giants, startups, and everything in between. His expertise lies in bio-based production processes—sustainable methods that replace traditional chemical-based approaches. In a recent our most recent Social Awareness Interview, Donadio shared insights on the benefits and challenges of this innovative sector, revealing a dynamic landscape where science, industry, and policy intersect.
Bio-based compounds hold significant promise for a range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. According to Donadio, the benefits of transitioning to bio-based production extend beyond environmental concerns. “Disposing of chemical waste is becoming increasingly expensive and full of paperwork,” he noted, emphasising how reducing harmful chemicals also improves workplace safety and consumer trust. The environmental impact of these compounds is also noteworthy. Bio-based production relies on renewable resources and produces less waste, making it an attractive solution for industries under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Donadio explained, “If the product goes directly to consumers, having something that’s green has obvious benefits.” Moreover, companies adopting bio-based solutions can align with a growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly products. For sectors like agriculture, where green innovations are crucial, this transition could be transformative. Also, policy measures could incentivise the transition by accounting for the entire lifecycle of products, from production to waste management. “If waste was considered part of the pricing, then companies would be forced to choose the most economically viable approach,” Donadio argued.
On the other hand, and despite its promise, the adoption of bio-based processes faces significant barriers. A key challenge is the gap between academic research and industrial scalability. “Academia has a lot of experience in technology but extremely little experience in scaling up… Industry has the experience of scaling up but doesn’t have the experience in new technologies,” Donadio remarked, highlighting the need for dialogue and collaboration.
Time and financial investment are additional concerns. Implementing bio-based processes often requires significant upfront costs and long timelines. Industries must be assured of the viability and reliability of these methods before committing to such a transition. Additionally, patent complexities also hinder progress. The unclear intellectual property landscape around bio-based methods can deter companies from investing in new technologies. “One of the barriers is that the industry doesn’t understand much of the patent landscape on biological processes,” said Donadio. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for companies to protect their innovations or avoid legal entanglements.
Donadio believes that showcasing successful cases and fostering partnerships are crucial to promoting bio-based solutions. He shared a notable example from NAICONS, where the company helped a partner develop a production process for a new antibiotic. “They had all the information for clinical trials but didn’t know how to produce the antibiotic… The FDA approved the work we did, and our clients were able to obtain market authorisation,” he said, illustrating how collaboration can overcome technical and regulatory challenges.
To encourage widespread adoption, Donadio emphasises presenting industries with ready-to-implement solutions. “You cannot just say, ‘replace your chemical process with a biological one.’ You have to say, ‘I can provide you all the information to replace your chemical process with a biological one that I’ve tested, and it works,’” he explained. This collaborative approach, coupled with a willingness to share risks, could help industries overcome their hesitation. “With this sort of partnership, industry may be keener to run the risk because they know the biotech company is also taking a risk” Donadio added. In this sense, communication becomes another critical element in advancing bio-based innovations. Donadio pointed out that many companies, policymakers, and even consumers struggle to grasp the complexities of bio-based processes. “Communicating complex things in a simple way is not a trivial task.” he said. He advocates for simplifying scientific concepts to make them accessible to broader audiences, including policymakers, who play a vital role in creating frameworks that support sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, the path to a bio-based future is paved with opportunity. Through collaboration, clear communication, and supportive policies, industries can harness the potential of bio-based compounds to create a more sustainable and profitable future. As Donadio aptly summarised, “Dialogue between companies, academia, and policymakers is the key to making things move forward.”
