The Netherlands must quickly get to work on a national strategy for bio-based raw materials. This call comes from the Lecturers' Platform Biobased Economy, the Lecturers' Platform Applied Science, and the Federation of Bio-Economy Netherlands. In the position paper Getting started with bio-based raw materials they advocate for a coherent approach in which biomass is viewed not only as an energy source, but also as a raw material for materials and chemicals.
According to the three organizations, the Dutch economy remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels and other finite resources from abroad, such as oil, gas, ore, and fertilizers. In a time of geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and climate pressure, this makes the country vulnerable. Bio-based raw materials from agriculture, forestry, and residual streams can reduce this dependency, the authors argue.
According to them, this involves more than just sustainability. Focusing on bio-based raw materials can also contribute to new industrial activity, reduced emissions, and a stronger raw materials position for the Netherlands.
Biomass deserves a broader role
In the paper, the authors emphasize that in policy and practice, bio-based raw materials are currently often still primarily linked to energy, such as use in power plants and transport fuels. At the same time, they also see many opportunities in other applications.
According to them, significant gains can still be made, particularly in construction, materials, and chemistry. Biobased building materials can help keep housing construction moving, even now that nitrogen emissions are delaying many projects. The organizations also see opportunities to replace fossil raw materials in bioplastics and green chemistry. Moreover, carbon can be sequestered in such products for a longer period.
This approach fits into a broader development within the bioeconomy. Biomass is not only important for energy, but can also be a valuable raw material for products with more added value and a longer shelf life.
Agriculture is getting a new position
An important part of the story is the role of agriculture. The authors envision a broader future for farmers than just food production. In their view, crops can be utilized in multiple ways: for food, materials, and energy.
This offers scope for new crops and new business models. Fiber crops such as hemp and flax can be used in clothing, construction, and the automotive industry. Sugar crops are relevant not only for food but also for bioplastics and other bio-based applications.
According to the authors, an agricultural system can emerge in this way that contributes to both food security and the production of renewable raw materials for industry.
10 million tons extra in 2030
The position paper substantiates that ambition with a concrete figure. The Netherlands could produce approximately 10 million tonnes of additional bio-based raw materials by 2030 without compromising the food supply. Furthermore, the authors state that this development can go hand in hand with gains for biodiversity.
They point to strip cropping and herb-rich grassland, among other things. Such cultivation systems can not only yield returns but also improve soil quality and strengthen ecosystems.
This could become economically attractive for farmers. The paper cites carbon farming as an example of a new revenue model. Under this model, farmers can receive compensation for better soil management and for the storage of CO2, for example in bio-based building materials.
The knowledge is already there, but execution is lagging behind.
According to the three organizations, the problem does not lie solely with technology or the availability of raw materials. Much knowledge already exists, they write, but that knowledge is not yet being applied sufficiently. Furthermore, policy is currently too fragmented along separate sectors.
Therefore, the authors advocate for an interdepartmental approach. Agriculture, industry, energy, and knowledge policy should be much more strongly interconnected. They also call for better access to data and more collaboration between education, research, and the business community.
The call to the cabinet is therefore broader than just extra support for biomass. The initiators are seeking a clear course for the entire bioeconomy, in which raw materials, agriculture, industry, and innovation are approached in a coordinated manner.
Source: agro-chemie.nl, Getting started with bio-based raw materials, position paper of the Lecturers' Platform Biobased Economy, the Lecturers' Platform Applied Science and the Federation Bioeconomy Netherlands, March 2026.
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