Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the intensifying global competition for carbon neutrality and how the bio-based industry can address three major contradictions: reliance on upstream raw materials, certification barriers in the midstream, and limitations in downstream applications [1] Group 1: Event Overview - A closed-door meeting focused on industry breakthroughs was held from May 25-27 during the 2025 Bio-based Conference and Exhibition in Shanghai [4] - The "2025 Bio-based Industry Strategic Seminar" was co-hosted by DT New Materials and the Zhoushan Investment Promotion Center [4] - 25 representatives from industry associations, well-known brands, material companies, and research institutions gathered to discuss three core topics: market reshaping, policy collaboration, and technological breakthroughs [6] Group 2: Key Insights from the Opening Report - The opening report emphasized that bio-based materials are a core pathway for the chemical industry to achieve sustainable development [8] - It highlighted that China's "dual carbon" policy is accelerating implementation, with industry associations promoting collaborative development through policy recommendations, standard setting, and technological rewards [8] Group 3: Brand User Demands - Certification and traceability have become essential prerequisites for collaboration, with international brands requiring non-food bio-based raw material certification [10] - Brands are generally willing to accept a price increase of up to 10%, but significant cost increases could hinder market promotion [11] - Performance must be contextualized, with specific demands for lightweight and decorative bio-based materials in automotive parts and integrated packaging solutions in cosmetics [11] Group 4: Strategies for Bio-based Material Companies - The industrialization of FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) faces challenges, with current prices being 40 times that of PTA, making large-scale production crucial for cost reduction [14] - Companies need to identify unique value scenarios beyond merely replacing petroleum-based materials [14] - There is a call for policy collaboration to align with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and to develop a bio-based materials standard system in China [14] Group 5: AI Empowerment in Bio-manufacturing - Companies shared practices of using AI to reduce R&D costs by 30% through protein modification, enhancing enzyme efficiency, and shortening development cycles [16] - Addressing purity issues is critical for high-end applications, with a need for collaboration across the entire supply chain [16] Group 6: Zhoushan's Strategic Positioning - Zhoushan aims to become a new hub for the bio-based industry by attracting projects related to PLA, PHA, FDCA-PEF, and other materials, providing comprehensive support [17] - The region has already gathered benchmark companies, indicating an initial scale of the industry chain ecosystem [17] Group 7: Consensus on Industry Collaboration - The meeting reached three core conclusions: 1. Non-food raw materials are essential for large-scale commercialization, requiring dual drivers of policy and technological innovation [20] 2. Accelerating the establishment of carbon footprint standards aligned with international norms is necessary to break down green trade barriers [20] 3. Collaboration between brands and material suppliers is needed to shift from performance substitution to value creation [20] - The meeting emphasized that bio-based materials represent a shift in competition rather than a shortcut, necessitating collective efforts across the entire industry chain to overcome the "valley of death" from laboratory to large-scale production [20]

Core Viewpoint - The 10th Bio-based Conference aims to accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation in the bio-based industry, addressing the needs of downstream users and promoting sustainable development [1]. Event Overview - The conference will take place from May 25-27, 2025, at the Shanghai Sheshan Maoyuan Hotel, featuring over 1500 industry professionals [1]. - The event includes three main components: an industry conference, an innovation exhibition, and the New Leaf Award selection and ceremony [1]. Conference Structure - The event will consist of 1 award ceremony, 6 major forums, 17 specialized sessions, and 4 unique networking and exchange meetings [1]. - Key topics will focus on market reshaping, policy coordination, and technological breakthroughs in the bio-based materials industry [86]. Accommodation and Transportation - The main venue hotel offers rooms at a rate of 500 RMB per night, including breakfast [7]. - Additional nearby hotel options are provided for attendees, with prices ranging from 141 RMB to 270 RMB per night [8]. Weather Forecast - The weather during the conference is expected to be variable, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C [9]. Organizing Institutions - The conference is organized by the Zhejiang Bio-based Polymer Materials Key Laboratory and DT New Materials, with support from various industry associations and research institutions [17][18]. Expert Panel - The conference features a distinguished panel of experts, including academicians and industry leaders from renowned institutions such as Tsinghua University and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China [19][20]. Agenda Highlights - The agenda includes a variety of forums focusing on key chemical innovations, sustainable applications, and investment opportunities in the bio-based sector [24][25][36]. - Specific sessions will address advancements in bio-based polymers, biodegradable materials, and the role of AI in material innovation [35][36][49]. Networking Opportunities - The event will facilitate networking through specialized sessions aimed at connecting industry leaders with emerging technologies and investment opportunities [86][89].