The authors provide an overview of the development of the EU bioeconomy between 2014 and 2020, presenting the vision for a new Circular Bio-based Economy (CBE).
The researchers point out that this framework aims to unlock the full potential of sustainably sourced biomass, crop residues, and industrial waste by transforming them into value-added products such as food, feed, bio-based chemicals, and fuels.
According to the study, the pillars of the CBE include biotechnology, microbial production, enzyme technology, and green chemistry, all supported by public-private partnerships and conducive policy frameworks.The study analyzes key drivers of the CBE, including biomass supply, biorefineries, and the critical need for climate change mitigation and biodiversity preservation.
The authors explain that while improved framework conditions can act as drivers, they may also become obstacles if they are not updated to accommodate circularity. Within the BBI-JU project portfolio, the researchers highlight a significant expansion into terrestrial and aquatic feedstocks, along with a broadening of the product portfolio to include high-value, health-promoting products for humans, animals, and soil.
The authors highlight that, unlike fossil resources, biological resources are available worldwide, allowing the CBE to be implemented in a just manner that stimulates rural development. The study concludes with recommendations for international collaborations, such as expanding partnerships between the EU and Africa to foster mutual growth in the circular bio-based sector.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.619066
Reference:
Lange, L., Connor, K. O., Arason, S., Bundgård-Jørgensen, U., Canalis, A., Carrez, D., Gallagher, J., Gøtke, N., Huyghe, C., Jarry, B., Llorente, P., Marinova, M., Martins, L. O., Mengal, P., Paiano, P., Panoutsou, C., Rodrigues, L., Stengel, D. B., Van Der Meer, Y., & Vieira, H. (2021). Developing a Sustainable and Circular Bio-Based Economy in EU: By Partnering Across Sectors, Upscaling and Using New Knowledge Faster, and For the Benefit of Climate, Environment & Biodiversity, and People & Business. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 8, 619066.