The transition from an oil-based economy to a soil-based economy is essential for long-term sustainability, said Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), while delivering the keynote address at Bio Innovations APAC 2026 in Singapore on March 4–5, 2026.

“Innovation has to start from developing feedstocks to end products, better processes, more energy efficiency, policies, regulations and financing. Looking at the Carbon source from the field where it is generated is very important. We need to move from Oil to Soil economy. However, there is no single solution or technology for reducing emissions in the chemicals sector, and multiple initiatives will be required. So, innovation is needed in each aspect of the value chain. Starting from farm, soil, feedstock to finished goods and beyond. The focus must remain at the intersection of ecology and economy. ESG is not a peripheral activity; it is integrated into our biomass-based growth model through co-creation with our stakeholders,” Srivastava said.

She also participated in a fireside chat titled "From the Soil to Valuable Bio-Chemicals and Bio-Products."

The conference convened stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific industrial biomanufacturing ecosystem and included targeted one-to-one meetings to facilitate collaborations and partnerships.

GBL, a premier Indian integrated biorefinery, specializes in converting agricultural feedstocks into a diverse portfolio of food ingredients, biofuels, and speciality biochemicals.