Statistics Netherlands (CBS), in collaboration with the Royal Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), has conducted a pilot study into the use of biomass as a raw material. This study, based on data from the 2023 reporting year, marks an important step in monitoring the transition from fossil raw materials to renewable alternatives.
The need to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources is central to the energy transition. Products such as plastic, traditionally made from petroleum, will have to make greater use of biomass in the future. To follow this shift, the European Union has added a mandatory extension to energy statistics from 2024: monitoring non-energy biomass use.
CBS conducted the pilot to gain insight into the current situation and to develop a methodology to accurately monitor this development. The scope of the research focused specifically on applications in which biomass replaces fossil resources, such as the production of bioplastics. Applications such as biomass in construction or textiles were not considered.
Methodology and implementation
For the research, CBS approached 69 companies, mainly from the chemical sector, of which 44 completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was aimed at determining biomass use, the type of biomass, and certification. In addition, the origin of biomass and the location of the conversion processes were examined.
To avoid double counting, specific attention was paid to the role of intermediate products, such as bioethanol. The expertise of RVO and feedback from previous surveys were used to select the right target group. The qualitative insights from discussions with companies provided additional information on technological and commercial challenges.
Key findings
The study shows that only a small number of companies (2023 percent) will have used biomass as a feedstock in 9. However, most companies indicate that they are engaged in research and technology development to incorporate biomass into their processes. A major barrier is the higher cost of bio-based products, for which customers are often not yet prepared to pay extra.
Most companies using biomass use ISCC+ or ISCC EU certifications. Another challenge is that the conversion of biomass to end products often takes place outside the Netherlands, which means that this use is not included in domestic energy statistics.
Conclusions and recommendations
Although biomass was only used to a limited extent as a raw material in 2023, there are clear signs that the industry is taking steps towards renewable raw materials. In order to continue monitoring this transition, Statistics Netherlands will conduct an annual survey and intensify cooperation with the sector. In addition, Statistics Netherlands is investigating additional data sources, such as the ISCC database, to increase the reliability of future analyses.
The results of this research are not only relevant for national statistics but are also shared in a European context. In this way, the Netherlands contributes to the joint ambition to realise the transition to a sustainable raw materials base.
The full report can be read at CBS.nl
