Green chemistry is set to play an important role in the evolution of industry. More specifically, the use of plant-based resources, one of the foundations of the concept of “green chemistry”. Many green chemistry processes make use of white biotechnology tools, and light will be shed on the importance of this technological synergy within the context of industry and factories in the future.
In fact, biotechnology is a way of using biomass or its waste material renewably to produce molecules with high added value for different applications, ranging from pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and cosmetics to plastics, materials and energy. For many years, our universities and research centres have been honing their expertise in, among other fields, microbial biotechnology, from basic handling in the laboratory through to industrial applications. These initiatives have helped come up with new materials (biomaterials) and biotechnological processes, for example, based on the use of renewable raw materials that will ultimately replace or complement certain processes. There will be presentations illustrating applications that are already underway, as well as the skills of different academics in the field.
There will be several opportunities to discuss the issues, and a round table event will give participants the chance to ask any questions they may have.