Report

White Biotech Market Analysis

The white biotech market was valued at USD 351.43 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 367.7 billion in 2026 to reach USD 461.53 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.63% during the forecast period (2026-2031). Industrial biotechnology serves as a key component in transitioning from fossil-based to bio-based manufacturing processes for chemicals, materials, and fuels production. This shift represents a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing practices, as bio-based processes typically consume less energy, produce fewer emissions, and utilize renewable resources. The integration of white biotechnology across various industrial sectors demonstrates its potential to revolutionize traditional manufacturing methods while addressing environmental concerns.

Global White Biotech Market Trends and Insights



Increasing Demand for Sustainable Industrial Processes

The Biden Administration's comprehensive biomanufacturing targets for US chemical demand through sustainable processes have increased the adoption of bio-based manufacturing processes. Companies are implementing these processes not only for environmental compliance but also to mitigate risks from fossil fuel price volatility and supply chain uncertainties. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Switch program combines artificial intelligence with synthetic biology to develop adaptable microorganisms, enabling flexible biomanufacturing that responds to changing market demands and raw material availability. This integration of advanced technologies with biological processes represents a significant shift in manufacturing approaches, offering enhanced production capabilities and improved resource utilization across multiple industrial sectors .

Supportive Regulatory Frameworks and Green Incentives

Regulatory harmonization across major markets is accelerating biotech commercialization. The EU Biotech Act and the coordinated U.S. regulatory framework from the EPA, FDA, and USDA establish streamlined approval processes, reducing investment uncertainty. The Horizon Europe program has allocated EUR 10 million in seed funding for scaling operations, while the UK has invested GBP 100 million across six engineering biology centers. In Asia-Pacific, China's approval of precision-fermented human milk oligosaccharides indicates increasing regional acceptance. The FDA's establishment of a specialized office within CBER aims to process 10-20 cell and gene therapy approvals annually by 2025, demonstrating expanded regulatory capacity for biotech innovations .

Limited Availability of Cost-Effective Feedstocks

Regional differences in lignocellulosic biomass availability and fluctuating agricultural commodity prices limit consistent industry expansion across global markets. Brazil has significant sugarcane bagasse resources available for processing, while European manufacturers continue to face intense competition for feedstock from both the energy and paper industries. The adoption of circular feedstock approaches, including agricultural residues and municipal organic waste, is steadily increasing across regions. However, substantial logistics and pre-treatment costs reduce profit margins throughout the supply chain, impacting the white biotechnology industry's near-term growth potential in established and emerging markets.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

Advancements in Synthetic Biology and Metabolic EngineeringGrowing Adoption of Biofuels and BioplasticsLack of Infrastructure for Large-Scale Fermentation in Emerging Markets

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

Industrial enzymes hold a 37.62% market share in 2025, with applications spanning food processing, textiles, and biofuel production. The biofuels segment is growing at a 5.73% CAGR through 2031. The enzyme segment continues to advance through innovations such as Novozymes' Fortiva Hemi liquefaction enzyme, which improves corn oil and ethanol yields to address the current 40-50% recovery rate limitation in ethanol plants.

The biofuels segment expansion is supported by enzyme discoveries and regulatory frameworks. Brazil's CelOCE enzyme development shows potential to double cellulose conversion efficiency, while India's ethanol production capabilities contribute to regional market growth . The implementation of advanced biofuel technologies, including precision fermentation and gasification processes, enables commercial-scale production from non-food biomass. These developments address sustainability requirements while meeting aviation industry requirements for sustainable fuel adoption .

The White Biotechnology Market Report is Segmented by Type (Biofuels, Biomaterials, Biochemicals, and Industrial Enzymes), Application (Bioenergy, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Animal Feed, and Other Applications), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Geography Analysis

North America held 39.12% of global sales in 2025, supported by an established network of pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturers, and university spinoffs. Canada's precision-fermentation facilities and Mexico's fill-finish operations complete the regional value chain, though fermentation capacity remains limited compared to Europe. The venture capital ecosystems and intellectual property frameworks in the U.S. and Canada support continuous innovation in biomanufacturing. The increasing federal incentives for biomanufacturing aim to enhance domestic production capabilities and decrease import dependence.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth at a 6.00% CAGR through 2031. The U.S. BioSecure Act's restrictions on Chinese suppliers have shifted Western outsourcing to Indian Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), increasing investment across South Asia. However, variations in regulatory review timelines may favor project placement in North American and European markets. Growing consumer awareness of sustainable products drives demand, creating opportunities across various Asian markets.

South America benefits from Brazil's sugarcane ethanol production and emerging enzyme discoveries. The Middle East and Africa are attracting initial projects through special economic zone incentives. These regional developments continue to shape the white biotechnology market landscape. The Middle East and African countries are offering incentives through special economic zones to attract biotechnology projects. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are incorporating white biotechnology into their economic diversification strategies to decrease their reliance on oil revenues.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

Lonza Group Ltd International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Corbion NV DSM-Firmenich AG BASF SE Evonik Industries AG Laurus Labs BioSynth (EUCODIS Bioscience GmbH) Novozymes A/S Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Cargill, Incorporated Danimer Scientific Shree Renuka Sugars Limited Cosan SA Chevron (The Renewable Energy Group ) Henan Alfa Chemical Co., Ltd. Amano Enzyme Inc Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. Lesaffre K-Genix Group ( Lumis Biotech pvt ltd)

Additional Benefits:

The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
3 months of analyst support