In this first full week of the new year, I would like to wish everyone all the best for 2025! I hope you had a nice, warm holiday season, ended 2024 in a beautiful way, and started this new year full of fresh energy.
For Biomassafeiten, 2025 marks a special moment: our fifth anniversary. A lustrum in which we look back with pride on a unique journey. Five years ago, we were at the cradle of an initiative that was to put biomass on the map, in the midst of a storm of criticism and misunderstandings. Our mission was clear: to bring balance and nuance to the image. We did not only want to defend biomass, but above all do justice to its potential and the role it can play in a sustainable future.
A challenging start with a clear ambition
From day one we felt the responsibility. Supported by companies from the energy sector and with the support of RVO, we got to work. We researched, collected, and shared facts and news. But it was a balancing act on a fine line. We especially did not want to be seen as a marketing or advertising agency, but aimed for an independent and credible position.
Our approach was based on insights from market research and on that basis we developed initiatives such as the still successful mini-series in which we highlight people and companies that work with great passion with biomass as a raw material. We worked together with inspiring people from the market who write a blog for us, interviewed companies with great stories, and of course shared news about biomass almost daily via our website, email and socials. Step by step we grew into our role, and gradually it became clear: the potential of biomass is enormous and a lot of good things are already being done with it.
Biomass: the key to a sustainable future
Where many see challenges, we see opportunities. Biomass – or rather, bio-based raw materials – is an indispensable link in the sustainable transition. Whether it concerns decarbonizing industries, making products more sustainable, or reducing CO2 emissions, biomass plays a crucial role in this.
We are already seeing impressive initiatives coming to fruition, with scale-up projects transforming the market. At the same time, a world of opportunities is opening up. Biomass does not stand alone, but can perfectly combine with other sustainable solutions. It requires a fresh perspective to see these innovations not as obstacles, but as opportunities to strengthen our industry.
Building impact together
This lustrum year we want to invite more markets and sectors to join Biomassafeiten. Collaboration with interest groups and representatives of different industries is essential to strengthen our message. With their support we can not only continue, but also expand and renew our campaign.
We are proud of what we have achieved together and even more proud of the biomass industry itself. No other sector innovates as quickly and as versatilely. In the coming years, we will continue to work to make these innovations visible and to emphasize the opportunities of biomass.
Let's make 2025 a great year together. Once again, best wishes, and thank you for your continued commitment and support. Together we will continue to build a sustainable future!
About the author
John Bouterse
Managing director Komercon BV and director of Platform Bio-Economie
John Bouterse is co-owner of Komercon BV, director of Platform Bio-Economy and member of various working groups that deal with various issues and policies regarding the use and sustainability of biomass. Based on his expertise, John works every day to give waste and biomass a new high-quality purpose and from this perspective he looks in these blogs at the special developments and possibilities that biomass offers and the challenges that come with it.
