Advancing Industrial Competitiveness through Bio-based Materials

On the 12th of March 2026, IBC convened the 1st IBC Talk of 2026 on bio-based materials. True to its original ideas, IBC Talk is a regular Member-and-for-Members discussion to explore pressing issues and emerging trends in business. 

This time around, ParagonCorp led the discussion by elaborating on the industry’s trend in acquiring functional, high-quality, and scientific-based raw material and ingredients.  Indonesia’s patchouli, the best-quality in the world, and illipe butter are examples of local biodiversities that, if adopted by large corporations, can lower costs and improve the local economy. Challenges remain in developing bio-based materials, such as quality and standardization, infrastructure, and supply consistency. The forum also discusses learnings from each of the Members representatives when developing bio-based products in F&B, which results in the conclusion to explore bioeconomy from a business lens, efficiency, and added value. This is where the potential for collaboration between Members is worth exploring. 

To close the session, Paragon and IBC invite all Members to participate in the Bioeconomy Activator Program. A joint industry-led collaboration to produce an industry-grade (bio)prospectus in the beauty and FMCG sector. Companies not within agriculture and FMCG can also participate by sharing input on R&D best practices during the program.