In the transition to a circular, biobased economy, the worlds of chemistry and biotechnology are increasingly converging. Microbiology is therefore given a permanent position in the Research Centre Biobased Economy (RCBBE) of Hanze University Groningen. There, Janneke Krooneman was recently installed as professor in Bioconversion and Fermentation Technology.

Biobased materials and consumer goods have long been a part of our daily lives. From the wood traditionally used to build houses to the wool and leather used for garments. However, the rise of synthetic polymers made from petroleum and other fossil fuels changed the rules of the game. Plastics challenged traditional materials and opened the doors to “endless” possibilities. Manufacturing was no longer limited by the availability of natural resources. Today, over a century after the invention of the first synthetic plastic (1907) and with climate change knocking at our door, tables have turned yet again, and biobased materials are making their comeback.

The earth is squeaking and creaking. Resources are being depleted and with an almost limitless use of cheap fossil fuels, the planet is being polluted and the climate is warming. Resulting in more and more violent natural disasters. We have caused it ourselves, with an economic system that has 'failure' built-in from the start; a system based on the ideal of infinite, relentless growth. Thus, we are exceeding the boundaries of our planet.