White biotechnology refers to the adoption of biotechnology in developing methods to replace petroleum-based synthetics. It uses living cells to synthesize products that are easily degradable, require less energy and create less waste during their production.

Statistics:

The global white biotechnology market is estimated to account for US$ 299.3 Bn in terms of value by the end of 2027.

Global White Biotechnology Market: Drivers

Increasing demand for energy is expected to propel growth of the global white biotechnology market over the forecast period. For instance, according to the 2019 Annual Energy Outlook, the global energy demand is expected to grow by 1/3 through 2040.

Moreover, ban on the use of conventional plastic is also expected to aid in growth of the market. For instance, countries such as Zimbabwe, France, Australia, India, Canada, Peru, Rwanda, and U.K. have banned use of single-use plastic.

Statistics:

North America held dominant position in the global white biotechnology market in 2019, accounting for 34.7% share in terms of value, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively

Figure 1: Global White Biotechnology Market Share (%) Value, By Region, 2019

White Biotechnology | Coherent Market Insights

Global White Biotechnology Market: Restraints

Lower adoption of biofertilizers compared to conventional fertilizers in both developed and emerging economies is expected to hinder growth of the global white biotechnology market. Decreasing fertility of soil and high demand for food has led to increasing preference for conventional fertilizers.

Moreover, lower adoption of biofuels compared to conventional fuels is also expected to limit growth of the market. This can be attributed to inconsistency in availability of biofuels and higher performance of conventional fuels compared to biofuels.

Global White Biotechnology Market: Opportunities

Increasing investment in biofuels is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global white biotechnology market. For instance, in May 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offered a US$ 100 million grant to expand the availability and sale of higher blends of ethanol.

Moreover, biosynthesis of nanomaterials by microorganisms is also expected to aid in growth of the market. Some bacteria and microalgae can synthetize unique nanostructures that include, bacterial nanocellulose, exopolysaccharides, and bacterial nanowires.

Statistics:

The global white biotechnology market was valued at US$ 207.5 Bn in 2019 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 299.3 Bn by 2027 at a CAGR of 4.7% between 2020 and 2027.

Figure 2: Global White Biotechnology Market Value (US$ Bn), 2016 - 2027

White Biotechnology | Coherent Market Insights

Market Trends/Key Takeaways

White biotechnology finds application in making gelatin and bone glue. For instance, in December 2018, researchers from Uppsala University, Sweden, reported development of a new class of bioinspired calcium phosphate cementsthat can glue tissues together and bond tissues to metallic and polymeric biomaterials.

Increasing demand alcohol for hand sanitizers has led companies to halt production of ethanol. For instance, in April 2020, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced to halt ethanol production at the company’s corn dry mill facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Columbus, Nebraska and to divert its focus on other products that are in higher demand, such as alcohol for hand sanitizer.

Global White Biotechnology Market: Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global white biotechnology market include, Archer Daniels Midland Company, BASF SE, Cargill, Inc., Corbion N.V., Koninklijke DSM N.V, DuPont, Lesaffre, Novozymes, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Hologic, Inc., iCAD, Inc., InVivo Corporation, McKesson Corporation, Merge Healthcare Incorporated (IBM), Philips Healthcare, Samsung Medison Co. Ltd., Siemens Healthcare, and Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.

Global White Biotechnology Market: Key Developments

Major players in the market are focused on launching new products to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in February 2019, Corbion N.V. launched SENTIALL, a versatile co-polymer platform that delivers specific, high-value functionalities such as adhesion or controlled release in a range of industries and applications.

Major players in the market are also focused on adopting collaboration strategies to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in December 2019, Koninklijke DSM N.V collaborated with Metex Nøøvista, a subsidiary of biological chemistry company Metabolic Explorer, to develop a 100% bio-sourced ingredient for skincare products.