As the days grow shorter and the festive lights come on, we look back on a year full of activity in the world of bioresources. We saw new initiatives blossom and established projects grow. It was heartening to see that knowledge sharing is effective. Increasingly, questions came from the sector and from policymakers who want…
The hunger for computing power for AI and cloud services is putting enormous pressure on the energy grid. While governments struggle to integrate new data centers, a recent study in the journal Energies points a new way: by combining biomass, residual heat, and nature-inclusive design, the data center can transform from an "energy guzzler" into a useful neighbor. Data centers are the…
The Dutch government and Royal Cosun have signed a binding agreement on making various production sites more sustainable. The government is allocating up to €73 million to support the transition from natural gas to electricity and the production of certified green gas. The agreement is intended to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions in the food chain.
HES Botlek Tank Terminal in Rotterdam will allocate sixty-five percent of its storage capacity to biofuels starting January 1, 2026. This is made possible by a new long-term contract with a major customer. With this step, the terminal is more than two years ahead of its own strategy, which aimed for sixty percent by 2028. The decision is well…
IEA Bioenergy published a new report on nitrogen flows from biomass combustion. The key point is that burning woody or agricultural waste streams handles nitrogen differently than fossil fuels. With biomass, a smaller portion of the nitrogen in the fuel is released as NOx. A significant portion remains in ash or is converted into harmless N2.
The Dutch energy transition is receiving strong legal support with the recent publication of the "Green Gas Blending Obligation Act." This bill, now submitted to the Council of State, marks a crucial moment: starting in 2027, energy suppliers will no longer be permitted to supply fossil natural gas without obligation, but will be legally obligated to replace a growing portion with sustainable...
A new British-Ukrainian initiative is using miscanthus (elephant grass) to restore and sustain Ukraine's fragile energy supply. The project, called MERIT, focuses on utilizing abandoned and contaminated land. The goal is twofold: to create a reliable, decentralized energy source for reconstruction and to restore soil quality. Terravesta, a British company specializing…
BoerenNatuur and LTO Nederland are publishing a guideline that aims to bridge the gap between pilot projects and policy within the Common Agricultural Policy. The core principle is simple: ensure that pilot projects and policy work together systematically from the outset, organize process management, and ensure that promising outcomes are truly implemented in regulations and practice. Between 2021 and 2024, 22 pilot projects were conducted…
In the coming years, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will launch a new innovation program for technologies that extract carbon from air, water, or biogenic sources and store it long-term. This initiative aligns with the Dutch government's Carbon Removal Roadmap. RVO is developing the program along three lines. Financial support will be provided through existing innovation instruments. Work is underway to develop a...
Global bioplastics production capacity is poised for a significant scale-up. By 2030, capacity is expected to grow from the current 2,31 million tons to approximately 4,69 million tons. This is according to the Bioplastics Market Development Update 2025, presented last week at the twentieth European Bioplastics Conference (EBC25) in Berlin.…
The Federal Network Agency announced the results of the tenders on December 3, with the closing date set for October 1. The biomass tender was significantly oversubscribed. 807 bids were received for 813 megawatts of capacity, totaling 940 megawatts. 692 awards were made, of which 33 were for new installations with 63 megawatts and 659 for existing ones with 752 megawatts.
The European Commission has taken a decisive step towards a reliable European market for carbon removal. New implementing rules are now operationalizing the voluntary certification framework for carbon removal and carbon farming. Implementing Regulation 2025/2358, along with initiatives from the Bioeconomy Strategy, should ensure reliability and reduce administrative burdens. The Commission's goal…
On November 27, the European Commission presented a new strategic framework intended to give the European bioeconomy a significant boost. The plan focuses on the large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biological alternatives and the creation of a competitive and resilient European industry. The bioeconomy is already an economic engine; the sector…
When you think of Eurobottle, you might initially picture a simple water bottle or sports bottle. But behind that seemingly ordinary product lies a story filled with passion, innovation, and a healthy dose of idealism. A story told not only through company philosophies and figures, but especially through the people who work there: people like Peter Westveer and Femke Broekhuijsen of Eurobottle.
Reducing biomass to a stable particle size is a key step towards biofuels and biobased products. In practice, this leads to blockages, variable particle distribution, and machine wear. The American bioenergy hub BETO has cited material handling as a barrier to large-scale production for years. New computational models from Idaho National Laboratory address this bottleneck. Researchers combine...
The Brabantse Delta Water Board is renovating the fermentation tank at the Dongemond water treatment plant. This tank ferments wastewater sludge into biogas. With new mixers and a fresh inner layer, the water board aims to produce more gas using less electricity. This will help lower energy bills and increase its own clean energy production. Every resident pays a sewage tax. The more efficient the…
The International Bioenergy Guide 2025 showcases Dutch knowledge and supply chains for international partners. Featuring profiles of dozens of companies and a focus on logistics via Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the publication highlights opportunities for collaboration and market access. The guide was presented in Rotterdam at the end of October during a meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl), and…
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a new study shows that fruit waste can be turned into usable cooking fuel. Briquettes made from avocado pits and banana peels, supplemented with bagasse from the sugar industry, perform remarkably well in lab tests. They ignite easily, provide stable heat, and produce little smoke. This suggests opportunities for urban kitchens if the transition to production is feasible…
The share of renewable energy in Dutch final energy consumption rose to 20,18 percent in 2024. This represents 361 terajoules of gross final consumption from renewable sources. In 2023, this was 313 terajoules, representing 17,59 percent. The figures for 2024 are provisional. Previous CBS publications mentioned 19,8 percent for 2024 and…
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published a new Science for Policy brief with up-to-date figures on the European bioeconomy. The publication shows the extent of its economic significance and the sources of growth. In 2023, biomass production and processing sectors together generated €863 billion in added value. That is…
The government will finalize its top sectors policy on January 1, 2026, and will opt for an industrial policy emphasizing six markets where the Netherlands can win globally. These include semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications including 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum technologies, digital services with an emphasis on AI, mechanical engineering, and innovative chemistry. For the remaining business sector,...
A PhD project in Sweden shows that animal manure and food waste can be transformed into raw materials for animal feed. Researcher Clarisse Uwineza at the University of Borås describes how organic waste streams are first converted into volatile fatty acids and then serve as food for an edible fungus that forms a protein-rich biomass. This creates a local substitute for…
The new House of Representatives is, at least on paper, ready to move forward with the energy transition. Analysis by the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) shows that at least two-thirds of the newly elected members want to maintain existing climate and energy goals. A significant portion even wants to go further and…
(especially in the field of bio-based raw materials) There are a lot of conferences happening in the Netherlands these days. Open LinkedIn and you'll see one lineup after another. Because I'm in that bubble, meetings about energy and chemistry dominate my timeline. I attend some of them, like this week's annual Energy Day of the online magazine Energeia.
The Dutch biotech association HollandBIO is calling on the European Commission to explicitly embed biotechnology in European circular policy. In a November 11th press release, the organization explains that biotech can help close material and carbon flows more effectively, provided that regulations and market conditions allow for this. The timing is relevant, as Brussels is working on several…
On October 31, the cabinet sent Parliament a long-term vision for the future of the Dutch chemical industry. The letter states that the sector is strategically important for the economy and resilience and that it remains indispensable in a circular economy. The vision is accompanied by two documents with policy guidelines and…
Bioenergy Europe has launched an overview page with facts and supporting sources. The page compiles figures, context, and background on topics such as forest management, heating with pellets, and carbon removal with BECCS. It's a useful starting point for anyone looking for quick insight into discussions about availability, price, and climate impact. Forests are under pressure due to climate change. The organization…
When you think of water management, you often picture large machines, dams, and pipelines. But behind Dutch Water Tech, it's just as much about the people. People with a passion for water, for bio-based resources, and for innovative solutions that are not only functional but also sustainable. We spoke with Mark den Dubbelden of Dutch Water Tech about their work, their projects, and their vision for circular water technology.
Biobased materials are appearing in several submissions for this year's Wubbo Ockels Innovation Award. From a field of 63 ideas, the jury selected ten finalists who will present their plans in Amsterdam on November 7th. The themes range from circularity and food to water and energy transition, with a striking focus on natural resources and renewable fibers.
IEA Bioenergy is asking researchers and practitioners to share recent insights on the role of bioenergy in pathways to net zero and net negative. The call focuses on two areas: how bioenergy systems connect with other energy systems and with land-based climate options such as reforestation, planting, and biochar. And how the supply of biomass from agriculture…
The Probos Foundation is submitting a draft report on the extent to which Dutch timber harvesting regulations align with European requirements for sustainable forest biomass. The report compares the criteria from the revised Renewable Energy Directive with Dutch legislation and oversight. Stakeholders can share their views in November, after which a final version will follow. Review on…
The call to halt nature loss is growing. Companies and policymakers want to know the impact of their choices on species and ecosystems. Life cycle assessment, known for its climate footprints, is now also promoting biodiversity. A new report from IEA Bioenergy Task 45 describes how this can be achieved and where the biggest obstacles lie. LCA is adding biodiversity. LCA is standardized...
ChemistryNL is making a total of €1,8 million available in the second round of three grant calls. These are for public-private projects in the areas of water quality and monitoring, bio-based feedstocks, and carbon capture and utilization. Applications can be submitted until 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. The program focuses on research that directly contributes…
The Climate Summit for the Built Environment will convene at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht on November 5th and 6th. The organizers are expecting a large group of participants from government, construction, and energy. The goal is to accelerate progress, with agreements that extend to the construction site. The summit was established in 2024 out of impatience with the slow implementation. The first edition generated dozens of...
The upcoming elections promise to be exciting, not only politically, but especially for climate policy in the Netherlands. While the formation will undoubtedly revolve around purchasing power, migration, and security, an equally important issue lies beneath the surface: how do we proceed with our energy transition, and with biomass as a component of it?
The overviews from the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) and BNNVARA show that biomass and biofuels are present in election manifestos in a new way. The focus is clearly shifting from low-grade bulk combustion for power and heat to higher-value applications such as green gas, sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of biofuels in industry and the chemical industry.
In early October 2025, the European Bioeconomy Alliance and the German nova Institute published a joint expert paper. Their message is clear: using arable crops like grains, sugar, and oilseeds for energy and materials offers Europe benefits in terms of food security, biodiversity, agriculture, and climate. The European Commission is working on a new strategy for…
A new study shows that paper mills in the United States can significantly reduce their emissions through three interrelated pathways: electrification of steam and process heat, more efficient dewatering before drying, and replacing natural gas with biogenic waste streams. According to the authors, net zero becomes a reality once the power mix becomes cleaner and mills…
Fortress Island Pampus has released a short film that shows in ten minutes how the island generates its own energy. The production was created by Strawberry Fields on behalf of GasTerra and is available online. The core is self-energy, living off what's available, with sun, wind, biomass, and hydrogen used in conjunction...
The European Commission published a review article with five key points on the role of biogas in the energy mix. The article aims to dispel misconceptions and demonstrates how biogas and biomethane can contribute to energy security and climate goals. According to the Commission, in 2023, biogas replaced six percent of natural gas consumption in the EU, representing approximately sixteen million...
Dimethyl ether, or DME for short, is increasingly appearing as a clean fuel for cooking, freight transport, and industry. It's a gas that liquefies at low pressure, making it similar in use to LPG. A new study in Chemical Engineering Science by Yang and colleagues examines the life cycle of water use and other environmental impacts of DME from…
ChemistryNL presented its investment agenda to the cabinet on October 1st. With the agenda in place, the parties are exploring which projects are ready for scaling up to 2030. This way, the requested two billion will serve as a concrete test for policy and the market. The agenda was presented in The Hague to the Directors General of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and…
European Biomethane Week opened today in Brussels. The third edition runs from Monday, October 13th, to Friday, October 17th, and brings together policy, trade, and technology. The week's core event is the European Biogas Conference on Tuesday, October 14th, and Wednesday, October 15th, at Autoworld. There will also be a masterclass on Monday…
In early September, the annual Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation was held in Busan[1], South Korea. I was fortunate enough to attend as part of the Dutch delegation and a representative of the Integrated Biorefineries Mission. Given the societal uncertainty, I was curious to see how things are currently being handled globally…
On October 7th, a webinar was held on strategy and communication regarding bioresources. The focus was on chemistry and materials, but the meeting covered much more than just technical innovations. The central question was: how do you convey a complex message about a sensitive topic convincingly, factually, and credibly? Facts as a foundation in a…
On October 6, 2025, the Yale School of the Environment published an analysis that puts hydrogen from biomass back on the map. The core is simple: biohydrogen can reduce emissions in industry and transport more quickly in the years before electrolysis is fully scaled up. This makes the route relevant as an accelerator, in addition to…
Breda is experimenting with a new building method, using biobased materials like elephant grass for student housing. The project, a collaboration between Urban Living Lab Breda, ROOTZ, and the municipality, aims to demonstrate how plant-based building materials perform in practice. Pilot project with biobased student housing. The construction of the student housing is part of...
The energy transition requires collaboration and tangible solutions. In March, various parties discussed the opportunities and challenges surrounding biomethanol and e-methanol. Topics covered then were timing, skills, logistics, energy, price and affordability, legislation and regulations, and production. A follow-up meeting will be held in November, with more focus and room for decision-making.
It sounds almost like magic: turning agricultural and forestry waste streams into new raw materials that can both provide energy and fuel the chemical industry. Yet, that's exactly what a group of researchers recently worked on. In a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, they present an innovative technique, oxidative pyrolysis…
The State, the province of North Holland, Tata Steel Nederland, and Tata Steel Limited have signed a joint declaration of intent for the transition in IJmuiden. The document is an interim step towards a binding, customized agreement and sets targets for emissions, health, and finances. According to the documents, the total investment is between four and six and…
Fluxys Belgium presented its half-year results on September 24, which show that the system operator is increasingly positioning itself as a crucial hub for the transition to renewable energy and materials in Northwest Europe. Besides the growth in gas transport and the development of hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure, the rapid developments in biomethane and BioLNG are particularly noteworthy, which…
In early September, the European Commission once again explained why the bioeconomy is central to Europe's green and competitive future. In a short news item, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV) outlined the core in five points, emphasizing economic size, job potential, the innovation agenda, and its contribution to strategic autonomy. This news fits in…
The chemical industry is facing a major transformation. The use of oil and gas as raw materials and energy sources accounts for a large portion of global CO2 emissions. In a new white paper, TNO presents how electrification and so-called Power-to-X technologies can play a key role in making this sector climate-neutral. From fossil to green raw materials In the…
The 2026 National Budget for Climate and Green Growth outlines how the government and funds intend to use bio-based raw materials and biomass. Biobased construction will be subject to standards and incentives, carbon removal will be included in an official certification framework, and a route for cleaner agricultural machinery with electrification or biogas will be established. All of this is linked to the broader deployment of…
Germany is allowed to support its bioenergy and biogas sector with €7,9 billion. The European Commission has approved the plans under state aid rules. This allows Berlin to implement measures to utilize bioenergy for electricity and heat, primarily through modified tenders and increased incentives for flexibility. The core of the package is scaling up support…
The urgency to increase housing construction while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint demands concrete action. In this context, Rabobank and area developer BPD are announcing a strategic partnership. By covering the additional costs of biobased and water-saving technologies in thousands of new-build homes, with an investment of over one hundred million euros over the next four years,…
Biomass will remain the most important source of renewable energy in the Netherlands in 2024. According to the long-term statistics published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on September 8, biomass accounts for 34 percent of total renewable energy consumption. This is higher than wind and solar energy separately. These are preliminary figures included in the annual report Renewable...
The transition to a sustainable economy is well underway. We see this in the rise of biobased plastics, the growing demand for circular building materials, and the development of green chemicals that replace fossil fuels. But while technology is advancing rapidly, there's one crucial element that's often overlooked: communication…
A comprehensive report from IEA Bioenergy Task 37 paints a global picture of manure digestion. The publication, available online since September, concludes that manure can play an important role in the energy transition and the circular economy, but that its full utilization is hampered by financial and operational barriers. The report examines the approach in…
The De Rusthoeve experimental farm in Colijnsplaat will receive €180.000 from the Province of Zeeland. The funds will be used to continue the Biobased Innovation Gardens Rusthoeve. This will allow research into crops that can replace fossil fuels. The province announced the contribution during the Biobased Acceleration Day at De Rusthoeve on September 2nd. Provincial Executive members Jo…
The Netherlands is taking the next step in its climate ambitions by fully committing to activated carbon removal. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) has launched a call for proposals for entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions to develop a new subsidy program. This program should support innovations that remove CO2 from the atmosphere, water, or biomass, with the aim of achieving long-term...
The road to a sustainable future is strewn with challenges, but solutions sometimes lie hidden in the most everyday objects around us. At MNEXT, the Center of Expertise at Avans University of Applied Sciences, students have taken on the challenge of rethinking precisely these products. In a unique project, in collaboration with the Living…
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery in the genetics of the poplar tree. These findings, resulting from research conducted by the University of Missouri in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Georgia, could fundamentally change the way we use biomass for fuels and sustainable materials. The study, published in the prestigious…
The sustainability of Dutch industry is a process of trial and error. One moment, projects are booming, the next, billions in subsidies remain unused. This pattern is evident in the latest figures for the Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme, or SDE++ for short. A significant portion of the budget, earmarked for…
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) is looking for entrepreneurs who can produce high-quality building materials from Dutch bio-based raw materials. The new Innovation Impact Challenge "Biobased Building Materials from Dutch Soil" has been open since August 27th. Anyone wishing to participate must submit a short Expression of Interest by 23:13.00 PM on Tuesday, September 1,8rd. The total budget is €XNUMX million.
Biogas does more than just generate electricity and gas. A new report from IEA Bioenergy Task 37 shows that anaerobic digestion simultaneously contributes to climate change, nutrient cycling, clean water, and economic resilience. IEA Bioenergy identifies 53 sustainability impacts. The authors map fifty-three impacts. They organize them along five perspectives that together…
Imagine an aquarium with fine air bubbles constantly rising. In a photobioreactor, those bubbles do more than create an atmosphere; they introduce carbon dioxide into the water and remove oxygen. An Indonesian research team shows that smarter bubbling can significantly accelerate the growth of microalgae. The study was published on September 1, 2025, in…
In an interview with ICIS, three experts from the Danish gas and electricity grid operator Energinet confirmed that the country has been completely reliant on biomethane for several days this summer and last. These are demonstrable peaks, not a full year, but a system that can now do this. The combination of production, grid connections, and demand appears...
Every year, the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service publishes Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports offering fact-based, data-rich updates on agricultural commodity markets, including for wood pellets. Although produced by a US government agency, they provide a broad overview of global market trends, making them essential reading for anyone involved in the wood pellet trade. Their…
UPM is setting up a factory in Leuna that transforms wood into chemical building blocks for everyday products. Think bottles, fibers for clothing, rubber in tires, and coolants. The first shipment of beechwood has arrived, certification is in order, and start-up is getting closer. This will allow the factory to move into plastics and rubber...
North Brabant topped the list of biogas consumption regions in 2023. The province used 1,8 petajoules, accounting for approximately 22 percent of the Dutch total. Nationally, approximately 2023 petajoules of biogas were used for energy purposes in 8,3. These figures are provisional and come from the most recent regional publication from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The map follows…
Researchers in the United States are presenting a textile finish based on cottonseed oil. The goal is to make cotton water-repellent and wrinkle-resistant without formaldehyde and PFAS. The initial results will be shared this week at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington. According to the researchers, a simple chemical step can deliver similar functionality to traditional finishes, with a safer…
Companies looking to scale up gasification can still apply for the DEI Plus program. The application window for the Gasification of Waste Streams theme closes on Thursday, August 28th at 17.00:109 PM. The available budget is €30 million, with a maximum of €18 million per project. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) also reported on August XNUMXth that no applications have yet been received...
The European Commission opened a public consultation on August 4th for a European Biotech Act. Until November 10th, everyone can contribute their thoughts on what's needed to accelerate biotechnology from lab to factory. The questions concern access to capital, permits, skills, and the role of data and artificial intelligence. The…
ReFuels has acquired Bio Energie Holwerd. The acquisition aligns with its strategy of integrating production, certification, and supply into a single supply chain. The acquisition is being handled through Renewable Transport Fuel Services, a subsidiary of CNG Fuels in which ReFuels holds a 2014% stake. The Holwerd site has been operating since XNUMX. The plant produces thirteen…
A new open-access publication in Scientific Reports demonstrates a structured way to classify agricultural residues for biochar. The researchers combined measurements of the material with a decision model so that a fair comparison can be made. This is also relevant in the Netherlands, because the choice of the residue stream determines the yield...
The NMD Foundation is extending the Biobased program within the NMD until the end of 2026. The goal is to make more and better environmental data on biobased building materials available within the National Environmental Database. The extension is part of the National Approach to Biobased Construction, which runs until 2030. What will change in practice? The "White Spots" compensation scheme for biobased products...
Without targeted policy, biobased materials and recycling will lag behind fossil-based alternatives. Both recyclates and bioplastics are currently insufficiently rewarded by legislation and market systems. This is evident from recent signals from the recycling and biotechnology sectors. According to the trade association HollandBIO, biobased materials are barely gaining traction. Biodegradable plastics such as PLA or…
The Horticultural Residual Flows Platform has entered a new phase. Following the development of seven circular value chains based on residual flows, the collaboration continues. Dozens of new value chains are now ready for rollout. In this phase, the focus shifts from supply-driven to demand-driven. The platform was established by the grower associations Fossa Eugenia, ZON, SunFresh, and the…
And that's bad news for bioresources. Bioresources are a key component of the circular economy. The biological cycle is based on the principle that organic materials are reabsorbed into nature after use, so they can once again find their way as raw materials into building materials, plastics, fuel, and countless other products. It's no coincidence that...
The green gas market is under pressure. Rising demand and lagging production are creating opportunities for new suppliers. This presents opportunities for livestock farmers. Manure digestion, long considered a technical afterthought, is suddenly becoming a serious option. According to DLV Advies, the time is ripe to enter. Green gas producers currently receive between…
On July 9, 2025, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) published its welcome to the new European Chemicals Industry Action Plan. Their announcement emphasized that bio-based chemicals are now recognized as a strategic route to making sectors more sustainable, decarbonizing industry, and promoting circularity. The core of the plan, bio-based as…
The IEA Bioenergy Task 43 report provides a clear framework for organizing and interpreting biomass supply data. Results were compared in eight countries—Australia, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States—to understand the quantities of biomass available for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts. This approach is important because data…
Construction began in June on a facility on the waterfront near Värtan in Stockholm that will remove 800.000 tons of biogenic CO₂ from the atmosphere annually. This makes the Swedish capital the first city in the world to permanently capture and store biogenic carbon on a large scale. The facility is being built at the biomass plant of…
Seventeen organizations, including Bioenergy Europe, are urging the European Commission to simplify the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR). They warn that the current rules undermine sustainable supply chains through unnecessary administrative burdens and legal uncertainties. The EUDR came into force in June 2023 and focuses on seven commodities, such as timber, soy, and oil palms, to…
In 2024, the use of renewable energy in the Dutch transport sector increased significantly. The latest report from the Emissions Authority shows that companies collectively supplied 107 million gigajoules of sustainable energy, representing a CO₂ reduction of 4,5 megatons. That's almost XNUMX percent more than the previous year. Nevertheless, the total increase remained slightly…
A study from the University of Zagreb was recently published in the scientific journal Drvna Industrija, in which researchers investigated new methods for making wood pellets suitable as a coal substitute. The reason is clear: many power plants and industrial facilities still use coal, while climate goals demand rapid alternatives. Conventional wood pellets can help, but…
When Ingrid Goumans starts talking about her work at Avantium, where she's Director of Public Affairs, something shifts in her demeanor. Her eyes light up, her voice quickens, and it's immediately clear: this is someone who believes in what she does. Not because she has to, but because it feels like a meaningful choice. "The idea that your work contributes to a cleaner world—that's what makes the difference for me," she says.
Biogas and biomethane are playing an increasingly important role in making the energy system more sustainable. They are extracted from organic waste and used as a renewable energy source. Methane, the main component, has a high energy content and can be efficiently converted into heat or electricity. At the same time, it requires careful handling, because if it is accidentally released, it has a…
For the first time, the Netherlands has a tool that systematically maps the use of biobased materials in construction. The National Biobased Construction Monitor provides policymakers, construction companies, and manufacturers with insight into the practical application of biobased raw materials. The monitor was commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) and…
The biobased bottle from chemical company Avantium has recently been officially recognized as recyclable within the existing PET recycling system. The certification was issued by RecyClass, a European organization that assesses the recyclability of plastic packaging based on industry standards. A full-fledged replacement, Avantium's bottle is made from a combination of PEF and PET. PEF stands for polyethylene furanoate,…
The energy transition isn't just about technology or policy, but also about making choices that will endure if the future turns out differently than expected. Researchers from ETH Zurich and RWTH Aachen, among others, recently published a study that maps out exactly this. How do you use biomass in a way that not only...
Europe wants to move away from fossil fuels. The bioeconomy plays a key role in this transition: an economic model that runs on renewable biological resources such as crop residues, algae, wood and organic waste. But according to a new analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA), the countries of the European Union together use almost twice as much biomass as…
Biotech Booster, the valorisation programme supported by the National Growth Fund, is receiving a boost of €196,4 million to accelerate groundbreaking biotechnologies from lab to market. Within this fund, the transition to sustainable bio-based raw materials and biomass plays a recognisable role, in addition to applications in the areas of health, nutrition and the environment. Biotech Booster stimulates starting biotech entrepreneurs…
Bio-based raw materials and sustainability are hot topics in the industry, but behind every innovative product lies a story of people with passion and dedication. Henri van Hemert and Rob van der Bruggen, working at Oerlemans Plastics, share their perspective on working with bio-based raw materials, the history of their company and their personal motivation. In this article, we bring their stories to life, so that not only the company activities and philosophy, but especially the people behind them become visible.
What starts as a technical change in German climate policy threatens to become a problem for farmers across Europe. According to the agricultural association UFOP, the planned reduction of the biofuel ceiling will lead to less biodiesel and therefore less rapeseed meal, an indispensable source of protein in animal feed. UFOP emphasizes that the production of biodiesel and the supply of…
The recently published IEA Bioenergy factsheet (June 2025) looks at how bioenergy relates to the natural carbon cycle and what role it can play in climate mitigation. The gist: although burning bioenergy also releases CO₂, this is mostly biogenic. The plant absorbs that same CO₂ during growth, reducing net emissions to…
Entrepreneurs who invest in sustainable energy will also have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy in 2026 via the SDE++ scheme. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has announced that the round will be reopened, with a budget of approximately eight billion euros. The goal remains the same: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the energy transition…
Modern bioenergy plays a key role in the global energy transition. This is evident from the 2024 annual report of IEA Bioenergy, an international partnership under the umbrella of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report emphasizes that the available biomass is limited and should therefore be focused on applications that yield the greatest climate benefits. However, the scaling up remains…
In the world of sustainable technologies, it is not only the innovations that make an impression, but especially the people behind them. Two of those people are Cees van Loon and Hans van Klink, the founders of Dutch Sustainable Development (DSD) and later also involved in Innovative Sustainable Technologies. In a sector that is often dominated by young start-ups, these 'pensionados' prove that experience, perseverance and idealism are at least as important as innovation.
