European Bio-Based Industries Leading the Green Transition

News- Since the publication of the first EU Bioeconomy Strategy in 2012, Europe’s bioeconomy sector has experienced considerable growth; in 2017, it was estimated to be worth some €2.4 trillion – an increase of 25% in less than ten years. During the same period, turnover among European bio-based industries, such as chemicals and plastics, pharmaceuticals, paper and paper products, forest-based industries, textiles, biofuels and bioenergy increased by 23% from €600 million to €750 million.

2021 marked the start of a new chapter for the EU bioeconomy and European bio-based industries with the establishment of the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the successor of the BBI JU. This new public-private partnership will aim to build on the achievements of its predecessor and to advance a sustainable and competitive EU bioeconomy over the next 10 years, while addressing the environmental, climate, technology, regulatory, social and market challenges.

CBE JU launched its first €120 million call for project proposals in June 2022, covering topics ranging from alternative protein sources, substitutes for fossil-based chemical blocks, monitoring systems for environmental sustainability and circularity, to alternative sources of high-added value food. The call closed in September and evaluations are currently ongoing, with the first grant agreements for successful applicants expected to be signed in May 2023.

31.10.2022

Ref: www.openaccessgovernment.org