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Biomimicry & Agribusiness
Drawing inspiration from nature to sustainably transform the agri-food industry.
Agribusiness, a strategic industry facing multiple challenges
The agri-food industry plays a central role in the global economy, driven by a constantly expanding human food market.
However, this growth comes with complex challenges that extend beyond the environmental sphere. Feeding a rapidly increasing global population while ensuring food sovereignty, animal welfare, and the resilience of supply chains are major issues that the sector must address.
At the same time, agri-food systems generate approximately 31% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, or 16.5 billion tonnes. These environmental pressures, combined with the rise of fast-food chains and the need for the agri-food sector to adopt more sustainable practices, underscore the urgent need for profound transformation. Furthermore, the transition to sustainable packaging, replacing petroleum-based materials, is becoming imperative to meet both consumer expectations and climate challenges. With the global population expected to reach approximately 10.3 billion by the end of the century, the agri-food industry must combine innovation, sustainability, and performance to meet these challenges.
Biomimicry presents a major technological opportunity for the agri-food industry.
Nature, with its 3.8 billion years of evolution, represents the greatest laboratory for innovation. By drawing inspiration from the proven mechanisms of living organisms, biomimicry opens up unprecedented perspectives for meeting the challenges of the agri-food industry and transforming its processes.
Drawing inspiration from the properties of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata , for example, makes it possible to develop infused lubricated surfaces (SLIPS) capable of preventing biofilms and limescale deposits.
These structures, inspired by the fineness of natural nanostructures, offer increased durability and reduce the need for harsh chemicals. This innovation improves equipment robustness while minimizing maintenance , meeting the productivity requirements of agri-food processing lines.
Similarly, by studying the complex structure of human lungs, it becomes possible to design heat exchangers that effectively balance a large heat exchange surface area with a reduced pressure drop. This compromise, essential for industrial processes requiring precise cooling, relies on the integration of geometries inspired by pulmonary alveoli. These innovations promise more energy-efficient systems capable of meeting the thermal requirements of the most demanding processes.
Finally, the exoskeleton of Venus's basket inspires the design of lightweight structures in the packaging industry. These structures, both light and strong, reduce the use of plastics while maintaining high mechanical performance. This approach directly addresses the industry's sustainability expectations without compromising product quality and protection.
Bionnov, an expert in biomimicry, collaborates with industry players to adapt these approaches to their specific needs, transforming current challenges into innovative opportunities.
