Biomass Facts looks back at 2024 and ahead to a sustainable and innovative 2025

Bio raw materials, Biomass

As 2024 draws to a close, we would like to send you a warm Christmas greeting! This year, we have once again enjoyed sharing valuable information about biomass with you. The conversations we have had with companies that work with biomass in various ways have not only been educational, but also very inspiring. It is fantastic to see how versatile and innovative this sector is, and we are grateful for all the insights we have gained.

Biobased construction in motion: innovation for a sustainable future

Bio raw materials, Biomass, Sustainability

The challenges in the field of sustainability and the growing construction task require innovative solutions. Biobased construction is a promising development that not only contributes to a circular economy, but also offers opportunities for reducing CO2 emissions and improving the living environment. For TNO, biobased construction is an important spearhead, where plenty of attention is paid to…

Relement and Worlée conclude purchasing agreement for innovative biobased coating resins

Biochemistry

Relement has entered into an offtake agreement with Worlée Chemie GmbH, a leading German chemical company. This agreement secures a fixed quantity of Bio MPA, an innovative and biobased raw material for use in coating resins. Bio MPA, Relement’s first product, will be produced on a tonne scale via contract manufacturing by the end of 2025. This material was developed to replace fossil…

From plant to building: Stedendriehoek accelerates biobased construction transition

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, climate goals

The Stedendriehoek region will take an accelerated step in biobased (re)construction from 2025. The use of biobased materials – natural and ecologically responsible raw materials – not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also requires less energy during production. This sustainable construction method fits in seamlessly with the urgency to green the construction sector. Municipalities and partners in…

Test sections with biobased asphalt at InnovA58

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Projects

In the ambitious CIRCUROAD program, Rijkswaterstaat, companies, governments and knowledge institutions are working together to develop and apply fossil-free, biobased asphalt on all Dutch roads. On December 4, 2024, this unique chain collaboration reached an important milestone: the construction of three test sections with biobased asphalt on the InnovA58. Replacing fossil bitumen with biobased binder The Netherlands produces…

From cocoa to biochar: pilot project for sustainable agriculture

Bio raw materials

Dankwa County in Ghana’s Central Province will be the setting for an innovative pilot: ofi (olam food ingredients), a global supplier of natural food ingredients, together with LOTTE, Fuji Oil and MC Agri Alliance, announce the first cocoa biochar project. This circular biomass initiative converts rejected cocoa pod husks into biochar through combustion in special biochar coning machines. Biochar saves…

Europe must focus on sustainable textile sector with natural biobased fibres

Bio raw materials, Sustainability

The European textile sector has taken a big hit in recent decades due to competition from cheaper Asian producers. But there is hope on the horizon. According to Sanabel Abdulbawab, researcher sustainable textile chains at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Europe can develop a new, sustainable textile sector by investing in natural biobased fibres. “Europe can take the lead…

Launch of international website for biobased building topping

Bio raw materials, Sustainability

The Optoppen.org platform has been officially launched. This English-language website offers a wealth of information and tools to stimulate the biobased topping up of buildings. The goal: to contribute to climate goals, to use urban space more efficiently and to extend the lifespan of existing buildings. The topping up of buildings, whereby additional living or working floors are added,…

Effectiveness of 'conversion-free' criteria in Brazilian RenovaBio policy evaluated

Sustainability, climate goals, Reports

Tackling emissions from land use change (LUC) is one of the biggest challenges in bioenergy programs. This is also true for Brazil’s RenovaBio policy, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels. New research, conducted as part of IEA Bioenergy Task 45, has tested the effectiveness of RenovaBio’s so-called ‘conversion-free’ criteria in…

Global support for Dutch clean road transport initiative doubled

Policy, Sustainability, Government

At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, Afke van Rijn, Director General Environment and International of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), announced that 233 parties have now joined the Dutch ambition for clean heavy road transport. This is almost double compared to last year. Among the new endorsers are major players such as Maersk and two new countries: Mozambique and Ethiopia.

Save the production forest!

Biomass, Blog

Staatsbosbeheer is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In this context, Staatsbosbeheer’s forests will be in the spotlight during a number of autumn debates this year. The debate of 17 October was entitled “A new Veluwe needed for the raw materials transition?” During the debate, the following people gave a short in-depth reflection: Gert-Jan Gruter (Avantium, special professor…

“We need to look at how we will earn our money in the future and at the same time keep the planet liveable.”

Biochemistry, Biomass

In a candid conversation with Timo van Roosmalen and Wim de Laat of BioscienZ, it became clear how deeply rooted their passion is for biotechnology and sustainable innovation. BioscienZ, founded by Wim de Laat, is a company that specializes in developing processes that convert biomass into valuable applications such as food ingredients and industrial materials. This makes the company an important example of how people with passion work towards a more sustainable future.

“Every liter we put on the market is a sustainable drop.”

Biochemistry, Bio raw materials, Sustainability

In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, there are companies that are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to replace fossil resources with biobased alternatives. One of those companies is Eco-Point, where Jacco Quist, Product Manager, has been working with passion and dedication to make cleaning agents more sustainable for over 25 years. In this article, we share Jacco's insights and Eco-Point's philosophy.

Sustainable soap made from sugar beet pulp

Biochemistry, Biomass, Science

Chemist Laura Jansen of Radboud University has succeeded in making a well-functioning soap from sugar beet pulp – a residual product of sugar beet. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to the usual soaps. Jansen received her PhD on 8 November for this innovative research. Sugar beet pulp is a residual product that is created after sucrose has been removed from the sugar beet…

Facade cladding made of sustainable Dutch Wood larch

Biomass, Sustainability

Staatsbosbeheer has a new product in its Hollands Hout line: facade cladding made of finger-jointed, finely sawn larch facade parts, originating from FSC®-certified forests. These sustainable wooden facade parts are delivered ready-made, including fire class D, assembly instructions and a paint finish with a guarantee system. Staatsbosbeheer works with Boogaerdt Hout from Krimpen aan de Lek for distribution, which distributes the product via its dealer network.

“Decarbonisation of aviation only possible with policy support for biofuels”

Energy transition, Reports

Professor Jack Saddler, co-author of an IEA Bioenergy report on the aviation sector, argues for the deployment of biofuels as the most viable route to carbon neutrality in aviation by 2. According to Saddler, governments will have a crucial role to play in achieving the targets. However, fully decarbonising the aviation sector will require significant investment, with the…

“My motivation is to create a better industry, to create an industry of the future that makes the world a little better!”

Bio raw materials, Biomass

Roger Blokland, co-founder of Relement, shares a fascinating insight into the development of his company and the growing role of biomass in the chemical industry in an interview with Biomassafeiten.nl. This interview shows the passion and dedication of these people, and shows how companies like Relement contribute to a more sustainable future, with biomass as an important raw material. Rogers' personal story is a good example of this.

Buildsight launches National Biobased Construction Monitor

Bio raw materials, Sustainability

Market research agency Buildsight has developed a monitor that measures the use of biobased products in the construction sector. The National Biobased Construction Monitor closely follows developments in residential construction, renovation projects and utility construction, and provides insight into the rise of sustainable materials. “Our field workers have an extensive list of products that can occur on a construction site,” explains…

Renewable fuels essential for energy transition, but growth lags behind

Energy transition, Reports

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its annual Renewables 2024 report, which analyses the current and expected use of renewable energy sources through 2030. While renewable fuels are crucial for a sustainable future and the energy transition, their share is growing more slowly than desired. According to the report, renewable fuels will account for only 2030% of global…

Biobased insulation material made from grass, reed and fungi

Bio raw materials, Biomass

In collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, startup FC-i is developing a groundbreaking biobased insulation material, based on fungi and natural waste flows. An article on Warmte365 explains how this innovative product makes the construction sector more sustainable. FC-i (First Circular Insulation) makes insulation boards from a mix of grass, reed and wood chips, bound by fungi (mycelium). The material offers a…

Renewable CO2 from food waste based biogas – a case from Switzerland

Bio raw materials, Biomass, Reports

Biogenic CO2 will become increasingly important in the future as a replacement for fossil CO2 in the chemical and food industries, as a source of CO2 for Carbon Capture and Storage (for negative emissions) and as a renewable carbon source for carbon-based e-fuels or e-products. Purifying CO2-rich residual gas from biogas plants is a promising option to generate renewable CO2.

DEI+ subsidy celebrates tenth anniversary with €1,76 billion in sustainable innovations

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Energy transition

The Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation (DEI+) subsidy scheme is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. In this decade, Dutch companies have collectively invested around €1,76 billion in innovative projects that contribute to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to the DEI+ subsidy. A large proportion of the companies that used this scheme, around 60%, belong to the medium and large…

Bioenergy and CCS: Two minuses equals a plus?

Policy, Blog, Emissions, Energy transition, climate goals, Science

Recently, Minister Hermans (KGG) responded to questions from the PvdD that negative emissions 'form an important part of the policy mix to be climate neutral in 2050'. The principles of the 'Roadmap Carbon Removal' that is being developed for this purpose, will be presented in the Climate Plan on 24 October. It seems that this Cabinet is working on the advice of the Scientific Climate Council to implement an active policy for the removal of carbon dioxide.

Munich start-up converts hop waste into sustainable building materials

Bio raw materials, Projects

Two students from the Technical University of Munich have founded an innovative start-up that converts hop waste into sustainable building materials. The inspiration came in 2022, when they were having a beer in their dorm room discussing the use of banana fibers for building materials in Colombia. The students, Marlene Stechl and Thomas Rojas Sonderegger, thought about…

European plan against deforestation postponed by a year

Policy, Timber extraction

The European Commission has announced that the implementation of the EU’s new anti-deforestation law, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), will be postponed by one year. On Wednesday 2 October, the Commission published additional guidance and a strengthened international cooperation framework to support stakeholders in their preparations for the regulation’s implementation. The EUDR, which…

Wood pellets continue to play a crucial role in keeping US Southern forests healthy, thriving, and growing

Policy, Biomass, Blog, News

Bioenergy plays a pivotal role in the Dutch energy system, accounting for half of all renewable energy generation and nearly 10% of the country's total energy supply. Among the various feedstocks used, sustainable wood pellets are a crucial component, with a significant portion sourced from the US Southeast. Looking ahead, it's clear that this figure…

Active forest conversion: use wood and protect the climate

Biomass, Reports

The Austrian Biomass Association (Österreichischer Biomasse-Verband), supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, has released a new report on the state of Austria's forests. The report, which takes an in-depth look at the impact of climate change on forest management, highlights the importance of bioenergy as a key component of the climate strategy. The study…

Wind, sun and biomass will provide more than half of Dutch electricity production in 2024

Biomass, Energy, Energy transition

In the first half of 2024, electricity production from renewable sources such as solar, wind and biomass will have increased to 32,3 billion kWh, equivalent to 53 percent of total electricity production in the Netherlands. This marks an important milestone, as renewable energy accounts for more than half of the electricity supply for the first time, according to figures from…

Market parties, governments and knowledge institutions work together on circular, biobased asphalt

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Projects

Within the ambitious CIRCUROAD program, companies, governments and knowledge institutions are working together on a sustainable future for the Dutch infrastructure. Led by Rijkswaterstaat, which has been hosting since the end of 2023, the program focuses on developing circular asphalt. This innovative asphalt is characterized by the replacement of the fossil binder bitumen…

125 years of Staatsbosbeheer: Is a second Veluwe needed for the raw materials transition?

Bio raw materials, Sustainability

In the context of the 125th anniversary of Staatsbosbeheer, a special autumn debate will be organized on Thursday 17 October at Kasteel Groeneveld in Baarn. This debate, which will run from 16.00:19.00 to XNUMX:XNUMX, will revolve around an important question: is a second Veluwe needed to support the raw materials transition in the Netherlands? During this inspiring and enthusiastic…

Saturday September 21, 2024: Open Energy Day!

Biomass, Energy, Energy transition, Projects

The Netherlands is increasingly taking steps in the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, solar panels, geothermal heat, heat pumps and biomass. But how does the generation of sustainable energy actually work? On the Open Energy Day, which takes place on 21 September, you will have the opportunity to discover this for yourself! Various locations and projects will open their doors throughout the Netherlands…

Innovative insulation with Mycelium – a sustainable future in construction

Bio raw materials, Biomass

FC-i produces biological and circular insulation material for construction from forest, agricultural and horticultural waste. The natural functioning of the mycelium during the patented production process creates a unique and strong biocomposite that meets modern requirements. FC-i's goal is to create energy-efficient, biological and fully circular insulation solutions for construction that directly contribute to a CO2-neutral 2050.

Cabinet presents ambitious plan for a green and sustainable Netherlands

climate goals, Government

The government has presented its government programme, which is fully committed to a sustainable future. The focus is on energy transition, climate policy and green growth, in which the Netherlands must remain both prosperous and ecologically responsible. The government emphasises the need for drastic changes to pass on a cleaner and healthier world to future generations. In addition, there is a clear…

Tomorrow is 'Positive Thinking Day': an opportunity to focus on climate and sustainability

Bio raw materials, Biomass, Energy transition

Friday 13 September is Positive Thinking Day – an ideal opportunity to focus on positive change for climate and sustainability. Bio-based resources offer us a promising path towards a more sustainable future. On Positive Thinking Day, let’s reflect on the opportunities that bio-based resources offer and commit to seizing these opportunities.

Mushroom grower wants to produce organic packaging from waste streams

Bio raw materials

Brussels cooperative PermaFungi is building a new production line to produce organic packaging from residual flows from its oyster mushroom cultivation. At a new production site in the municipality of Vorst, the network of fungal threads, a residual flow from mushroom cultivation, will be converted into biodegradable packaging and insulation material. PermaFungi, which is already known for selling…

New guidelines for fermenting manure help government permit issuers

Biomass, Energy transition, Government

The Netherlands is taking major steps towards a more sustainable energy system by aiming to produce no less than 2030 billion cubic metres of green gas by 2. An important contribution to this ambition comes from animal manure, which can be converted into sustainable gas through fermentation. In the coming years, an increase in permit applications for mono-manure digesters on farms…

New research lab stimulates innovations in materials and energy transition

Biochemistry, Energy transition, Science

Starting this month, the West Brabant region will have a new facility aimed at accelerating innovations in the materials and energy transition. MNEXT, a collaborative initiative of Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with vocational training institute Curio, will open a brand new research lab on the Steenakker industrial estate in Breda. The festive opening will take place…

Paulownia cultivation in agroforestry: a new business model for the agricultural sector

Timber extraction, Projects

The agricultural sector is facing major challenges due to increasing sustainability requirements and restrictions on the use of water, fertilizers and crop protection products. At the same time, the demand for natural building materials with a low carbon footprint is growing from the construction sector. In this context, the cultivation of biobased building materials, such as the fast-growing Paulownia tree, is emerging as a promising new revenue model for…

Today is Sustainable Tuesday

Biomass, Sustainability

Sustainable Tuesday is an annual initiative in the Netherlands that takes place on the first Tuesday of September, and this year it falls on September 3, 2024. On this day, sustainable ideas, projects and initiatives from society are presented to politicians. The aim is to put sustainability on the political agenda and to get citizens, companies…

Queen Máxima opens Bio-LNG installation for sustainable transport

Bio raw materials, Energy transition

Her Majesty Queen Máxima will open the 'FirstBio11Shipping' installation at waste processor Attero in Wilp on Wednesday afternoon, 2 September. This installation converts biogas, derived from the fermentation of vegetable, fruit and garden waste (gft), into liquid biogas, also known as bio-LNG. This sustainable alternative to conventional fuels is intended for use in the maritime transport sector and heavy…

Raw material scanner provides insight into future availability of (bio) raw materials

Bio raw materials, Government

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) launched a new version of the Raw Materials Scanner this summer, with updated data up to and including 2022. This tool offers entrepreneurs crucial information about the availability of raw materials, including metals, minerals and twenty different bio-based raw materials. The European manufacturing industry is highly dependent on raw materials from other countries. The Raw Materials Scanner provides…

Stercore starts construction of manure processing plant

Biomass, Energy, Energy transition

In 2025, the Drenthe company Stercore expects to have its new installation in Emmen ready, with which 350.000 tons of solid manure can be processed annually into biogas, liquid CO2 and biobased carbon, a fertilizer substitute and soil improver. This is reported by the agricultural site Nieuwe Oogst. However, the road to the construction of the installation was not without obstacles.…

New project focuses on biobased building blocks for a more sustainable construction sector

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Projects

The construction sector faces an enormous challenge: by 2030, CO2 emissions must be halved compared to 1990. An important step in this transition is switching from fossil raw materials to sustainable alternatives, or bio-based construction. The Better Biobased Building Blocks project will work over the next 3 years to develop green building materials based on...

A day in the woods

Blog, Timber extraction

How wonderful it is to feel like a student again at the age of fifty. I had that experience this spring at a 'Forest lesson' by Simon Klingen in the Amerongse Bos. Klingen, retired forest manager for the Utrecht Landscape, and a kind of Big Friendly Giant, regularly takes a small group of people into the forest to better…

Experiment with fermenting chicory residues

Biomass

This spring, Inagro conducted an experiment in which residues from chicory cultivation were fermented in a pocket digester. The project is part of the ChicoryRePowered Operational Group, which investigates the possibilities of small-scale fermentation within the chicory sector. This initiative focuses on reducing energy consumption and making cultivation more sustainable through vegetable…

Resilience against forest fires and sustainable biomass supply

Biomass, Timber extraction, Reports

Climate change has more than doubled the risk of extreme wildfire conditions in Canada. In recent years, the area burned annually by wildfires in Canada has grown steadily, with an average increase of 330.000 hectares per decade. These more intense fire seasons require urgent measures to increase resilience to forest fires and at the same time create a sustainable and...

Vegetable, fruit and food scraps as a valuable energy source

Biomass

Food waste such as banana peels, vegetable trimmings and pizza crusts still end up in the waste bin too often. However, this organic waste offers an untapped opportunity to generate sustainable energy. PreZero Netherlands will use BioTransformers from Circ, with which companies can generate clean energy from their own food waste. This helps them reduce their carbon footprint and their energy bills…

Intensive collaboration between Port of Moerdijk and Perpetual Next for the development of a biomethanol factory

Biochemistry, Bio raw materials, Projects

The Moerdijk Port Authority and biocommodities producer Perpetual Next today signed a letter of intent for an intensive collaboration. As part of this collaboration, Perpetual Next will establish itself at the Moerdijk Industrial Park in mid-2025, where it will build a biomethanol plant with a capacity of 220.000 tons. The port authority will support the factory where possible by…

cucumber time

Biomass, Blog

Summer has finally arrived, which means the well-deserved holiday period and therefore a slightly different blog from me. We have often looked forward to our holiday for months. We plan our trip and dream of relaxation. Yet the moment of departure always seems far away. And then, suddenly, the holidays are over. This…

British researchers are encouraging commercial production of Miscanthus grass for biomass

Bio raw materials, Biomass, Science

Research carried out by Liverpool John Moores University's School of Biological and Environmental Sciences has led to a breakthrough in the commercial production of Miscanthus grass, a key material for the growing biomass energy sector. The research focuses on increasing Miscanthus seed production, which is essential for large-scale planting and sustainable energy production.…

IEA is making more of its data and statistics available for free through updated country and region pages

Energy, Energy transition

In an important step to make its data freely accessible, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has upgraded the Countries and Regions section of its website. This innovation includes a comprehensive collection of statistics and information at global, regional and national levels. The updated country pages are the latest example of how the IEA is meeting recent mandates…

Students assemble homes of the future

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Projects

A high-profile development in the construction sector has been introduced: the latest version of the modular, wooden building system WikiHouse. “An innovation that offers plenty of opportunities for the entire construction industry in the Netherlands,” says Nick Gevers of Hendriks Bouw en Ontwikkeling. Hendriks is now extensively investigating the possibilities of this open source building system, together with Avans University of Applied Sciences (Den Bosch/Tilburg) and…

Sustainable energy projects open their doors during the Open Energy Day on September 21

Biomass, Energy transition, Projects

This year the Open Energy Day is being organized for the fourth time. On September 21, 2024, interested parties can visit various sustainable energy projects throughout the Netherlands. Visitors have the unique opportunity to take a look at wind turbines, solar parks, heating installations, high-voltage stations and other sustainable energy projects. More than sixty locations are expected to open their doors for…

Climate Council report sheds new light on biogenic CO₂

Policy, Blog, Emissions, Energy transition, climate goals, Science

On July 10, the Scientific Climate Council (WKR) published its advice 'Clearing the air?'. The core of the report is that the Netherlands and Europe should not only focus on CO₂ reduction, but also on carbon removal. Biogenic CO₂ is mentioned as one of the techniques to achieve this. Deputy WKR director Heleen de Coninck said about it on BNN VARA: "That can be done, for example, by using biomass, and the CO₂ emissions from that consumption are then captured and stored deep underground". Several media picked up that message. On EénVandaag, viewers were explained how storage of short-cycle biogenic CO₂ contributes to combating climate change. With pictures!

Omrin wants to build a digestion plant that will convert 130 million kilos of organic waste into biogas and compost every year

Bio raw materials, Sustainability

In a sustainability project, Omrin will build and operate a fermentation plant on the Milieuboulevard in Groningen, on behalf of the three ARCG municipalities (Groningen, Het Hogeland and Westerkwartier). This initiative will significantly improve the processing of vegetable, fruit and garden waste (VGF), with an estimated capacity of 130.000 tonnes of waste per year, resulting in the production of…

Mondi and traceless join forces for coating solution from agricultural by-products

Bio raw materials

Mondi and the German company traceless collaborated on the development of biobased coatings based on by-products from the agricultural industry. This innovative bio-circular coating is the first of its kind and can replace traditional plastic coating. The demand for alternatives to plastic in packaging solutions is increasing and this new coating responds directly to…

Technological breakthrough: Fungi 'glue' natural waste into 100% climate-friendly insulation boards

Bio raw materials, Biomass, Sustainability

Today, startup FC-i (First Circular Insulation) announced an important breakthrough in the field of 100% natural insulation materials. By using residual flows from forest and nature management of Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, large insulation panels are made using fungi (mycelium). These fungi are continuously cultivated in a reactor vessel at the innovative production line in Veenoord.…

Flexible bioenergy: Key role in sustainable energy systems in different countries

Energy transition, Reports

In energy systems with an increasing share of variable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, bioenergy plays an increasingly important role, especially in regions where alternative renewable energy sources are difficult or expensive to supply. Climate-efficient and cost-effective flexibility of bioenergy is crucial. This flexibility not only plays a role in the supply of electricity, but also…

Biorefinery, bioenergy and biochemistry innovation mission to India

Energy transition, Government

Are you involved in innovation or research in the field of biorefinery, bioenergy, biofuels or bioraw materials for the chemical industry? Would you like to gain insight into developments in India and expand your network with Indian experts? Then the innovation mission 'Biorefinery, bioenergy, biochemistry' to India, organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), is something for…

Sustainable glass of juice: from orange peel to valuable product

Bio raw materials, Biomass

In a world where sustainability is increasingly central, the story of PeelPioneers is an example of how a seemingly mundane problem can lead to innovative solutions. It all started about ten years ago, when the popularity of orange juice machines in supermarkets peaked. Consumers enjoyed the convenience and freshness of freshly squeezed juice, but at the same time a new problem arose: what to do with the mountains of orange peels that were left behind as a byproduct?

Pilot project for Biobased and Circular Bank Protection started in Hellouw

Bio raw materials, Sustainability, Projects

Can bank protection be made of both natural material and circular? An innovative pilot is investigating this question in the context of the SBIR call for Biobased and Circular Bank Protection. Two promising materials, willow wicker and biocomposite, are being tested for their durability and effectiveness. The test location in Hellouw, Gelderland, was officially opened in May. At a ditch along the wharf…