And that's bad news for bio-based feedstocks
Biobased resources 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 be used as raw materials for building materials, plastics, fuel, and countless other products. It's no wonder the biobased economy is one of the spearheads of the transition to a fully circular economy by 2050. However, the ambition to replace 2030% of abiotic resources with, among other things, biobased resources by 50 is in danger of being abandoned.
Some background: The 2023 National Circular Economy Program (NPCE) forms the roadmap for the raw materials transition. The program builds on policy frameworks such as "The Netherlands Circular in 2050" and the 2016 "Raw Materials Agreement" concluded between the government and society. In all these documents, the ambition is to halve our raw material use by 2030 and to be fully circular by 2050. Since 2021, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) has been evaluating progress towards these goals. This year as well. PBL concludes that "although various initiatives have been taken in the field of the circular economy, overall, things are not yet moving in the right direction."
It's clear that policy needs to be stepped up. But that's not the path the caretaker government is taking. Instead of intensifying policy, the goal is being changed: the measurement date is shifting to 2035, and the ministry wants to focus on reducing all raw materials, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing recycling.
In my opinion, it sends the wrong message. The urgency is being downplayed, and the new goals are not very concrete. The benefits and necessity of using bio-based raw materials remain recognized, but policy is shifting to the future. A crying shame, given the developments. Regarding construction, the PBL (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency) states that the circular effects are primarily "realized through substitution with biobased materials." Innovation in chemistry is largely based on organic raw materials and sustainable carbon. Capturing biogenic CO2 in products and processes (CCU) is outgrowing its infancy. Biogenic energy such as green gas and bioelectricity are closing the CO2 loop. In short: the biobased economy is gaining momentum! Shifting the goal within sight of the port. I consider it a sign of weakness. In its pursuit of independence and resilience, amid growing scarcity in a nervous world, the Netherlands is taking the wrong step. Consider this a call to change the political mindset where possible.
About the author
Marieke van der Werf
Advisor in the field of energy and circular economy
Marieke van der Werf is an advisor at the intersection of sustainability and politics. After her membership of the Chamber, she joined Bureau Publyon, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications as a partner. Marieke has specialized in energy and the circular economy and advises, among others, the Green Gas Platform. She is also chair of the CCU Alliance and initiator of the Negative Emissions Task Force, where biogenic CO2 plays an important role. In addition to her consultancy work, Marieke fulfills supervisory roles at, among others, the Frisian Energy Fund and Spaarnelanden BV.
