The Netherlands has a robust biobased sector. Professional, internationally operating companies, from technology developers and suppliers to traders, chain managers and producers of biobased materials and chemicals, together form a powerful ecosystem. These companies are making things more sustainable, innovating and building new value chains every day. And they will continue to do so, even now that the political landscape is once again in disarray after the fall of the government.
Because where politics stands still, practice continues to move. The energy transition and raw materials transition are not on hold. The ambitions have been expressed, projects have been started and the urgency remains undiminished. Entrepreneurs do not wait, they take action. Focused, professional and with an eye for cooperation.
It is precisely in that reality that Bio-Economy Platform (PBE) a connecting role. As a sector platform for companies active with bio-based raw materials, we work daily to accelerate the biobased transition. We do this by connecting parties, exchanging knowledge and making bottlenecks visible, both nationally and internationally.
In recent years, biomass has been discussed mainly in the context of energy. But the role of bio-based raw materials as a raw material for sustainable chemistry, materials and circular applications is becoming increasingly clear. This is precisely where the key lies to reducing fossil dependency and building a future-proof industry.
PBE is at the heart of this development. From our roots in Dutch practice, with a support base of entrepreneurs, technology companies, producers and knowledge institutions, we work on concrete solutions, policy advice and collaborations.
At the same time, we realize that the biobased transition is an international challenge. Collaboration across borders is essential: for access to sustainable raw materials, for market development, for shared standards and for joint technological innovation. That is why PBE has been affiliated with the Biofuture Platform since 2023 and we actively participate in international missions, such as the CEM/MI summit in Brazil, and planned visits to South Korea and possibly COP30 in Belém. We are also building networks and visibility within Europe, via trade fairs such as IFAT 2026, and via knowledge events, matchmaking and collaboration with, among others, RVO and IEA Bioenergy.
At the same time, we should not ignore the context. The sector was already struggling. Unclear policy, slow decision-making and the lack of long-term vision have slowed down innovation rather than accelerated it. Crucial discussions on the use of residual flows, new conversion technologies and the construction of biobased value chains have too often been stuck in political stagnation or fragmented policy choices.
The fall of the government reinforces this uncertainty. It leads to delays where acceleration is needed, while companies now need clarity, consistent policy and backing to invest in the future. The transition to a circular, bio-based economy is not a luxury, but a dire necessity.
And yet there is movement. The resilience of the market is great. And within the government, despite the political impasse, there are many involved civil servants and executive organisations who are making progress within their possibilities. That is where the space is at the moment: in the collaboration between companies, knowledge institutions and government that looks beyond the daily rates of The Hague.
Platform Bio-Economy is at the heart of this practice. We know the reality of the sector, bring parties together and build trust. Also, and perhaps especially, in times of political standstill. Because only with shared responsibility and joint efforts can we build a strong, sustainable bio-economy.
The challenges are great. But the will to work together is there. And as long as it is there, we will continue to build.
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.
