Increasing carbon capture through cropping
The BDC is involved in a research project which aims to help UK farmers and growers to target Net Zero and increase crop resilience.
Our case studies
Read how we are working with a wide range of companies to help develop, scale-up and commercialise bio-based products and processes.
Producing biohydrogen for the UK transport sector
Following on from the successful Hydrogen BECCS Innovation Programme Phase 1 funding for the H2Boost project, we and ten other partners have successfully been awarded £5 million for a phase 2 project. This is funded by the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) that has been awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Turning waste cellulose into a new generation biodegradable bio-solvent
We have supported Circa Group to grow and develop the commercial potential for their bio-based, biodegradable, non-toxic solvent.
Turning nature into your skin's best friend, using innovative processes and traditional remedies
GinGingers gel was found to be extremely effective however they struggled to find any previous research evidence that would support claims about the vinegar’s topical benefits or official guidelines regarding safe dermal limits.
Review of regulations and market research for novel plant protection products
Fontus Environmental Limited is an agri-tech start-up consultancy company from North Yorkshire focused on research and development projects investigating novel plant protection products and biopesticides.
Refuel: Next generation soild fuels
The team examined the pre-treatment of various lignin rich sludges produced from waste streams generated through sugar extraction processes such as for the production of bioethanol or citric acid, as a means of converting them to alternative solid fuels. By using underutilised waste streams, such as biorefinery sludges, we can ensure we extract as much potential as possible from these feedstocks, be that for energy, fuels or sustainable chemicals rather than leaving the wastes to decompose in the environment.
Inspiring entrepreneurship in the bioeconomy
Using interactive workshops and inspiring mentors from regional businesses, the THYME project has been firing up the entrepreneurial ambitions and developing the start-up business skills of university staff and students from across the THYME region.
Driving new research partnerships through the Proof of Concept funding scheme
The THYME project has brought together academics from the universities of York, Teesside and Hull to collaborate for the first time. Proof-of-concept (POC) grants offered up to £50K for them to work with each other and with an industrial partner for up to a year on research to help advance the bioeconomy.
Supporting innovation in fermentation technologies
Industry is increasingly turning to microbes to produce chemicals for use in sectors such as: food and drink, personal care, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. The THYME project has brought together academics from the universities of York, Teesside and Hull, along with industry partners, for new research that is generating exciting innovations across the whole fermentation process.
Engaging pupils and the public with the bioeconomy
The THYME project has delivered an innovative range of activities and resources to educate pupils, students and the wider public about the bioeconomy: what it is and why it is vital to our economy and our sustainability.
Improving the efficacy of probiotics to treat disease
The THYME Project is supporting research to make probiotics work more effectively to combat a range of health disorders. Probiotic products use ‘good’ bacteria to help improve and maintain gut health and the probiotics market has huge potential for economic growth.
Improving productivity in energy generation from biowaste
The THYME Project is driving productivity through process improvements in the generation of energy from bio-feedstocks. Bio-based energy production is a growing element of the renewable energy mix with massive potential for economic growth via sustainable divestment from fossil fuels.
Supporting innovation for the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry
The THYME project has galvanised research into AD: a vital process that uses microbes to turn sewage, food waste and farming waste into energy. Although a well-established technology, AD’s productivity is low, presenting a major opportunity for THYME catalysed research to impact on our economy and our sustainability.
Mapping the circular personal care ecosystem for Yorkshire
Dr Anna Alessi, Project and Communications Manager at the Biorenewables Development Centre has published a report on the circular personal care ecosystem for Yorkshire, following a successful completion of the Design Ecosystem Fellowship supported by the Future Observatory programme and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Supporting Bee Clean Soaps on their net-zero journey
Bee Clean Soaps responds to consumer demand for cruelty-free, sustainable, eco-friendly products made from locally sourced ingredients.
Bringing to life a project idea through the EPSRC Mobility DTP
Having observed at work that a number of promising project ideas needed to be parked due to lack of time or lack of funding, Darren saw this DTP as an opportunity to bring one of those unexplored project ideas to life as a research proposal for this programme.
Facilitating customer discovery for Earthbound Scientific
The BioVale team at the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) has helped the University of York spin-out company, Earthbound Scientific identify groups of potential new customers for their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) monitoring technology.
Developing innovative alcohol-free drinks for new markets
Using organic and ethically sourced plant-distilled ingredients such as lemon, herbs, verbena and sea buckthorn extracts, West Yorkshire based SME, Bax Botanics produces high-quality alcohol-free, gin-like soft drinks that are traditionally distilled in beaten copper alembics for the purest flavour.
Helping products from the hive reach new markets
A desk-based piece of work has helped Bayview Bees develop ideas for new products and improve their packaging for existing products.
Increasing performance of biogas outputs with enzyme additives
To assist Verdant Biotech in advising their clients we have conducted a series of lab trials to assess the performance of Biopract enzymes on biogas outputs.
Developing novel encapsulation methods for improving nutrients
We have worked with Starbons to optimise their multi kilogram pilot operations to help increase the shelf life of food products.
UK-India collaboration successfully tackles industrial waste from sugarcane processing in India
Scientists in the UK and India have successfully come together to take a major by-product of the sugarcane industry and turn it into the valuable bio-based chemical, citric acid.
Supporting sustainable distilling in the heart of Yorkshire
The BDC has helped Ellers Farm Distillery to understand routes to reuse and recycle biowaste generated by the distillery. .
Developing sustainable nitrogen for agriculture
Working with Simpson York Ltd and the Biorenewables Development Centre, Azotic Technologies have designed a bespoke lab and office facilities that will represent their global research and development going forward.
High performance bioplastic that can help combat climate change
The Biorenewables Development Centre worked with Floreon to perform pilot-scale testing of the chemical recycling of their base PLA (polylactic acid) material.
Turning the humble potato into high-value plant-based food ingredient
The proof-of-concept project with the University of York Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) evidenced the feasibility of extracting the protein from potatoes.
Unravelling complexity of flavour and aroma compounds in cold brew coffee and tea
The FITCH Brew team collaborated with the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) to identify and improve the flavour and aroma compounds in a wide range of their cold brew coffee and tea drinks.
Exploring a hidden value of mining waste
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) team performed a comprehensive analysis of bioleachate nutrients and tested the bioleachate’s potential for use as a biofertiliser and pesticide.
Decoding flavour and aroma compounds in hand-crafted vinegar products
The Slow Vinegar Company has enlisted the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) to identify the flavour profiles of its vinegar range.
New biomaterials combat hard-to-heal wounds
Io-Cyte has enlisted the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) to undertake an anti-microbial challenge study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Io-Cyte material against the most common microbial pathogens found in wounds.
A soapy Yorkshire producer turns their handmade square soap bar, into a thriving circular business
With Clara’s strong business vision, backed by a dedicated production team and some Yorkshire grit, this winning combination has seen Cosy Cottage Soap transition from its roots at the kitchen table to the successful and thriving skincare brand it is today. Ongoing support from BioVale and funded processing support from the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), has helped to accelerate this growth.
Turning grass to gas
To assist STRI in advising their clients, the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) has analysed biogas yields using biomethane potential analysis (an anaerobic batch system that monitors gas production throughout a 30-day trial), as part of the BDC’s Bioeconomy Growth Programme.
Parblex®: from food waste to bioplastics
Chip[s] Board is a London-based producer of revolutionary bioplastics and bioplastic composites made from the food we leave behind. The company was awarded funding from the KTN Spark Awards to work with the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) to investigate the use of agri-food residues and side streams for their bioplastic production.
On a mission to end food poverty in UK schools
Rethink Food spoke at a webinar hosted by the Biorenewables Development Centre and BioVale about one of their three initiatives: Rethink Food Futures.
THYME-funded projects address challenges for the bioeconomy
The BDC is playing a major role in the THYME project, which builds on the regional assets of Yorkshire, the Tees Valley and the Humber region to boost the productivity of companies operating in the bioeconomy sector.
Recycling compost liquor into organic plant feed
Plate2plate Compost was offered support from the Bioeconomy Growth Programme to investigate the properties of the liquor and its microbial load produced from their in-vessel composting systems.
Unlocking a secret behind flavours of organic kombucha
The team at Flower of Life enlisted the BDC to help them understand the microbial origin of the different flavours in their wide range of products and examine whether beneficial probiotic microorganisms were present.
Beekeeping blooming in Yorkshire
A one-day workshop on the craft of beekeeping was hosted in the BDC Bioeconomy Outreach Centre and was facilitated by the BioVale team in association with Abelo Ltd.
From agricultural by-products to one of the UK’s first circular food & beverage brands
The team at Conscious Co, enlisted the support of the BDC to help with optimising the solid-liquid separation of the ‘leftover residual solids’ in the Potato Wort, before the fermentation stage.
Novel supplement boosts the biomethane production in anaerobic digestion reactors
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) worked with Clayton Hall Farm Biogas Products Ltd to measure the effect of a novel additive on anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas output.
Novel microwave pre-treatment of feedstocks for anaerobic digestion
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) worked with Advanced Microwave Technologies (AMT) on a new method of feedstock pre-treatment for an anaerobic digestion process.
New carbonaceous bio-based material for a variety of applications
Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) has been working collaboratively with the GCCE and their spin-out company, Starbon® Technologies to optimise and scale up a manufacturing process of Starbon® material.
Turning seaweed into everyday products
Researchers at the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) are involved in the implementation of a novel seaweed biorefinery – which is the whole process of refining sustainably cultivated seaweed biomass to become value-added end products.
Making pharmaceuticals from food waste
The BDC and GSK identified potential new sources of glucose from food manufacturing, using starchy by-products such as bread heels and potato waste as a starting material.
Getting added value from wood pellets
In an effort to make the most efficient use of the wood pellets it uses, Drax is working with the BDC and our colleagues at the University of York to explore how to get added value from its biomass before it is used for energy production.
Turning potato starch into batteries for electric vehicles
Leitat, a renowned R&D centre, is leading a consortium of eight partners from across the EU on a four-year project to scale up a process for converting renewable resources (potato starch, alginic acid and fruit pectin) into a building block for energy storage and chemical catalysis.
Making use of wastes from food and drink production
On behalf of WRAP, the BDC collaborated with consultants from Green Gain and Lucid Insight, we have been assessing commercial opportunities for using wastes from bread, cider and cheese production as well as vegetable packing.
Using recycled plastic ‘planks’ to grow plants through hydroponics
Hydroblox Ltd explore the expansion of their product range for the horticulture sector, by using their material as a plant growth substrate in hydroponic systems.
New crops for bio-based lubricants
Velcourt is a leading provider of farm business management and advisory services, with almost fifty years’ experience. Now they are collaborating with researchers and plant breeders to establish the commercial feasibility of a new type of oilseed rape (OSR) for use as an industrial lubricant in a three-year project.
Resource mapping for biorefining in Scotland
Together, Ricardo E&E and the BDC have delivered data for Zero Waste Scotland’s “Sector Study on Beer, Whisky and Fish” – highlighting the potential £800M boost these by-products can make to the Scottish economy.
Novel processing technologies to develop naturally-derived insect repellents
Citrefine are looking to expand their product range and move into new over-seas markets. They approached the BDC for assistance reducing the scent of their active ingredient which had been identified as a barrier for certain market segments.
Converting biomass into high-value chemicals
AET are seeking to diversify their technology and have been accessing expertise and technology at the BDC, converting agricultural waste materials into building blocks for biofuel production and using anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories from food waste in cosmetics and food products.
Shelf-life implications of oil
NibNibs has been trialling rapeseed oil as a Yorkshire-grown alternative to the Mediterranean-grown olive oil. This trial presented some issues with shortened product shelf-life, causing a suspension in production and potential losses to the business.
Growth trials for crop stimulants
BioElements are a manufacturer of natural products that stimulate plant development in commercially grown crops. They are a knowledge-based, research-intensive business that has the capacity to expand to new markets, strengthen the region’s reputation for novel agricultural products, and help tackle the issue of food scarcity.
Revolutionising Nanofiber Filtration
A technical textile business using novel nanotechnology to develop high performance, recyclable textiles has benefited from capital funding from the Biorenewables Development Centre’s ERDF capital grants scheme.
Seeds for growth
An award-winning landscaping supplier, who recently expanded its business with the purchase of a respected wildflower seed company, is drawing on the BDC’s expertise to help drive change in the horticultural industry by investigating the germination rates of seed varieties from several seed sources.
Pets snaffling for more treats
Stunned by the explosive success of their luxury pet treats – made from locally sourced and animal welfare friendly products – the team behind The Innocent Pet Care Company found themselves running into capacity and product development constraints.
Cardboard cuts out waste
Researchers at the Biorenewables Development Centre are providing a supplier of fully recyclable products with the scientific know-how to develop a novel cardboard based product range suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Helping green the energy market
Funding provided by the BDC’s ERDF capital grants scheme enabled Sciantec to invest in equipment that now allows them to capture and analyse the gas produced during the AD process to determine its quality.
Meaty opportunities from waste
Using novel processing equipment available at the BDC, Quorn is exploring new uses for by-products from their vegetarian food production process.
Cashing in the chips
A family-owned landscaping company in East Yorkshire is turning a low-value by-product – wood chippings – into a higher value source of fuel, using a novel production process developed with the technical and financial support of the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC).
High-value chemicals from household waste
The Wilson Bio-Chemical team has over 20 years’ experience in the waste industry, and has developed a process to convert waste materials into useful products by using steam in large rotating autoclaves.
Bees fight bugs and win
A soothing gel, based on the glue used by bees to make their hives and embalm invaders, has been found to be effective in the treatment of mouth ulcers – with anti-microbial properties that could also help combat the increasingly antibiotic resistant superbug, MRSA.
The seeds of a new relationship
Working in collaboration with oil extraction specialists at York’s Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), New Holland Extraction is exploring ways to enhance the value of its products and improve its productivity.
Food waste for high value chemicals
The BDC is building a technology platform to help companies realise the potential of food waste as a source of valuable chemicals.
Extracting value from agricultural waste
Advanced Extraction Technology Ltd is an East Yorkshire SME specialising in using green technologies to extract natural chemicals from plant sources.
Evaluation of microbrewery waste streams
The BDC have been working with regional microbreweries investigating avenues for adding value to their waste streams by analysing the materials and developing processes to separate the valuable chemicals.
Novel technology for the treatment of biomass
The BDC worked with Aqua Enviro Ltd to test a novel technology for treatment of biomass used in anaerobic digestion.
Optimising fungi for biorefining high value chemicals from industrial biowaste
The BDC is working with a small company, Citration Technology Ltd, to convert industrial waste streams into valuable chemicals using the fungus, Aspergillus niger.
Added-value glycerine from biodiesel waste
Researchers from the GCCE have worked with Brocklesby Ltd to improve the quality of glycerine from biodiesel to achieve commercial specification product, thus converting a costly waste into a valuable product stream.
Optimising industrial hemp for skin care
In a collaborative venture between CNAP and Boots the Chemist the full composition of hemp oil was analysed rigorously using state-of-the-art equipment and specialised analytical techniques.
High value renewable waxes from agricultural waste
Wheat straw, like many agricultural waste products, contains a range of valuable compounds. These include natural waxes with properties similar to industrial wax.
Increasing yield of anti-malarial medicine through fast track plant breeding
The medicinal plant Artemisia annua is the primary source of the leading antimalarial, artemisinin. However the yield of the drug is very low making it expensive and unprofitable to produce.
Novel bioenergy pellets being developed to reduce Yorkshire’s carbon footprint and help its wildlife
Investigating the commercial production of sustainable, locally sourced materials, such as municipal and woodland waste, to produce biomass boiler pellets.
No case studies were found.
Let's work together
We have worked on 1,500 bio-based projects to date
We have several ways to work with us, including business advisory programmes and self-funded commercial options. We even have the option for you to hire our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and office space.
