Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed an innovative method to capture drinkable water from the air using everyday biomass, such as food scraps, branches and shells. These “molecularly functional biomass hydrogels” can convert a variety of natural materials into sorbents that absorb moisture from the air. By combining these sorbents with mild…
This morning, with a cup of coffee in one hand and my phone in the other, I was reading an article about a possible US-Ukraine raw materials deal. According to the reports, the Americans would gain strategic access to Ukrainian raw materials such as lithium and cobalt – materials that are essential for batteries, electric cars and the energy transition. My first thought? What does this mean for Europe? And what does this mean for the Netherlands?
The European Commission recently presented its vision for the future of farming and food in Europe, aiming to achieve a competitive, resilient and sustainable agri-food sector by 2040. A key player in this transformation is the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), which is committed to providing bio-based solutions to…
In the transition to a circular and biobased economy, biomass plays an essential role. It not only offers sustainable solutions, but also increases self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on fossil sources outside Europe. To facilitate this transition, TNO and its partners have developed the advanced biorefinery technology Fabiola. This technology converts various biomass residual flows into…
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has published a new report that provides insight into the use of materials in the Dutch economy. This report, entitled 'Energetic versus non-energetic use of materials', shows how fossil and biotic raw materials are used and what the consequences are for the circular economy. Materials can be used in…
The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) launched its new video on 12 February 2025, highlighting the crucial role of the bioeconomy in the transition to a climate-neutral, circular and resilient Europe. EUBA represents key sectors within the bioeconomy, including agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, sugar, starch, vegetable oils, pulp and paper, bioplastics, renewable ethanol and…
Green Chemistry, New Economy (GCNE) plays a crucial role in making the chemical industry more sustainable. This initiative helps companies transition to a circular economy, where fossil resources are replaced by renewable and circular alternatives. The GCNE Monitor 2024 report by TNO Vector outlines the challenges, opportunities and contribution of…
The application of CO2 utilization in ethanol production offers promising opportunities to reduce emissions and promote circular processes. Recent research by IEA Bioenergy presents several practical examples in which CO2 emissions are no longer considered as a waste product, but are reused in valuable applications. Sustainable applications of CO2 Ethanol production emits a significant amount of CO2…
An interdisciplinary team of scientists from King's College London and Swansea University, in collaboration with researchers in Chile, are working to develop a new type of self-healing asphalt that can repair its own cracks without the need for maintenance or human intervention. This innovative asphalt, which uses biomass waste, could extend the life of roads…
The Dutch economy is 18,5 percent sustainable. This is evident from the sixth edition of the New Economy Index (NEx), an annual study by MVO Nederland. Although the index has increased by 1,0 percentage point compared to 2024, the increase has leveled off over the past six years. According to Ankie van Wersch, director-manager of MVO Nederland,…
Implementing a circular bioeconomy in the construction sector is a necessary strategy to address our global climate crisis. As each solution has practical and environmental limitations, it is clear that creating a material palette of renewable biogenic building materials will increase access to bio-based construction. Photosynthetic organisms, including marine biomass such as seaweed and…
At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, agriculture ministers from more than 70 countries unanimously expressed their support for a sustainable bioeconomy. Led by German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, the ministers expressed their ambition to strengthen the contribution of the bioeconomy to global food security, to preserve biodiversity and…
Making the chemical sector and derived materials more sustainable is a crucial and urgent challenge to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) have jointly commissioned a study by the nova Institute. This study focuses on the question of whether there is sufficient sustainable…
The aviation sector may account for a relatively small proportion of global carbon emissions (2.5%), but it remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. A large part of the solution lies with the scale-up of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the International Air Transport Association expecting SAF to contribute 65% to achieving net-zero…
Flemish biotech startup Zymofix has developed an innovative technology to convert low-value biomass waste streams, such as agricultural residues, into useful microorganisms. These microbes can be used to improve soil health, break down pollutants and replace traditional chemical processes in various industries. This was recently explained on the VLAIO website.…
During the annual WOCODA event, which focuses on innovative housing concepts and sustainable public housing, an important milestone was reached in the transition to biobased construction on 30 January. Eight leading construction companies – BAM Wonen, BARLI, Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma, GeWoonhout, Heddes, Heijmans, Hurks and Plegt-Vos – jointly signed a declaration of commitment with Building Balance. In doing so, they confirm their…
