There is a rapid growth of interest in the use of renewable resources, and in particular bio-resources for the manufacture of future, sustainable chemicals and materials. This movement is encouraged by end-user concerns over security of supply, legislation forcing substitution of many common chemicals, new standards for bio-based products and consumer pressure. With increasing pressure around the world to move towards bio-based chemicals, it is essential that the bio-economy is underpinned with sound science and technology. This Faraday Discussion addresses some of the critical issues in this field by bringing together experts in different but complementary areas in the chemical sciences. The book explores topics such as how green chemistry can complement biotechnology in the production of chemicals and materials; catalytic technologies best suited for the biomass challenge; biomass conversion technologies; and whether existing bio-based chemicals and materials should be used or new molecules and processes created to deal with new components.